Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children and Families Offers Drop-In Hours
Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children and Families Offers Drop-In Hours in Wake of Newtown Tragedy. DANBURY — Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children and Families at 73 Stadley Rough Road in Danbury, a program of Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT, is offering drop-in hours to help those impacted by the Newtown tragedy. Our mission has always been to support families through the difficult journey of grief. Licensed social workers and specially trained volunteers create a safe place for healing to begin. “Healing Hearts staff has been assisting with the crisis intervention efforts in Newtown … * read more
People Only Die Once – Joining Hospice Is a Leap of Faith
It all starts with a frank patient/doctor discussion. “When you know I can’t be cured, tell me as soon as possible so I can consider hospice”. Then there is the irony. Some patients flourish while on hospice and end up being discharged because they are doing so well. “The biggest misconception about hospice care”, says Robin Vicklund, Regional Hospice and Home Care Director of Nursing, “is that it’s about death. It’s not. It’s about living. It’s about staying connected to your loved ones and the world around you, and getting the most out of every single second you have.” Many … * read more
End-of-Life Wishes and the Holidays
End-of-life wishes and the holidays may not seem like an easy fit. But there are some excellent reasons why this may be a good time to discuss end-of-life care, whether you are a parent or an adult child, a spouse or a partner. The holidays are a time when family and friends get together. Planning a family meeting when the other family members are in town may be more convenient for all, and makes sure the loved ones’ wishes are heard in person. How to start the conversation about scheduling a family meeting? Jeanne Dennis suggests in her Huffington Post … * read more
Coping With Grief During the Holidays
Holidays can be especially difficult after a loved one has died. Whether the loss is recent or long ago, holidays may not feel like “the most wonderful time of the year” when you are grieving. Sometimes people think that ignoring their sadness is the best way to cope. But in most cases, remembering your loved one and connecting with what you’ve lost is healthier. “It’s important to accept all of our feelings,” said Jenny Casey, MSW, a social worker with years of experience working in grief and bereavement and a facilitator at the Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children & … * read more
Bessie Krysiewich: Beloved Neighbor and Regional Hospice Volunteer
At over 90 years old, Bessie Krysiewich is still very active in the Ridgefield community and the “go-to” person for her senior friends and many local organizations. Bessie was a founding member of the Ridgefield Chapter of Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT and has worked with the chapter for over 20 years. Born and raised in Ridgefield, Bessie worked in New York City, where she met her husband, Walter, and brought up their daughters. When Walter died, Bessie came back home to Ridgefield and worked in a medical office for 23 years. Since retiring she has … * read more
Caring for Hospice Patients During “Sandy” and Preparing for the Next Storm
When you care for patients at the end of life, even Hurricane Sandy can’t get in the way. The clinical staff at Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut had a plan in place for coverage in advance of the storm and carried on as the weather worsened. “All patients were called and were visited as needed on Monday before Sandy came in and again on Tuesday as the storm progressed,” said Robin Viklund, RN, BSN, CHPN, director of nursing and home health aides at Regional Hospice and Home Care. “The nurses made visits on Tuesday, and were ready to … * read more