Spiritual Care Opens Pathways to Peace

By James “Jim” Andrews
Suncoast Hospice’s Director of Spiritual Care



Jim Andrews

One of the founding principles of the hospice movement is that caring for people faced with life-limiting illnesses requires attention to not only their medical needs but their psycho-social and spiritual needs as well. Suncoast Hospice is fortunate to have compassionate, highly-trained hospice chaplains dedicated to addressing those spiritual needs. 

I recently became the director of spiritual care for Suncoast Hospice. Before that, I served as one of our hospice chaplains for more than 12 years. It was a privilege and honor being a companion on the journeys of our patients and families.

One Man's Spiritual Pain

Whether you’re a religious person or not, facing a serious illness inherently brings up spiritual questions of meaning, purpose, comfort, forgiveness, relatedness and hope. I remember meeting one patient named "Connor" who lived inside a beautiful building in an exclusive part of town. The building's elevator had one stop on his floor and it opened in to his enormous, impeccably decorated home. I was greeted by a paid caregiver who took me back to the living room and introduced me to Connor. Before we finished shaking hands, Connor broke down in tears. 

We sat quietly together side by side on his couch, and after some time passed Connor was able to speak and share his story with me. On the surface, it sounded like the great American success story. He had started out selling door to door and over the years had worked his way up from regional sales manager to marketing vice president for an international corporation. He had more money than he knew what to do with and every creature comfort that his heart desired. Yet, he was filled with regret. 

Connor explained to me, “Jim, I spent my whole life chasing after the all-mighty dollar and I totally neglected what matters most in life.” I asked him what that was to him and he responded, “Faith, family and friends.”

He went on, “As a young man, I was very involved with my church and got a lot out of it. But I haven’t darkened the doorway of a church in decades. I cheated on my wife and never spent time with my children, so I’m estranged from all of them. I was always too concerned that my friends were just out for my money. So here I am facing the end of my life and there’s not a soul on the planet who really loves me and cares about what I’m going through.” 

Finding Peace Within

Connor faced some deep questions of faith, forgiveness and meaning, however with some support and guidance he was able to come to a sense of peaceful closure about his life and relationships. The chaplains and specially-trained volunteers of Suncoast Hospice and other hospices across the country provide a compassionate presence and a safe, gentle place for people to wrestle with their unanswered questions and pain in their souls. 

It’s an honor to work with our hospice’s incredible group of spiritual caregivers.

Are you or someone you love living with a serious illness?

Call us to find out about our services at 727-467-7423 or visit us online to request services.

*The patient's name was changed for privacy protection.

Suncoast Hospice Integrative Medicine Clinic Provides Comforting Care to Patients

Integrative medicine is a specialized kind of care that blends conventional medicine with therapies such as acupuncture to treat the whole patient. The care can help relieve the the physical, emotional and spiritual pain of a patient with a serious illness.

Suncoast Hospice physician Kirksak Jay Poonkasem, M.D. practices integrative medicine to bring much needed comfort to our hospice patients at our new Suncoast Hospice Integrative Medicine Clinic. Watch Dr. Poonkasem talk about integrative medicine and our care at the clinic in this video.  

Check back soon for a Part II video with Dr. Poonkasem telling the story of one patient who greatly benefited from the care at the clinic.

Suncoast Hospice Celebrates National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

By Deidra Woods, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, CMD
Suncoast Hospice Medical Director

Dr. Deidra Woods

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month: Hospice. Care on Your Terms. Palliative care is the medical specialty focused on the relief of symptoms associated with serious illness and hospice care is palliative care applied to patients nearing the end of life.   

I’d like to share what a privilege it has been for me to devote my medical career to this very special group of patients. The first reaction of my medical colleagues is usually, “Hospice does such a wonderful job. I appreciate all your organization does for my patients.”  But then they lean in closely, grab my arm tightly and whisper, “I don’t know how you could do that work.” I sincerely answer, “I can’t imagine doing any other work.”

Drawn to Hospice

Prior to working in hospice care, I practiced in Naples, Florida in a geriatric practice that supplied physician services to long term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. After about a year, a hospice nurse approached me in a nursing home and asked if I’d be interested in becoming a full time hospice physician. At that time in 1994, I wasn’t familiar with the concept of full time employment for physicians in hospice care. But her enthusiasm for her organization and conviction that I was suited for that work swayed me to interview for the position and I’ve been a hospice physician ever since. 

Rewarding Field 

The ability to relieve suffering and address the important issues and meaning of end of life are the greatest rewards in medicine. To my colleagues who are concerned that my work may be depressing, my answer is never. It’s ultimately the greatest feeling to know that I’ve helped a patient or family to have a meaningful experience as death approaches, with the patient as comfortable as possible.  

