Byesville Rotary learns Hospice helps both patients and families

Pictured: Jenna Conaway, PR Coordinator for Hospice of Guernsey, and Shana Fair, Byesville Rotary President.

Jenna Conaway, PR Coordinator for Hospice of Guernsey, described Hospice as a non-profit organization that has been serving Guernsey, Noble, and western Belmont Counties for 30 years.

Conaway explained that Hospice provides comfort care to people as they near the ends of their lives and helps family members deal with grief.

Hospice is able to provide services because it has local community support. Conaway pointed out that all funds raised locally are used to help local patients and their families. Fundraisers planned for 2016 include “Touch a Truck” at Deerasic Park. Participants can explore all kinds of vehicles and participate in face painting and raffles. There will also be a “Flamingo 5K” and a 1 mile memorial walk. Admission is free. All donations collected at the event will support bereavement counseling and a three day “Kids’ Kamp” held during the summer and open to all kids 6 thru 12 suffering from a loss.  

Conaway explained that terminally ill patients typically need support dealing with a spectrum of issues involving physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. She stated that needs are best met with a team approach. The Hospice team consists of a medical director, 12 nurses, 6 home help aides, 3 social workers, pastoral services, therapists who provide reflexology, art, and music therapy and a non-clerical office staff.

The Hospice provides services to people with all types of illnesses. Conaway told the Byesville club, “In 2014 Hospice provided care to over 200 people. Over 60% were dealing with diseases other than cancer.

Conaway stated that volunteers are a vital part of the services provided by Hospice. They provide much of the energy behind Hospice fundraisers. New volunteers are always welcome. Each new volunteer is asked to attend 6 class sessions. The next class begins April 5.

How does a patient or a family member request hospice services. The process begins with a referral from someone—not necessarily a doctor. The referral will result in a visit from a social worker who will explain what Hospice provides. To find out if a member of your family could benefit from Hospice care, call 740-432-7440 or 1-800-283-0316. More information about Hospice activities is available at:https://www.facebook.com/Hospice-of-Guernsey-1375011589438662/ or

http://www.hospiceofguernsey.com/

Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting.