Wissahickon Hospice Of Uphs

PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE HOSPICE SERVICES

DURING THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 WISSAHICKON HOSPICE PROVIDED UNCOMPENSATED CARE, COMPRISED OF CHARITY CARE AND THE PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS, TOTALING $2,226,003 AND $2,253,062 FOR 2021 AND 2020, RESPECTIVELY. WISSAHICKON HOSPICE PROVIDES MUCH NEEDED PROFESSIONAL AND PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING. TOPICS INCLUDE ISSUES RELATED TO END OF LIFE CARE WITH ATTENTION TO THE NEEDS OF BOTH PROFESSIONALS AND FAMILY CAREGIVERS. OUTREACH EFFORTS INCLUDE WORKSHOPS, SYMPOSIA, INFORMATIONAL AND REFERRAL SERVICES, WEB BASED RESOURCES, AND AUDIO AND VIDEO PROGRAMMING. DURING THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021, WISSAHICKON HOSPICE PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS TO PROFESSIONALS AND THE PUBLIC AT LITTLE OR NO CHARGE: C0MMUNITY SUPPORT/SERVICES: - VOLUNTEER SUPPORT AND SERVICES > 2000+ MASKS CREATED AND DELIVERED TO PATIENTS/FAMILIES > VETERANS CELEBRATIONS: 139 VETERAN PACKAGES DELIVERED HONORING THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED PUMPKIN DRIVE: VOLUNTEERS DECORATED AND DELIVERED PUMPKINS TO PATIENTS/FAMILIES > PIE DRIVE: VOLUNTEER EFFORT, DELIVERED OVER 200 PIES TO HOSPICE FAMILIES DURING THANKSGIVING > CAKE DRIVE: REMEMBERING PATIENT/FAMILY SPECIAL EVENTS WITH HOMEMADE AND BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED CAKES. 105 CAKES DELIVERED. > HANDMADE GOODS: 825 RECIPIENTS (QUILTS, BLANKETS, FIDGET SQUARES, DINNER SCARVES, CHEMO CAPS) - ESTABLISHED VET TO VET PROGRAM - VOLUNTEER VETERANS VISITING WITH VETERANS RECEIVING HOSPICE CARE. - ACHIEVED LEVEL III, WORKING ON REACHING LEVEL IV OF THE NATIONAL HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARES'S "WE HONOR VETERANS" PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM SEEKS TO SUPPORT VETERANS AT THE END OF LIFE, ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR SERVICE, AND CONNECT THEM TO THE VA TO ACCESS BENEFITS. THE PROGRAM WAS EXPANDED TO PALLIATIVE CARE AND HOME CARE PATIENTS IN AN EFFORT TO HELP VETERANS CONNECT TO ENTITLED SERVICES THROUGH THE VA PRIOR TO END OF LIFE. - COMMUNITY BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM: ESTABLISHED IN 2021 FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE NOT ON SERVICE WITH PENN MEDICINE HOSPICE BUT EXPERIENCED A LOSS AND NEEDED ADDTITIONAL SUPPORT. PROGRAM HAS A DEDICATED COUNSELOR, PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE UP TO 3 ONE ON ONE COUNSELING SERVICES, SUPPORTIVE EFFORT TO CONNECT PARTICIPANTS TO ADDITIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES FOLLOWING INTERVENTIONS IF DESIRED BY PARTICIPANT. PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE ROUTINE MAILINGS WITH COPING STRATEGIES FOLLOWING LOSS, ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN WEEKLY GROUP SESSIONS, WORKSHOPS, AND MEMORIAL SERVICES. - GRIEF REACH PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG GRIEVING FAMILIES WERE HELD. WITH THE ONSET OF COVID THE ORGANIZATION CREATED APPROPRIATE PROGRAMING TO ACCOUNT FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING. THE ANNUAL GRIEF CAMP AND THE GRIEF REACH PROGRAM WERE COMBINED INTO VIRTUAL PROGRAMS. GRIEVING FAMILIES RECEIVED QUARTERLY MAILINGS AND/OR DELIVERIES BY COUNSELORS OF A CAMP ALL YEAR AND A BOX OF SUPPLIES. THE SUPPLIES SUPPORTED VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING, AND