The loving care that families provide to hospice patients is an inspiration to us in our daily work. Our volunteers who provide countless hours of care and companionship to our frail elders remind us of the goodness and generosity of people. The courage that our patients and families demonstrate as they face the reality that life is finite and each day is a gift makes us thankful for our own blessings.   

The lessons I’ve learned at the bedsides of people whose lives are drawing to a close are the most valuable I’ve ever learned and have enriched my life immeasurably. Being allowed to share such intimate moments with families is a real gift.   

The practice of medicine itself is a very special career, made even more special when devoted to patients in hospice and palliative care. Please help us celebrate National Hospice and Palliative Care Month by visiting the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization website, nhpco.org.   

Have you been touched by hospice and palliative care? Tell us your story.

Suncoast Hospice Provides Care in ALFs and Nursing Homes

By Sherylee Hanson
Community Liaison

Sherylee Hanson

Did you know Suncoast Hospice provides care and support to our patients and families not only in their homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs) but in nursing homes, too?

Our services are the same in all settings, which may come as a surprise to some. For many in our Pinellas County community, the ALFs and nursing homes are their homes and Suncoast Hospice can be there to help those who are affected by advanced or chronic illnesses, caregiving or grief.

Our care teams are experts in hospice care and palliative care, also known as comfort care. It’s our privilege to partner with and work alongside the staff of these skilled and assisted living facilities to provide specialized physical, emotional and spiritual care to our patients and families. We work together with our patients and families and their doctors and health care providers to establish personalized care plans that honor the decisions and wishes of our patients and families. Our goal is to bring them improved quality of life. 

Some of the members of our care teams include board-certified hospice and palliative medicine physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed counselors and therapists, chaplains, certified home health nurses aides and trained volunteers. Our teams provide pain and symptom management, palliative therapies (pet, music, massage, aroma, etc.), emotional and spiritual counseling, caregiver training and support, family support and more.

Our services may be paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, private health insurance, private payments and the generous financial support of our community. Through community donations, we’re able to care for all who need us regardless of their ability to pay.       

I believe there is hope in hospice and at Suncoast Hospice we’ve learned how to redefine hope. Many find that at this time in their lives they hope for new things. It can manifest itself in ways, such as when our patients benefit from our pet therapy. A majority of our pet therapy visits happen in nursing homes, ALFs and our care centers. We had one patient who had closed himself off from others, and only after trying pet therapy did he open up to the dogs that visited him, his care team and others.

Our teams are there to be supportive and bring comfort, dignity and hope in the journeys of our patients and families. Most patients and families say they wish they had called us sooner. It’s never too early to ask about our care and services. 

Are you wondering if it’s time for hospice for you or a loved one?

Call us any time for information at 727-467-7423 or submit an online request form.

Suncoast Hospice Recognized for High–Quality Patient Care

By Laurie West
Suncoast Hospice director of quality and service

Laurie West

It was a big honor for Suncoast Hospice to receive Deyta’s 1st annual Hospice Honors Award this past spring. This award recognized our hospice as one of the top hospice agencies in the U.S. to provide the highest level of satisfaction in patient care as rated by the patients’ caregivers. 

We’re benchmarked nationally with the Family Evaluation of Hospice Care surveys, and to be honored as one of the top hospices for our patient and family satisfaction is remarkable. We’re committed to patient and family–centered care. The voices of our patients and families are extremely important. That’s what defines our care and leads us.

It touches my heart when I read the comments from our surveys. One common theme is  compassion. A lot also say, my loved one died at peace and my loved one died with dignity. Many also state, thank you for taking care of me, the caregiver.  

To me, this recognition shows that no matter what discipline you are, it’s what we all do together that touches our patients and families. From our physicians to our volunteers to our DME (durable medical equipment) drivers, we are all one team. 

Our care teams go above and beyond to provide compassionate care to our patients and families. I heard a recent story about one of our nurses who sat and held a patient’s hand and sang to that patient. Our staff and volunteers are always there to provide that wonderful human presence.  

Have you been touched by our care? Please share your story.

Suncoast Homecare Offers Skilled Palliative Home Care & Support

By Debra Shade, RN
Suncoast Hospice Director of Palliative Care 

Debra Shade, RN

Suncoast Homecare provides expert palliative care to individuals of all ages who have advanced chronic illnesses or conditions. Care may be provided in patients’ homes, hospitals or assisted or independent living facilities.  

