HAPPENINGS - Serenity Hospice Cares
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SERENITY HOSPICE CARE
HAPPENINGS PUBLISHED BY SERENITY HOSPICE CARE
S U MME R 2 02 1 | I SS UE NO. 3
MESSAGE FROM LARS IN THIS ISSUE
Comfort, touch and togetherness are key elements n Staff Ballgame
of our work, and these principles exist in direct
opposition to the distance and separation required n Message from
our Team
of us during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2020 brought
unprecedented disruption to the hospice care n Bereavement
Services
tradition that focuses on end-of-life comfort, peace,
symptom control and pain management, straining n Caregiver
support
all providers’ ability to treat and nurture patients.
Looking back on that time, COVID-19 affected n Volunteer
virtually every aspect of hospice operations. Even Spotlight
the strongest of us have been tested and we all n Hutchinson
continue to grapple with the enormity of loss Happenings
since the pandemic struck. Still, Serenity Hospice
n CAHPS
Care lives up to our legacy of unsurpassed, quality
care. This article seeks to highlight some of our n Our Commitment
valuable learnings. to Veterans
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
PAGE 1
The Serenity team is fully cooperative. When We continue to admit patients. Many Serenity
challenged, our clinical team steps up time and Hospice Care team members have said: “we are
again, covering for each other, taking on new made for a time such as this.” Indeed, our team
challenges, running errands and working extra continues to do what we are called to do, caring
hours. Some of our office team members continue for all patients in need of hospice care, regardless
to pilot their tasks from their home offices, having of diagnoses.
worked through the trials of disruption, motivation We can support our team. With our regular team
and isolation. meetings and times of connection halted, we
We are flexible and adaptable. Learning to think on devised innovative approaches to support our team
our feet, we create new processes and protocols as during this period of unprecedented personal and
they are needed – we are nimble! professional stress. Doing what is needed to stem the
Volunteers rise to the occasion. When summoned, tide of burnout, exhaustion and trauma, our parking
our volunteers engage in new and different lot/food truck events, special t-shirts and other
tasks, making tuck-in and grief support phone offerings allow for unexpected “time-outs” for joy
calls, running errands and sewing multicolored and laughter.
fabric masks! We are proactive – always looking forward. It is
We tackle steep learning curves. Proactively, we certainly premature to comprehend the total impact
search for answers before they are needed, discover of the pandemic on health care at large and hospice
innovative technology, educate about regulatory care, in particular. As I write this, we are paying close
changes and carefully manage resources. attention to what is being reported about the Delta
variant. We certainly hope that we are through the
We form new relationships and partnerships. The worst part of COVID; we want it to be over and at
pandemic reminds us that coordination with reliable the same time, we can’t just wish it away. Viruses
partners help manage difficulty. Our partnerships constantly change through mutation, and new
with communities and facilities, county and city variants are expected to occur. For more information
entities, labs and supply contacts keep us up to date about the Delta variant, see page 6 of this newsletter.
on regulatory changes, adjustments in long term
care protocols, distribution channels and allocations. The learnings of these days will shape healthcare for
years to come.
The supply chain is strong. The PPE shortage
affects the entire healthcare industry. Yet, our Truly, there is no substitute for comfort, touch and
relationships with our supply vendors, built on togetherness. Responding fully and quickly, we
mutual trust, set the tone for us to weather this walk with each patient and their family in every
storm and any other disruptions that may be ahead. way possible during their deep moments of crisis
and need. We are applying each lesson learned
We are able to support facilities and communities. in preparation for what is to come. And despite
One of the many tragic impacts of COVID is the abundant obstacles and challenges, there is perhaps
strain and pressure upon the long-term care no group of medical professionals more equipped to
system. After only a few weeks, these communities deal with an influx of serious illness than our hospice
experienced the deaths of many of their residents team. Demonstrating extraordinary resilience, we
and were thrust into the ever-changing, confusing continue on!
terrain of the pandemic. The Serenity Hospice
Care team continues to support these important
relationships – with words of encouragement,
helpful measures for staff and fun activities to bring
moments of joy.
Lars Stamp, President
SERENITY HOSPICE REPORT SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 2
WIND SURGE
It was a sizzling Thursday evening in
July, but that did not stop Serenity team
members, spouses, significant others and
childrenfrom coming out to the ballpark!
Over 200 sports fansenjoyed the Dillons
Party Pavilion – with a baseball buffet,
drinks and a great game. In the end,
Wichita Wind Surge lost a close game
to the Springfield Cardinals, 3-4! What a
beautiful night – special thanks to those
who made this event possible!
COVID 19 UPDATE
Serenity Hospice Care continues
to follow CDC guidance regarding
COVID testing frequencies.
