Recent event taught me surprising facts about Hospice

Last month, at the Marriott Hotel on Richmond and Harvard Rd. in Warrensville Heights, I attended an annual event hosted by Hospice of the Western Reserve entitled “Voices for Hospice, Dispelling the Myths.” This was my first time attending, so I did not know what to expect.

I have visited a hospice location in the past to see friends who were at their end of life stage. The setting was beautiful, but now I know that I had a misconception that this is the only purpose of hospice.

As soon as I walked in, I was met at the registration table where friendly, helpful hospice staff and volunteers directed me to the dining room. Before I went in, I observed several tables set up with information about all the services Hospice of the Western Reserve has to offer. I was overwhelmed to learn that the non-profit agency serves people of all ages, ethnicities, religions, diseases, etc., at any stage prior to the end-of-life transition. Care is provided wherever a person calls “home,” including their personal residence, nursing and assisted-living facilities, hospitals and at Hospice of the Western Reserve’s two residential hospice houses: Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake and David Simpson Hospice House on East 185th St. and Lakeshore Blvd. 

I visited several information tables: One focused on volunteering and was hosted by Gwen Strayhorn. I was given information on a therapy called Reike that I have tried and find to be very relaxing. I also met the Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Rochelle Lattimore.

I met Diane Hartt, Provider Relations Manager, who informed me of the many services that can be used now instead of waiting for the final stages of life, and she provided her number for me to call. I met Bonne Juzenos, RN, CHAN, and Dionna Headen who were hosting a table on Helderberg Hospice in South Africa. Hospice of the Western Reserve has developed a close partnership with Helderberg, raising funds, and sharing ideas, information, cultural perspectives and educational opportunities.

This is the first time I heard of hospice services in another country. I bought a cookbook they offered with delicious global recipes. I met Dominique Butler from Hospice of the Western Reserve’s Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Bereavement Center. She offered me information about community grief support groups and workshops, many of which are free, and gave me her number. Dominique also works with our local schools to provide grief and trauma support to students, teachers, administrators and parents following a sudden or unexpected loss.

I viewed a special mural created by one of the agency’s art therapists. At the event, attendees were encouraged to inscribe the names of loved ones on butterflies. These were attached to the mural to create a beautiful three-dimensional piece of memorial artwork.  It was very colorful and uplifting. It’s now on display at the Hospice of the Western Reserve headquarters building on St. Clair.

Dr. Sabrina J. Ellis, Executive Pastor of the Pentecostal Church of Christ, was the keynote speaker. Her presentation was informative and interesting. She shared her personal experiences within her family with terminal illness revealing her dislike of visiting hospitals, which she stated she is still working through. She was very honest about her prior misconceptions about hospice. She stressed that hospice is not a location, but a service that provides assistance in all areas prior to and/or at the end stages of life. Dr. Ellis stressed the use of faith, the challenge to find God in all situations and left with a statement of scripture, “To be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord.” Her presentation was very inspirational.

I enjoyed meeting new people and seeing old friends. Heidi Barham, Chair of Hospice of the Western Reserve’s African American Outreach Committee, coordinated the event. I grew up with her Aunt Pam. I hate to say that I remember when Heidi was born! I sat with Heidi’s in-laws and an old friend, Nola.

Those who attended received gift bags filled with useful information and tokens of the wonderful day. I feel so much better knowing that there is a service many can use, especially in the African-American community right now. We do not have to wait to the final stage of life take advantage of help. I can’t wait to get assistance for my 94-year-old mother who lives alone in East Cleveland and for myself now that I am a diabetic. I thank God for Hospice and all the programs available. Now I just have to pick up the phone.

Editor’s note: For more information about Hospice of the Western Reserve’s services, call 1-800-707-8922 or visit www.hospicewr.org.

Janathan Wooley, a resident of Euclid, has also lived in East Cleveland bordering the Collinwood neighborhood. Retired from the VA Medical Center, she volunteers in the Salvation Army's Citizen Circle to assist ex-offenders in re-entering society. She is also active in the music ministry of her church, The Historic St. Andrews Episcopal Church of Cleveland.