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News from Agrace HospiceCare - Summer
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Keeping Marcy Home
“It had gotten to the point where he needed more help than the home health aide and our family could give,” says Doug Marklein, the oldest of Lee and Marcy’s five children. “Agrace HospiceCare was here at the right time,” he says, looking back on his mother’s admission to Agrace HospiceCare in the summer of 2008. Agrace HospiceCare made it possible for Lee to keep Marcy at home. “He did it because he truly loved her and promised her that this was her home,” explains Doug. And the staff made it easier for Lee. “The Agrace HospiceCare staff always assumed that Marcy could hear and was part of the discussion,” says Doug. “I think Dad really appreciated that.” The Agrace HospiceCare staff also created a daily log, adding entries each time they visited to let Lee and other family members know what was happening with Marcy and what to expect next. Staff encouraged Lee to enjoy every day. Looking back, Lee is the first to advise others in a similar situation to “get Agrace HospiceCare as quick as you can.” Nursing assistants visited Marcy every day, and a volunteer gave Lee much-needed respite and offered emotional support as well. “No matter what time of day you called, they’d be here,” says Lee. “Mom was officially the patient,” says Doug, “but I think they do a really good job of taking care of the whole family.” Open Discussion With Doctors Is Key to CareA recent survey indicates that if you want hospice at the end of life, it may be a good idea to let your doctor know in advance that you are comfortable talking about it. The 2010 study of 500 people from Dane and Rock counties found that 97 percent of people would trust their doctor more than ANY other source to provide information about hospice—and would expect them to do so. Yet, only 55 percent of people surveyed said their doctor was the one who gave them information about hospice. “People often think that, because Agrace HospiceCare cares for the dying, we have the toughest job,” says Agrace HospiceCare President/CEO Susan Phillips. “But the people with the hardest jobs are those who have to tell the patient that it’s time for Agrace HospiceCare—that there is no cure and that they have less than six months to live.” It’s not an easy conversation, which is why Agrace HospiceCare has recently created a pocket-sized booklet designed to assist clinicians with that conversation. “The key to getting the best care at the end of life is to take an active role in learning about all your options,” says Susan. Another tool Agrace HospiceCare has available is a “Five Questions” card that can help people with life-limiting conditions get the information they need from their doctor to make decisions about their care and treatment options. If you are diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, ask your doctor these five critical questions: 1. Can this treatment cure my condition? Dementia Is More Than “Getting Old”Many people think dementia* is just part of growing old. Actually, however, it is an incurable brain disease that leads to a steady decline in brain function beyond what might be expected from the normal aging process. Despite the life-threatening nature of this disease, fewer than 1 percent of those with advanced dementia are enrolled in a hospice program. Determining if hospice is appropriate for someone with dementia involves several criteria. If someone you know displays at least four of the following criteria, a physician should be consulted to determine hospice eligibility. Have You Noticed … 1. An inability to walk without assistance If you have questions, please call Agrace HospiceCare at (800) 930-2770. * Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, representing 80 percent of all cases. Doc Rock Receives Honorary Doctorate
Doctor Joins the StaffDr. Sue Howard will join the Agrace HospiceCare staff on August 1 as a full-time medical director. Most recently with East Paris Internal Medicine, P.C. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she received her palliative care training as a fellow at the Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center and John C. Stroger Hospital of Chicago. Everybody’s Driving for Agrace HospiceCare
Happy Birthday, Thrift Store!
1,000th Comfort Shawl DedicatedAgrace HospiceCare’s Comfort Shawl Circle recently dedicated the 1,000th handmade comfort shawl donated to Agrace HospiceCare since the program began in 2005. Comfort shawls are made by anyone in the community willing to knit or crochet with mindful intention of offering comfort. These soft, colorful shawls give warmth and comfort to Agrace HospiceCare patients year-round. Got purls? If you want to be part of the Comfort Shawl Circle, or if you know someone who knits or crochets and would like to make a shawl, please contact Annette Cleary, Agrace HospiceCare chaplain, at (608) 576-2109 or
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. The shawl pattern can also be found at www.agracehospicecare.org/comfortshawl. Your Memory Lives On - 2011 DonationsThank you to the more than 230 donors who made financial gifts to Agrace HospiceCare in memory or in honor of someone they loved through our annual spring appeal, “Your Memory Lives On.” Those we have loved have a lasting impact on our lives, and we look for ways to keep their spirit alive. Memorial gifts, like those listed here, are a heartfelt way to remember a loved one because they also have a deeper effect. They help to sustain the compassionate, exceptional end-of-life care provided by Agrace HospiceCare.
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It’s been a year since Marcy Marklein lost her life to Alzheimer’s disease. From the time she was diagnosed, her husband Lee was determined to care for her at home. But as her disease progressed, Marcy’s losses piled up: her balance, talking, walking. Each new loss tested Lee’s resolve. Would he be able to keep Marcy at home—even with the help of family and a private home health aide?
Dr. Bill Rock, Agrace HospiceCare’s first medical director and a pioneer of the hospice movement in Madison, was awarded an honorary doctor of science degree by Edgewood College at its May 15 commencement. In presenting the degree, the college recognized Dr. Rock’s mission of helping people maintain their dignity at the end of life. Our congratulations to Dr. Rock!
The fun foursome of (l to r) Rick Picciano, Dick Russell, Aaron Story and Lou Bertagnoli was among the 91 attendees at the 2011 Janesville Golf Classic on May 18 at Glen Erin Golf Club. The event raised more than $21,000 to benefit Agrace HospiceCare! Thank you to all golfers and volunteers who participated.
On June 4 and 5, the Agrace HospiceCare Thrift Store¬–East celebrated its first birthday with a two-day tent sale. Shopper turnout was excellent on both days, according to store manager Amanda Purington. “We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the more than 80 volunteers who staff the East store,” she added. See the store for yourself at 1733 Thierer Road in Madison.
2011 Donations |
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