Furthermore, we monitor county
message from our hospice team:
THE ROLE OF THE CHAPLAIN
health department findings,
a variety of COVID trackers, The role of the chaplain is not always faith-based and not always
Sedgwick and Reno County sites, spiritual. “The chaplain is the only person to visit patients
and participate in a numerous without an agenda,” states Dawn Flippin, Chaplain for Serenity
healthcare webinars and Hospice Care.
educational conversations. Chaplains serve as a source of patient support with varied activities.
Consider these ways that a Chaplain can make a difference:
SERENITY HOSPICE CARE • Enjoying a cup of coffee with a patient,
HAPPENINGS PUBLISHED BY SERENITY HOSPICE CARE
• Providing a time of respite for a caregiver while they run
errands or take a nap,
• Sharing conversation, a TV show or the newspaper,
A community newsletter
for our families and friends • Helping with spiritual needs: reading the Bible, saying a prayer,
helping with spiritual concerns or a particular situation, and
• Running errands
Our Chaplains provide support to all patients and all faith
groups, and they reach out if additional help is needed. If you
have a questions about our chaplain services, please contact
any of our Chaplains:
• Larry McCrary • Dawn Flippin
• Laura Snyder • Brian Richards
• Linda Ewert
Names, photos and story information shared
with family permission; release forms on file WATCH THIS SPACE FOR IN-DEPTH INFORMATION
with Serenity Hospice Care.
ABOUT SERENITY HOSPICE CARE TEAM MEMBERS
SERENITY HOSPICE REPORT SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 3
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH BEREAVEMENT/GRIEF SERVICES?
Grief Groups this Summer are growing in attendance!
• Life After Loss – Online - two sessions per MARK
month three months following the death of YOUR
their loved one. CALENDAR
• Grief Connection – Online – monthly check-
in for anyone who has previously attended a
grief group. SERENITY HOSPICE CARE
• Food and Friends – In-Person at Serenity
office – monthly luncheon for anyone
ANNUAL
who has experienced the death of
someone they love.
• Memory Keepers – In-Person at Serenity
office – monthly coffee time anyone who
has experienced the death of someone they
love.
The rest of 2021:
DECEMBER 2, 2021 AT 6:00 PM
• August – No groups DERBY VENUE
512 E. MADISON IN DERBY
• September-November 2021 – new and
ongoing groups Madison Avenue Central Park
• December – Christmas Party/Handling the DECEMBER 9, 2021 AT 6:00 PM
Holidays and Annual Memorial – Wichita RHAPSODY ON B
and Hutchinson 9 W. AVENUE B IN HUTCHINSON
With a goal to increase electronic mailings (vs. postal mailings), we continue to request
email addresses from our bereaved and our extended family. This initiative increases
timeliness, decreases dollars spent and provides a direct link to Brian Richards, our
bereavement coordinator.
Phone calls to the primary contact of the deceased have increased to quarterly contacts at 3,
6 and 12 months, augmenting the current mailings which happen at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 13 months.
Do you have
questions? Need
more information
about our grief
support program?
Call 316.687.2273
and ask for Brian
Richards.
SERENITY HOSPICE REPORT SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 4
Happening in Hutchinson
Ongoing Team Education – Our Third Thursday event – What a time we had at Third Thursday – with
Hutch team had a great time bandanas to share, doggies, cookies and popcorn, it was great to meet
playing jeopardy and answering the Hutchinson community!
questions! Additional education
included a power point about
pain management. It was great to
be together again!
Equestrian visitors – We met our friends at Prairie Sunset Home in Pretty Prairie, KS! Special thanks to Craig
and Sandi Mills for bringing out Oscar and Kit in May!
SERENITY HOSPICE REPORT SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 5
Information about the Delta Variant of COVID-19
Here is what we know:
• Some variants allow the virus to spread more • Based on current data, the Alpha variant is the
easily or make it resistant to treatments most common variant across the United States,
or vaccines. however the Delta variant is quickly on the rise.
• The CDC is actively tracking and studying • In the United Kingdom, studies showed that
these five variants: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Epsilon, children and adults under 50 were 2.5 times
and Delta. more likely to become infected.
• These variants seem to spread more easily and • Studies suggest that the Delta variant has
quickly than other variants, which may lead to almost doubled the risk of hospitalization as
more cases of COVID-19. opposed to the Alpha variant, and the recovery
• So far, studies suggest that the current time is significantly longer. However COVID-19
authorized vaccines work on the above vaccines are effective against symptoms, if
circulating variants. infected. No deaths have been reported among
persons who have been vaccinated and then
• As of June 14, 2021, the Delta variant is thought became infected.
to be 43%-90% more transmissible than previous
COVID-19 variants. Experts also believe that • Top symptoms include: headache, sore throat,
Delta is anywhere from 30% to 100% more runny nose, fever. A cough is less common,
infectious than the Alpha variant. and loss of smell is no longer listed in the top
ten symptoms.
