Category Archives: The Hearth at Drexel

Volunteering with Liberty Hospice – A Day in the Life

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Jean Irvin, volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice

There is a belief in the Lutheran Church that throughout our individual lives, we are accompanying each other on our respective journeys. As part of Liberty’s Day in the Life series, Jean Irvin, volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice, shares how this concept rings true for Hospice volunteers and patients. Here is Jean’s story.

Liberty Hospice’s team includes our medical director, social workers, our chaplain, skilled nurses, hospice aides, and volunteers. We all work together to provide support and compassionate care to those who have a life expectancy of six months or less, although if a patient improves but still manages a life threatening diagnosis we have served them upwards of a year prior to their passing.

I joined Liberty Hospice as the volunteer coordinator on January 25, 2017, and for the past year there has been no typical day. Hospice is very fluid, and one day is never the same as the next. My work depends upon the needs of our patients and our case load.

Each morning I check to see if there are any new requests for hospice services from residents at Paul’s Run, Artman and The Hearth at Drexel. Liberty Hospice also currently provides services to patients in six other communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania, while maintaining relationships with communities we’ve served in the past.

We currently have about 30 volunteers who engage patients in a variety of ways. Some of our patients can be more active, while for others, just talking about pictures in their room can bring back incredible memories that create a real sense of joy. For those who are non-verbal, simply sitting with them provides support and a connection that reassures them that someone is there for them.

Stephanie and Colleen both find volunteering for Liberty Hospice a rewarding opportunity.

Our volunteers demonstrate an incredible amount of commitment. Serving as a hospice volunteer isn’t easy, but it’s purpose-driven and fulfilling for many of those who share their time with us. We want to make sure they are connected with our mission and recognized as valuable members of the Hospice team. To achieve that goal, I check in with our volunteers over the phone and through e-mail to see how they’re doing and to checkup on their availability. We also host volunteer appreciation events and education programs, and during major holidays and volunteer appreciation month we also send out cards and notes expressing our gratitude for everything they do. Making our volunteers feel appreciated is key to providing the best hospice care.

I also recruit volunteers on a daily basis. This includes managing applications to ensure they’ve met our criteria to volunteer. Once their paperwork is complete I coordinate and provide orientations, and try to meet them in the field when they’re visiting a patient for the first time.

There’s a large administrative aspect to my role as well. As the volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice I’m also a member of the interdisciplinary team. When there is a request for our services we usually get paperwork on the patient from a nurse or a social worker. From there we log information into a variety of systems to track and generate reports for the patients’ records.

Phyllis and Penny volunteer at Paul’s Run.

Every time a volunteer goes out to see a patient, I organize the correct paperwork and work with other members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure that we track which volunteer is working with a certain patient. All of the information we create ends up in our patients’ charts, which also needs to be logged in to Hospice’s patient tracking system.

Hospice offers several programs and activities to create positive experiences for those we’re serving, such as Music and Memory and pet  therapy. It warms my heart when I see a patient light up with joy at the sight or touch of one of the volunteer-dogs we bring in to provide companionship. Some of our patients have been required to give up a beloved pet, so when they get the chance to participate in pet therapy the positive impact can be immeasurable.

Part of my job is to also work with volunteers to create playlists for our Music and Memory program. For this, we contact family members to find out what our patients enjoyed listening to throughout their life, and what songs may draw special memories. We dig deep and do our homework to make a meaningful impact. I’ve seen non-verbal patients sing songs verbatim, and those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia recall memories based upon the songs we play for them on an iPod.         

Mr. Smart T. Pants and his human volunteer at Artman.

Coordinating services can include organizing ceremonies for our We Honor Veterans program, which recognizes the sacrifices of those who have been in our armed forces. As with everything we do, this can be requested in advance or require a very quick turnaround. We work very diligently to ensure we meet the needs of those we’re serving. 