Palliative care is a specialized type of care that helps control the distressing symptoms that may occur with seriously-ill patients and their families. Our care teams help address and resolve the physical, spiritual and psycho-social stressors or concerns of patients and families. Palliative care doesn’t stop someone from seeking or continuing curative treatment; it provides another layer of medical assistance, care and support.

Our Suncoast Homecare is a Medicare and Medicaid certified and licensed palliative home health agency. This care for patients combines traditional home health services with palliative care, including skilled symptom management, medication management, disease management and/or complex care management. Patients may receive this care while continuing their treatment regimens for their diseases. Caregiver training for family caregivers is also available.

It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, we have experts to assist you. All of our staff has received training in palliative care and is experienced to work alongside you, your family and your physician to ensure we reach your care goals. We’re all part of the same team. Our goal is to work together to create a plan of care that meets all of your needs so you and your family may experience increased quality of life.

Care & Services

Our Suncoast Homecare teams include qualified clinical professionals and trained  volunteers who visit you where you live to provide the care and support you need. The teams may provide:

• Nursing care 
• Personal care (bathing, dressing, skin care)
• Specialized care (physical, occupational and speech therapies, wound care, 
   infusions, etc.)
• Emotional and spiritual counseling
• Volunteer help, companionship and palliative therapies (music, art, pet visits, etc.)
• Assistance with long-range decision making and advanced care planning
• Dietary education 

Suncoast Homecare may be paid for with Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and some Medicaid Waivers. 

To learn more about our Suncoast Homecare, call 727-467-7423 or visit suncoasthospice.org.

Is it Time for Palliative Care?

By Wayne Anderson, M.D., M.P.H.
Suncoast Hospice Palliative Care Physician

Dr. Wayne Anderson

The number one question I’m asked is, “What do you do as a palliative care doctor?” A primary part of my job is listening.

In my five years as a Suncoast Hospice palliative care physician doing consults in the hospital I’ve heard wonderful stories from patients and families. Couples married for 65 years to those looking forward to their first anniversaries have shared their stories with me. Some people have told me the names of all their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and even a few great-great-grandchildren.

I’ve listened when patients and families need to talk about their feelings. Parents wonder if they’ll see their children graduate from high school or get married. Those who have cancer express concern about losing their hair and experiencing nausea and pain. Others worry about what will happen to their loved ones or how they can help their aging parents.

Education & Coordination of Care

When someone is faced with a serious diagnosis his or her entire world is turned upside down. He or she may ask, “What do I do?” Too many times patients are told by their doctors what they need to do. Oftentimes patients are unaware of the options they have for their treatment. They need their doctors to help them understand all of the options of care and to understand who they are as people.

One option is palliative care – a type of medical care focused on improving the quality of life for patients with chronic or advanced illnesses and their families. Palliative care is an extra resource that works together with the patient’s own physicians to form a plan of care that’s medically sound and fits the patient’s wishes. Palliative care can sometimes include therapies that are designed to bring comfort. Unlike hospice care, palliative care is not confined to the final months of life.

As a palliative care physician, I want to know what my patients actually understand about their diseases. I spend time with them so I can understand their concerns, fears, wishes and goals.

It’s my hope that you’re never faced with difficult medical decisions. However, if you or a loved one is unsure of what to do about care, perhaps talking with a palliative care physician or other care team member may help. We don’t have all the answers, but we’ll work with you to find a level of care that’s right for you.

Call us to learn more about our palliative care at 467-7423.

Suncoast Hospice Hosts South Africa Hospice Visitors

(left to right) Bev, Dorcus, Penny and Ntombi visit Suncoast Hospice

Suncoast Hospice has a special, longtime partnership with Hospice Association of the Witwatersrand (Hospice Wits) located in Soweto and Johannesburg, South Africa. Four Hospice Wits staffers recently came here for two weeks as part of our rotating staff exchange. Three of our staffers plan to visit Hospice Wits next month.

Our visitors were Bev Tembo, unit manager of Soweto Hospice, Dorcus Ramakuela, palliative health services manager of Soweto Hospice, Penny Mathe, social worker and Ntombi Hatta, home care nurse.  They met and shadowed many of our staff and volunteers and participated in several activities.

Dorcus presents

They presented at one of our leadership meetings, sharing incredible stories written by some of their patients, many whom are poor and/or infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. They also spoke about their roles and Hospice Wits’ care and services. They provide two inpatient units for adults and children, home care, psycho–social support, child care, day care, medical equipment/loans, thrift stores and donations of food and clothes.  

Ntombi discussed how she provides care to patients and families who live in impoverished and dangerous areas. She works to build relationships with them and their communities. “I like to visit the whole family to get all their history, answer their questions and establish a relationship from day one. It makes it easier for me to give the ongoing care,” Ntombi said.