We continue to stockpile necessary PPE and monitor CDC and other websites. Safety is our priority. We
are adding some additional signage throughout the office and are updating our website and social sites.
Thank you for all that you do.
Sources consulted:
cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/
variant.html
https://www.webmd.com/lung/covid-19-
Delta-variant-what-to-know
SERENITY HOSPICE REPORT SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 6
Are you a caregiver?
If you are a caregiver, remember that the demands of caregiving can be exhausting, stressful
and overwhelming – especially if you feel you are in over your head or have little control over
the situation.
While caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, it may also be a long-term challenge, and
the impact of your role can snowball over time.
And, if your stress is left unchecked, you may end up in a state of emotional, mental and
physical exhaustion.
If it comes to that, both you and the patient, will suffer.
That is why taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it is a necessity. Cultivating your own emotional
and physical well-being is just as important as making sure your loved one’s needs are met.
CONSIDER THESE WAYS TO FEEL BETTER:
Try to avoid the emotional trap of feeling Invest in things that provide you meaning
sorry for yourself or searching for and purpose - whether your family, church,
someone to blame. a hobby or career.
Look for the silver lining. Think about how Remind yourself that your loved one
caregiving has made you stronger or how would express gratitude, if they were able.
it has given you closer time with those
you love.
Take life in small doses and focus on what you can control today.
Serenity Hospice Care is here to help you navigate your caregiver stress and fatigue.
For ideas and more information, contact us today!
Professional, caring and trusted.
I want to thank everyone for all of their I thank you so very much for the kindness
assistance with my father Ronald Barnes. and care you all gave my mom. She was with
Our nurse Tamara and aide Katelyn did an you for only eight days, but it brought comfort
outstanding job! Thank you! and peace to her. Thank you.
Joey Reed, McPherson, KS Cheryl Tate, Udall, KS
Serenity provided the most patient I want to thank everyone for their
and compassionate care to my spouse. care of my mom, June Sparr.
They were very efficient and kind. I cannot sing Tony was a Godsend in every way!
their praises enough. Thank you! Stephanie also, and all the on-call staff.
Arthur Chabino, Wichita, KS Connie Craig, Clearwater, KS
*Quotations used with family’s written permission, on file at Serenity Hospice Care.
SERENITY HOSPICE REPORT SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 7
QAPI Moment: CAHPS
Within six weeks of the death of their loved one, These are some of the “written in” comments
our primary caregivers receive a paper survey that we received last quarter:
to complete. We appreciate the feedback • “You guys are a life saver in the face of death!
that we receive from the questions within Thank God for the service you provide, it
these categories: takes special people to do this job.”
• Communication with Family • “We had the most amazing, caring, loving
• Getting Timely Help and professional team. My family loved them
• Treating Patient with Respect all. We will always recommend Serenity
• Emotional and Spiritual Support Hospice Care. They are truly the best!”
• Help for Pain and Symptoms
• Training Family to Care for Patient • “Serenity Hospice team was exceptional.
• Rating of this Hospice My mother’s nurse was absolutely amazing
• Willingness to Recommend to Hospice with our mother and her family. Thank you!”
• “The hospice group was great and so was
the group from the same agency before
hospice (home health). Thank you!”
I just thought how often,
• “Excellent care!
all over the world,
someone is breathing in
GOODBYE AND THANK YOU INTERNS!
their last breath
Serenity Hospice Care was blessed with five interns this year –
and even though social work and mental health counseling students. Spending
many hours with us and those we serve, they assisted with office
all they want to do jobs, bereavement calls, social work tasks and patient visits.
These students went above and beyond in 2020-2021! Thank you
is close their heavy eyes
Meredith, Lyric, Branson, Mikaela and Paige! We appreciate you!
and sleep,
they find the strength
to offer up one final
and defiant plea
against the closing of this life.
When the last of my breath
is escaping out of my lungs,
CHECKING IN WITH NOVA
I wish for the bravery
We continue to enjoy our office pup, Nova. Recently, because
to say the words her hooman was out of town, Nova had sleep-overs with
numerous team members. While her hooman was having a
I cannot say great time, Nova was not – she really missed her hooman. We
are glad Michelle made it home safely – and Nova is back to
and the blessing
her cheerful, energetic self!
of the ears leaned close DOGLINGO is a unique
language that has evolved
of the one I need from a combination of
converted words, dog
to say them to. memes, onomatopoeia and
- TYLER KNOTT GREGSON - the imaginations of dog
lovers everywhere. Nova
speaks DOGLINGO!
