Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Summer 2019

citizensmemorial.com 15 The Citizens Memorial Helping Others Providing Encouragement (HOPE) program began in 2008 as a way for Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH) Hospice to help patients with final wishes. Initially, contributions from the CMH Lights of Remembrance program and memorial cash donations funded the program. Later, other fundraisers were added, including an annual CMH Hospice holiday pecan sale in December and the largest event, the annual CMH Heroes for Hospice 5K/10K held annually the first Saturday in May. HOWTHE PROGRAMWORKS Working through the financial assistance process case by case, the HOPE program coordinators team up with CMH Hospice nurses and social workers to learn what hospice patients and their families need. Assistance can include help with utility bills, medications, food or supplements, clothing, or other needs. The HOPE program also helps support a patient’s desire for a final wish. The HOPE program has affected countless hospice patients and their families. Some of those stories include paying for propane to fill a tank before winter; purchasing and installing an air-conditioner window unit during the hottest part of summer; partnering with Methodist Church Hearts and Hammers to build a wheelchair ramp; and purchasing a refrigerator for a patient when hers broke and she was keeping her food in coolers. The program also has helped families have holiday meals together, provided catered meals so family members could spend more time with their loved ones in long-term care facilities, and purchased lift chairs for hospice patients. FINALWISH Marge* was a recent hospice patient who had one final wish. She had not seen her son for more than 10 years and had never met her 8-year-old granddaughter. CMH HOPE program coordinators went to work and were able to pay airline expenses to fly Marge’s son, and his wife and their daughter, home. The family had a final reunion before Marge passed away a few days later. Some patients have a final wish to see something they haven’t seen before, such as Silver Dollar City after dark or Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Branson. Others do not have family to spend their final days with and often request to spend their time with CMH Hospice staff. A few patients have enjoyed an excursion to Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, a root beer float party in their home, and a delicious meal at Red Lobster. *Name changed for privacy. COMMUNITY TAGLINE HERE Spread hope in your world We can each make the world a kinder, brighter place with our everyday actions. Here are some ideas to inspire you to make a difference, even in the smallest ways. » » Share something hopeful. Tell someone about a charitable cause that’s doing good work. Post or share an upbeat news story. » » Say “I believe in you.” Encourage someone who’s working toward a goal. Let them know that you see them succeeding. » » Reach out to someone who seems to be struggling. Ask, “What can I do now to help and support you?” Let them know you care and you’re there to listen. » » Offer a helping hand. Maybe you know a family caregiver or elderly neighbor who could use help with tasks or errands. » » Connect with a friend face-to-face. Online friends are fine, but it’s not the same as giving real hugs or taking soup to someone who’s sick. » » Express regret. If you’re truly sorry for something you said or did to someone, apologize. Take responsibility without excuses. » » Do acts of kindness. Hold the door for someone. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee. Leave extra coins at the laundry. Donate used books to a shelter or nursing home. » » Expect good things to happen. You’ll feel more optimistic and hopeful—and that’s sure to lift up those around you too. Sources: American Psychological Association; HelpGuide HOPE fills needs and wishes of hospice patients FOR MORE INFORMATIONABOUTTHE CMH HOPE PROGRAM OR TO DONATE, VISIT CITIZENSMEMORIAL.COM OR CALL 417-326-3585 . SENIOR CARE ➜