LifeCare Hospice Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Dinner
By: Karen Skubik
April 28, 2014
437
Bell bottoms, love beads, and psychedelic clothing recently filled the dining hall in The Church of the Nazarene when LifeCare Hospice celebrated the 60s, the decade that began the modern Hospice movement in the United States.
LifeCares annual meeting and volunteer recognition dinner honored the volunteers of Hospices of Wayne County, Holmes County, Wadsworth-Rittman Counties, and Freindtique during an evening of gratitude and admiration interspersed with a lot of fun.
When Darcy Pajak, President of the LifeCare Board of Directors, addressed an audience with close to 250 staff, volunteers, and invited guests, he said For more that a dozen years our board has had a dream of an extended care facility. But, in reference to the liens, litigation, and amended loan agreements for the Akron Road building, he said, It has been an extraordinary time for the board and staff on working on the truth and making the facility a reality. Despite the trying times, Its the volunteers that make the difference, explained Pajak. Surveys on patient care indicate that the standard of service is at a very high level even with a major distraction.
There were many statistics highlighted during the evening that were worth celebrating including the announcement that the Friends of Hospice paid off their mortgage on the Friendtique store where 100% of the proceeds are donated to Hospice and now totals $570,000.
Colleen Nettleton, LifeCare Executive Director, provided additional figures to explain the state of Hospice. 865 patients along with their families and caregivers were served in 2013 for a total of 54,994 patient days. 60% were female and 30% were cancer patients. 100% said the patients were treated with respect and would recommend Hospice care to others.
A slide show shared updated pictures of the buildings exterior, especially the rear side where Nettleton said, A lot of good things will happen in the back. A photo of two future residents included a pair of bonded male swans. Nettlelon explained swans can be aggressive when they have babies, so they chose a male pair for whom a naming contest will be held.
Weve had some ups and downs this last year but as far as patient care goes, we havent missed a beat, said Nettleton. It is important to keep our mission in the forefront of our minds. I am proud of all for carrying out that mission.
Dressed as Sonny and Cher as part of the entertainment, LifeCares Volunteer Coordinator Rebecca McCurdy, and Assistant Volunteer Coordinator Elisa Stoyle, recognized a number of volunteers for milestones and even sang their own volunteer-related version of I Got You Babe. When McCurdy took to the podium, she said, Im filled with deep gratitude. Grateful to be in a room filled with kindness, skill, and goodwill.
Awards were given for 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service with the later going towards Sally Krueger. Volunteers were recognized for hours of service, going above and beyond the call of duty, and their creativity in handling individual cases.
Six new volunteers were on hand for induction adding to the 206 volunteers that are already part of Hospice.
Its been a challenging year for our Hospice, said McCurdy. But, every member of our staff gives in the spirit of the volunteers – the spirit of love and commitment.
