MHS Hospice Brings Compassion and Comfort

MHS Hospice Brings Compassion and Comfort

Carolyn Pepe, Hospice of Dickinson County patient, is shown with some
of the Hospice team members who provide care and support for her and her family.  Shown (from left) are Jenna Kisling, MSW Washburn Student; Katie Purdue, RN; Carolyn; and Laurie Johnson, Home Health Aide.

When your world comes crashing down around you due to incurable health issues, where do you turn for help?  A couple living in Navarre recently found the answer from Hospice of Dickinson County.

When asked about the care they are receiving from the agency’s Hospice team, Louis and Carolyn Pepe respond that they don’t know what they would do without it.

Carolyn was diagnosed with inoperable cancer about six weeks ago.  At that time, the family learned about the services and support offered by Hospice of Dickinson County from Memorial Hospital Social Worker Susie Sexton-Gassman. The Pepes were not familiar with Hospice services and had never heard of the agency. Now they express gracious thanks for all that Hospice of Dickinson County is doing for them.

Carolyn has remained remarkably positive and upbeat during the challenges cancer has presented.  Katie Purdue, Hospice of Dickinson County RN, visits Carolyn at her home regularly and can’t believe how upbeat she is.  “Carolyn is so strong.  She has the best outlook.”  Carolyn comments, “We try to keep upbeat.  That is how we cope. That plus the help from Hospice.”

The Hospice team consists of a Medical Director, Registered Nurses, Home Health Aides, Social Worker, Bereavement Coordinator, Chaplain, and Volunteer Coordinator.  The goal of Hospice is to provide comfort, compassion, and support to individuals and their loved ones when faced with a terminal illness.  The Pepes receive a visit from a different member of the Hospice team almost every day.  In addition, there is always a nurse on call during nights and week-ends.

The Pepes also receive support from friends and neighbors.  They are originally from New Jersey, but moved here after retiring.  They had friends in Kansas from the military and once they had lived here, they decided they would make Kansas their retirement home. They are glad that they did.  “My neighbor in New Jersey wouldn’t know I existed.  Our neighbors here check on us.  Even neighbor children check on us to see how we are doing,” says Carolyn.  Louis chimes in, “At the bank they know us by name.”  Their two sons also live near them and the family has been able to spend time making memories.

The couple says they appreciate everything that Hospice of Dickinson County does for them, but they most appreciate that assistance is always available and it is always delivered cheerfully.  According to Carolyn, “They do everything with a smile.  They are super.  I put myself in their hands and they do everything they can for me.”  Louis agrees, “We can’t say enough good about the Hospice care we are receiving.  We want other people to know about it.”

Hospice of Dickinson County is a non-profit agency that serves the area of Dickinson County with offices located in Abilene and Herington.  Professional services are reimbursed whenever possible through Medicare, Medicaid or private health insurance.  Hospice also relies on memorial gifts, bequests and donations to continue providing quality services and to assist in caring for those who have no resources.  Care provided by Hospice of Dickinson County is always based on need, not on ability to pay.

The number of patients and families served by Hospice has steadily increased over the past several years.  In 2014, Hospice of Dickinson County provided services to 106 patients.  According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, an estimated 1.5 to 1.6 million patients received Hospice services in the U.S. in 2013.  Hospice of Dickinson County has chosen to highlight a patient during National Hospice Month to inform the public of the services that are available and also the significant role Hospice plays in health care.  For more information, contact Hospice of Dickinson County at 785-263-6630 or visit www.HomeHealthHospice.org.  Hospice of Dickinson County is an affiliate of Memorial Health System in Abilene.

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