Liberty Hospice also provides bereavement services to families of patients who have passed away. We keep in touch with them for 13 months following their loved one’s passing. The first card each family member will receive is one that is hand-signed by our staff. Every time we have a team meeting, which is every other Wednesday, I bring the cards for everyone to sign and then send them to each family member.  

Right now we’re providing support to approximately 500 family members by offering grief counseling and holding support groups, which are also open to the public. We stay connected with them in a variety of ways; one of which is through the mail, which is the area I coordinate with volunteers. Given the number of family members we’re reaching to out this can be a large and important task. 

The important thing I want to share is that there are tons of volunteer opportunities with Liberty Hospice, whether they’re directly connected with patients or helping us within our offices. We even have some volunteers who work within Liberty Lutheran’s family of services and we’ve have had their friends and family referred to us as well. 

Being a Hospice volunteer is not about being part of someone’s death. It’s about being part of someone’s life. The comfort and companionship we provide at Liberty Hospice is so important for our patients and their families, and I see it on a daily basis. Being a part of this team is a truly important part of my life. 

The compassionate care that Jean, and everyone at Liberty Hospice, brings to our patients and their families is integral to Liberty’s mission to serve as a vital resource for individuals and their families.  If you are interested in volunteering with Liberty Hospice, or know someone who might be, please reach out to Jean at jirvin@libertylutheran.org or visit LibertyLutheran.org/volunteer.

 

 

A Golden Anniversary Gift

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This past November, Bob and Beverly Bortz celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Married on November 18, 1967, they saw a golden opportunity to give back. The Bortzes chose to use their celebration as a fundraiser for Liberty Lutheran.

“When you need for nothing materially, it is best to give to others,” said Bob.” We didn’t need another bottle of wine or a gift certificate. We suggested that, if guests wished to recognize our milestone in a tangible way, they make a donation to Liberty Lutheran Services.”

To date their friends and family have generously donated over $5,300. “The outpouring of support is overwhelming,” said Beverly. “I am so grateful to our friends and family for making these gifts. It’s just a neat feeling and it makes you feel so good to do something like this for an organization that both of us are honored to be a part of.”

The couple’s bond with Liberty runs deep. Beverly has served on Liberty’s Board of Directors for over five years. Meanwhile Bob has been the chairman of the Artman Golf Outing for three years.

Bob credits Beverly with the clever idea to share in their good fortunes. Married on November 18, 1967, The Bortzes returned to the historic William Penn Inn exactly 50 years later to celebrate their love and commitment to each other. Through their charitableness, they also showed their commitment to Liberty Lutheran’s family of services.

Milestones of 1967:
Average Cost of new house $14,250.00.
Average Income per year $7,300.00.
Average Monthly Rent $125.00.
Gas per Gallon 33 cents.
The Beatles release Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Rolling Stone Magazine’s first issue was printed.

Your Year End Gift Can Make a Difference

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At Liberty Lutheran, we are keeping a close watch on the proposed changes to the United States tax code. While the changes have yet to be finalized, there are aspects being proposed that may affect the residents and members of our communities.

For the seniors in our care, there are two major changes that could affect their wellbeing and their carefully constructed budgets that were planned years in advance.

Any proposed changes in Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, services many of our residents rely on, would mean more out of pocket expenses. Changes in medical deduction allowances affect seniors disproportionately as many have come to rely on those deductions.

Combined, these changes could be devastating to our residents who live on fixed-incomes.  As they exhaust their savings much earlier than ever expected, this could lead to more residents depending on Liberty’s benevolent care program.

You can provide security today for residents worried about their financial resources. Click here to give today to our benevolent care fund.

There are two other ways to make a gift and save on taxes by the end of the year.

Consider donating appreciated stock, bonds or mutual fund shares, which allows you to take a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the stock and avoid the capital gains tax that you would pay if you sold the shares and then donated the proceeds to Liberty Lutheran. Click here for more information.

Some people have found that a convenient way to support Liberty Lutheran is through a tax benefit known as the Charitable IRA Rollover. For those who are 70½ years of age or older, this benefit allows you to give up to $100,000 from an IRA to a charity, with the donation counting towards your minimum required distribution. The benefit – the donor can deduct the full amount of the donation from gross income for tax purposes. Click here for more information on IRAs.

We are truly grateful for your support and friendship, and hope you will consider Liberty Lutheran Services among your year-end charitable giving decisions.

Using Technology and Talent to Embrace Life

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A special message from Luanne Fisher, President and CEO of Liberty Lutheran:

Ruth, Herman, and Sally are once again embracing life. With your help, Liberty continues to procure the resources, talent and technology that inspire these seniors—as well as many others—to greet each day with joy.

Because of your kind generosity, Ruth*, who copes with challenges in cognition and speech, has replaced distress and listlessness with a renewed sense of curiosity and wonder.

Herman*, who struggles with memory loss, has replaced withdrawal and separation with renewed joy in friends and fellowship.

Where at one time she faced failing health and was gripped by despair, today Sally is at a healthy weight, maintains a wholesome diet, and is full of energy and optimism.

For Ruth, It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L) is the catalyst that is drastically improving her well-being. This new technology was made possible by the generosity of donors like you. Designed specifically for memory impaired seniors, iN2L consists of an easy-to-use tablet or touch screen computer that is pre-loaded with personalized activities and individual profile pages for each resident comprised of familiar photos, music, videos, and more.

“Before iN2L, Ruth would constantly pace and continually repeat herself. It was a strain for her emotional and physical well-being. However, with the colorful and interactive activities made available by iN2L, she has become very engaged. iN2L has made such an important impact, not only on Ruth’s recreational needs, but her physical and emotional ones as well,” says Megan Calel, a Household Coordinator at The Hearth at Drexel, Liberty’s personal care and memory care community in Bala Cynwyd.

Please consider a gift today to support innovative technology, therapies and programs that offer seniors like Ruth, Herman and Sally a new lease on life.

Herman is once again experiencing life’s small pleasures through the magic of music. “Herman is non-verbal and never chooses to participate in activities. But we’ve had the incredible honor to witness how music has in some way spoken to him. Recently, when I led a group in singing When the Saints Go Marching In, I was delighted to catch Herman mouthing the words. It was extraordinary to see him so present and engaged,” says Molly Bybee, who spearheads music therapy at Liberty’s Paul’s Run senior living community.

Molly frequently uses instruments, headphones, and portable digital media players to enrich her group and one-on-one music therapy sessions. Your gift secures these instruments and devices and replaces any items which worn from use.

Sally’s renewed joy of living grew out of the resources and support provided by LCFS’ West Philadelphia Senior Community Center (WPSCC). During her most debilitating period—when she needed unconditional encouragement and strength more than anything else in her life, WPSCC was there to build up her hope and fortitude. Through WPSCC’s fitness training, and its classes in exercise, disease management, nutrition, and healthy cooking, Sally has been able to successfully reclaim her health and her happiness. She is proud to say without reservation that “WPSCC saved my life.”

Sally continues to rely on WPSCC to maintain her good health—as do many of her peers. And, it is your support that offers critical, life-enriching training, classes, and opportunities to vulnerable seniors.

Liberty is firmly committed to strengthening the lives of older adults through inspiration, innovation, and compassionate care.

Please consider making a gift today. Bring optimism and joy to seniors who suffer diminished hope because of physical or cognitive challenges.

With deepest gratitude,
Luanne Fisher
President and CEO

P.S. You can give seniors a new lease on life by supporting 21st Century technologies and solutions that are changing the way we age.

*Names changed to preserve confidentiality.

Liberty Lutheran Ranks as 2017 Top Workplace

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Liberty Lutheran Services has been awarded a 2017 Top Workplaces honor by Philly.com, ranking top ten in the category for large employers.

