Angels in the Outfield: Home Health Aides Honored for Work with the Dying

June 11, 2009 - PRLog -- Contact: Kathy Padro
(925) 829-8770
www.hopehospice.com   
   

Angels in the Outfield
Home Health Aides Honored for Work with the Dying

DUBLIN, CA - (June 10, 2009) When Mary Chandler (not her real name) looked at her new hair style and shiny red fingernails, she said an angel did the work.  Mary, a hospice patient, also received a spritz of her favorite cologne and a soothing back rub.  Jim Randall (not his real name), also in hospice care,  looked forward to his weekly foot soak and menthol shave.  Both people are cared for by a home health aide who took the time to go that extra step in making their day special.  The well-being and happiness of hospice patients depends, in large part, on nursing assistants, home health aides, and others who provide daily, conscientious, hands-on care in homes and nursing facilities.  They are instrumental in promoting and safeguarding the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of patients and their families.

The week of June 11 – 18, 2009 marks the 32nd Annual National Nursing Assistants and Direct Care Week.  This year’s theme, “Yes WE Can” captures the spirit of the seven women honored recently at Hope Hospice in Dublin, CA.  When asked what the theme meant, Darlene Simas, home health aide (HHA) said, “Inspire those around us to be kind and considerate to others; to be supportive to those in need during difficult times.”  Kelly Switzer, HHA, said that, to her the theme meant “providing loving care to a patient as if it were one of our family members who needed our care.”  Socorro Peebles, HHA, another honoree, interpreted the theme to mean “We can provide a helping hand when you need one and help you get to heaven in comfort.”  Sonia Rogel said it meant “Treat the patients with love.”  

While presenting each aide with a corsage and “Yes WE Can” badge, Karen Archer, RN, Clinical Coordinator at Hope Hospice, acknowledged the compassionate care and diligent work of the home health team.  “Our Home Health Aides are an invaluable part of our hospice team.  In addition to providing tender, gentle, competent personal care to our patients when it’s needed most, they often do the little things that transform their care into a meaningful and comforting experience for the patient and family.”  

For more information on the services and volunteer opportunities at Hope Hospice, visit their website at http://www.hopehospice.com


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Since 1980, Hope Hospice in Dublin, California, has provided quality, compassionate care and grief support to families in the TriValley area. Bereavement support is provided to anyone who has lost a loved one. http://www.hopehospice.com