SERENITY HOSPICE REPORT SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 8
VOLUNTEER SP OTLI G HT
AISHWARYA, SERENITY HOSPICE VOLUNTEER
My name is Aishwarya, I’m 25, and I grew up in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. I
just finished a post baccalaureate in pre-medicine and hope to go to medical
school in the future! I was drawn to volunteering in hospice because I was looking
for a way to connect with others and give back in a meaningful way. I make
bereavement calls, checking in on people around the anniversary of the loss of
a loved one. I also have a wonderful buddy who has recently experienced a loss,
and we check in with each other once a week. In my free time, I enjoy reading,
yoga, and playing the flute. Have you ever considered hospice volunteering?
It is a great opportunity to connect with people who need you – and to make a
difference! Call Kellie today to learn about the many volunteer opportunities!
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH VOLUNTEER SERVICES?
• Implementing Community/Facility Attending Central Kansas Veteran Community
Volunteer Program, Partnership meetings and events (Hutchinson)
• Utilizing Sensory Stimulation items when and Veteran’s Community Partnership
we providing companionship visits with meetings and events (Wichita) – to support our
Dementia patients, Veteran community, and,
• Planning and attending the “Walk to End • Preparing for July 14 – Come-and-go fiesta
Alzheimer’s” – In 2021, the Wichita Walk is event for Volunteers – Mexican food and
September 18 and the Hutchinson Walk is sweet treats in Wichita.
October 9,
A RAINBOW DAY IN MAY
It was a double rainbow kind of day at Serenity in
Wichita. This is the scientific explanation: DOUBLE
RAINBOW’s happen when the sun’s rays are twice
reflected within a raindrop. In the rainbow body,
the colors get inverted – the red color appears on
the inside while the violet is on the outside. This
is because the violet light reaches the eye from a
higher raindrop while the red light comes from the
lower ones. Some say that double rainbows mean
new beginnings, a good omen, a sign of hope, an
inner awakening or comfort for the dead. What
does a double rainbow mean to you?
HUTCHINSON WICHITA
620.899.5683 316.687.2273
11 S. Main, 67501 3221 N. Toben, 67226
CONNECT
WITH US!
serenitycares.com
facebook.com/SerenityHospiceWichita
linkedin.com/company/serenity-hospice-care-kansas
twitter.com/hospicewichita
SERENITY HOSPICE REPORT SUMMER 2021 | PAGE 9
OUR COMMITMENT
TO VETERANS
HUTCHINSON
WICHITA
Valley Center and Veteran Community Partnerships
will be hosting the Moving Vietnam Veteran Wall,
Friday & Saturday, October 22nd - 23rd, 2021.
Local partnerships “The Wall that Heals” is a three-quarter scale replica
Community colleges, local colleges of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with the
and universities Mobile Education Center.
Senior centers | Faith communities “Like many events and activities in our nation, our
2020 ‘The Wall that Heals’ season was dramatically
We support local businesses and changed by the pandemic. We are excited to find
charities because doing so fortifies these communities ready to work carefully to give
the Kansas economy and creates a a safe opportunity for thousands to experience the
positive impact in our home state. healing and educational aspects of the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial in 2021,” said Jim Knotts,
President and CEO of VVMF.
“We look forward to providing these communities
with the opportunity to honor and remember all
those who served and sacrificed … “
This replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet
high at its tallest point. It is constructed of Avonite, a
synthetic granite, and its 144 panels are supported by
an aluminum frame. Modern LED lighting from the top
of The Wall provides readability of The Wall at night.
MARKETING AND COMMUNITY The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is
RELATIONSHIPS the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam
It is great that our communities are Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C.
“opening up.” Our marketing team is in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying
out and about, spreading the good tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their
word about Serenity Hospice Care. families. VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve
We are beginning to again receive the legacy of service in America and educate all
calls about community presentations generations about the impact of the Vietnam War
and other ways we can help. Serenity era through programs, ceremonies and education
Hospice Care is a leader when it materials. To learn more about VVMF, visit vvmf.org
comes to community education. or call 202-393-0090.
Presentations include (but are not
limited to): Hospice 101, Dementia,
Advance Directives, Death and
Spirituality, Pain Management, Grief
101, Caregiver Fatigue, etc. If your
community group or faith group
is interested in learning more
about Serenity education, contact
us today!
thank
WICHITA Serenity Hospice Care
3221 N TOBEN, 67226 recognizes that you have
you!
(316) 687-2273 a choice when it comes to
hospice services. We are
HUTCHINSON
11 S. MAIN ST, 67501 thankful for the opportunity to
(620) 899-5683 know you. We are very much
committed to living up to and
exceeding your expectations.
serenitycares.com
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