The Top Workplaces award is based on a comprehensive survey that asked the employees of each participating organization—there were 182 organizations in all—to evaluate how well their organization:

  • Aligns with its mission and upholds a culture that promotes collaboration and espouses strong values and ethics
  • Operates effectively and remains open to new ideas and different points of view
  • Appreciates, communicates to, and inspires employees
  • Successfully manages and genuinely cares about employees

 

Doug Claffey, who leads WorkplaceDynamics, the research firm that administered the survey, explained that the survey measures the strengths of an organization’s culture through the people who know it best.  “To be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every day—the employees,” he says.

“Time and time again, our research has proven that what’s most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how it’s going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together. Without this sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a shot at being named a Top Workplace,” added Claffey.

Employees from every member of the Liberty family of services participated in the Top Workplaces 2017 survey. Not only did they answer survey questions, but many chose to write in their own comments when asked to describe why they love their job. Here are some of their remarks:

I love my job because:

  • I am able to improve and grow in my position and my knowledge base.
  • My boss shows me how to learn and grow, and encourages me to better myself. I work with an amazing team and could not ask for better people to work with.
  • I get to make a difference in people’s lives.
  • I feel like I am appreciated and valued.
  • Friendly staff. Caring managers. I believe I make a difference here.
  • My colleagues are fabulous and we get to interact with the individuals that we serve.
  • I am supported by management and my team members to perform at my best ability. I am given the resources to practice with integrity that best meets my patients’ needs and gives me a sense of pride.
  • It is a positive work environment where we strive to grow the business but understand the importance of enjoying your job. We work as a team and support each other in good and bad times so we all achieve success.
  • I make a difference in the lives of the residents and have an amazing nursing staff that I get to be a part of.
  • I can make a difference in the life of seniors.
  • I feel that I am supported and valued for the work that I do. Upper management does care about their employees even when difficult decisions need to be made. Much thought and care goes into the decision-making process.

 

For more information about the Top Workplaces 2017 awards, visit www.topworkplaces.com. For more information about Liberty, visit libertylutheran.org.

Intergenerational Friendships Blossom

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Something remarkable and meaningful happens when people from two diametrically different generations come together and build friendships.

This extraordinary dynamic has taken hold at The Hearth through Lower Merion High School’s Build On program, a community service initiative in which students, grades nine through twelve, share games, laughter, and heartfelt camaraderie with Hearth residents.

“It’s marvelous having the students visit,” says Ruth, a Hearth resident. The feeling is mutual. Linda, who is in twelfth grade, says that she’s discovered interesting commonalities between her own millennial generation and the pre-Baby Boomer Silent Generation from which our residents hail. “We have a lot of similar opinions and common ground on things like movies and music even though we’re in different age groups,” she says.

Madison prepares s’mores for a social gathering with residents.

Madison, a sophomore, says she is looking forward to learning so much from the residents. “I’m hoping to learn from the residents here because they’re so experienced and so amazing. I just love interacting with people who know so much about life.”

 

 

 

 

A Perfect Connection

It is, according to Megan Calel, Household Coordinator, a perfect kinship between residentsand students. “It really is wonderful that Lower Merion High School is connecting with The Hearth because so many of our residents have graduated from there, or have had their children or grandchildren there.”

As for the students, says Megan, they really value the opportunity to spend time with residents. “The students have lived in this area for most, if not all, of their lives and are very entrenched in this community as are most of our residents.”

Abby says she loves to hear the amazing stories residents tell. Here she is shown playing Qwirkle, a game she loves to share with residents.

Currently seven or eight students visit each week and the number is gradually growing. Tom Reed, a ninth grade teacher at Lower Merion High School and the sponsor of Build On, says the students appreciate how The Hearth supports them every step of the way and encourages them to use their skills to enhance the lives of residents.

“It’s wonderful how our students are able to form relationships with residents, explore common interests, and then work together and play together. The array of opportunities enables both the students and residents to really form a bond,” he says.