Ntombi talks with admissions staffers Renee Leandri (left) and Sue Rice 

Penny makes home visits with patients and families and works in the inpatient units. She shared how she often provides assistance to those in need. “I’m working with very poor communities. I find myself doing case management, coordinating food parcels and clothes for entire families. We’re grateful for the support we receive from Suncoast Hospice,” Penny said.

Hospice Wits also provides a lot of community education around disease, medications and hospice care, which still carries a stigma. “We’re trying to develop a program to educate physicians on palliative care,” Dorcus said.

To learn more about our partnership, please visit care4soweto.org.

Award-Winning Volunteer Supports Patients and Families

Judy Gauron

Judy H. Gauron is an extraordinary volunteer who is dedicated to supporting our patients, families and organization. Last week she was honored for her service as the winner of Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2012 Health Care Heroes volunteer award.

Judy serves in multiple roles including office support, welcome center, community outreach, patient and family support, mentoring new volunteers and pet therapy. She and her dog, Theo, bring lots of comfort and joy visiting patients and families with one of our north Pinellas care teams and Suncoast Hospice Care Center North Pinellas as well as nursing homes.

Judy & Theo

“Pet therapy is a powerful form of palliative care. When patients stroke Theo they reminisce about the happy times with their pets. Family life is always at the forefront for patients at the care center. I feel that during our visits with patients, the difficulties of the present are forgotten as they revisit those cherished moments of the past. Families also are uplifted by our visits. Our conversations flow easily and we form bonds through the love for our dogs,” Judy said.

As a hospice volunteer she seizes every opportunity to enrich lives.   

“The best ways we volunteers can serve our patients and families is to listen, respect, comfort and bring as much happiness to them as the situations allow. Even if we only touch one heart on any particular day, our pledge to make a difference in someone’s life has been fulfilled,” she said.

Has a hospice volunteer made a difference in your life? Share your story below.

Are you interested in volunteering? Come to a volunteer training in Palm Harbor, Clearwater or St. Petersburg.

Inside the Role of a Physical Therapist

Patient Joseph Luppens is guided by
 physical therapist assistant Marcia Warren

October is National Physical Therapy Month, recognizing physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who help improve people’s body movement. Physical therapy can greatly benefit those who have advanced illnesses and difficulty moving. Our physical therapy team helps our patients with their flexibility and teaches their family members and caregivers how to safely move them. 

The team visits patients in their homes or facilities and all three of our care centers. They find their work incredibly rewarding.

“We're doing palliative care for our patients. Physical therapy helps them to regain strength and function. There is a psychological component for patients, too, because this gives them some hope and self–determination to be able to maintain themselves as long as possible. It also can reduce stress with families when patients can do more for themselves,” said Connie Dykeman, physical therapist assistant.

Connie said she’s glad to provide this specialized care. “Suncoast Hospice stands out among other hospices because we offer therapies and understand the global aspects about what is needed to help our patients,” Connie said.

Patient’s Success

Marcia Warren, physical therapist assistant, is proud of the progress of her patient, Joseph Luppens. During a visit at his home, she assisted him with his bicycle pedal exercises and walks with his walker. She had him take breaks in between and checked his pulse and oxygen saturation. “You did a good job,” Marcia said. Joseph replied, “I had a wonderful partner.”

Marcia credited Joseph’s improvements to his positive attitude and will to learn. “When I first came he wasn’t able to do this. A big part of it is that he is motivated. He can do transfers without contact guard (being pulled up), which helps him and his caregivers. Walking with a walker is good for his energy level and safe for his balance,” she said.

Educating Families, Caregivers and Care Teams

The physical therapy team works a lot with families, discussing moving, walking, transferring, motion exercises, adaptive equipment needs, DME (durable medical equipment) needs and pain modalities. The team also speaks with our care teams, focusing on body mechanics, DME and disease processes and how to work with those patients.

Marcia checks out Joseph's new walker delivered by
DME driver William Selden

Michele Galanti, physical therapist, along with Julie Douglass, director of palliative care, have helped educate caregivers as instructors with our Confident Caregiver Training.

“We have addressed the caregivers’ specific needs, such as if they’re having trouble getting someone in to bed or a recliner. We also have covered general topics, such as safety, body mechanics, use of equipment and other things that would help them in the home. We have enjoyed doing the hands-on demonstrations and being a resource to the community,” Michele said.

Have you benefited from physical therapy? Post your story.

Are you interested in working for Suncoast Hospice? Check out our openings.