PROVIDED FAMILIES WITH TOOLS AND MATERIALS TO SUPPORT FAMILY CONNECTION IN THEIR GRIEF. THE VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING WAS FACILITATED BY CHILD BEREAVEMENT COUNSELORS, AND COMBINED FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND GRIEF INTERVENTIONS. PROGRAMMING WAS SUPPORTED BY VOLUNTEER DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING EVENTS, THERE WERE NO CHARGES TO FAMILIES TO PARTICIPATE. - SNF PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED AT THE ONSET OF COVID TO SUPPORT NURSING HOME PARTNERS WITH COVID POSITIVE PATIENTS. THE PROGRAM PROVIDED PHYSICIAN SUPPORT, MEDICATION CONSULTATION, SOCIAL WORK AND CHAPLAIN SUPPORTS. IPADS WERE DELIVERED TO THE FACILITIES AND PSYCHOSOCIAL STAFF HELPED TO FACILITATE VIRTUAL VISITS FOR THE FAMILY AND RESIDENT. FAMILIES WHO LOST A LOVED ONE FROM COVID WERE ALSO ENTERED INTO A SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM THAT FEATURED: EARLY SUPPORT CALLS, MULTIPLE MAIL CORRESPONDENCE, COPING MODULES ON WEBSITE, INCLUDED IN ANNUAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE, AND WERE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS. 124 PATIENTS WERE SUPPORTED IN THIS PROGRAM. - ESTABLISHED A VAN PROGRAM TO BRING NECESSARY PPE TO STAFF VISITING PATIENTS DURING COVID PANDEMIC - PROVIDED BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT FOR LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS - MAINTAINED THE ELDERPAC PROGRAM IN COLLABORATION WITH RALSTON HOUSE, WHICH IS A PROGRAM FOR THE FRAIL ELDERLY CONCENTRATED IN WEST PHILADELPHIA - SUPPORTED CHESTER COUNTY CHALLENGE BIKE RIDE, ANGEL TREE CEREMONY AND DILWORTHTOWN WINE FESTIVAL ALL THROUGH VIRTUAL EVENTS THIS PAST YEAR. - EXPANDED VOLUNTEER SERVICES TO PATIENTS IN THEIR HOMES INCLUDING CELEBRATORY CAKES, ASSISTANCE WITH GARDENING, PLANTS PROVIDED, AND HOMEMADE MASKS TO PROTECT FAMILIES. - COLLABORATED WITH LOCAL RESTAURANT IN A DASH AND DELIVER PROGRAM TO SUPPORT PATIENTS AND FAMILIES. - VIRTUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE: OFFERED OVER A YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND EXTENDED TO HOSPICE, HOMECARE, PALLIAITVE CARE, HOSPITAL AND NURSING HOME FACILITIES. THE MEMORIAL SERVICE PROGRAM REMAINED AVAILABLE FOR VEIWING THROUGHOUT 2021. - THE DAVID BRADLEY CHILDREN'S BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM IS A VALUABLE AND UNIQUE COMMUNITY RESOURCE AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN AND TEENS AT NO COST TO THE FAMILIES. THE PROGRAM'S LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR PROVIDES INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING SERVICES - BEFORE AND AFTER THE DEATH OF THE CHILD'S LOVED ONE. PART OF THE MISSION OF THE DAVID BRADLEY CHILDREN'S BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM IS TO PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY WITH EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO ENCOURAGE DISCUSSION AND PROVIDE METHODS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS TO UNDERSTAND THEIR EMOTIONS AFTER THE DEATH OF A SPECIAL PERSON IN THEIR LIVES. OUR CHILDREN'S BEREAVEMENT COUNSELOR IS AVAILABLE AS A RESOURCE FOR: TEACHERS AND SCHOOL COUNSELORS, COMMUNITY AND NON PROFIT GROUPS, CHURCHES AND SCHOOL SEMINARS, SPEAKING AND LECTURE PROGRAMS. EDUCATION: - ONLINE COPING MODULES CREATED ON THE PENN MEDICINE BEREAVEMENT PAGE; 10-15 MINUTE MODULES ON COPING STRATEGIES, REFLECTIONS AND SUPPORT - CREATED AND DISTRIBUTED PATIENT EDUCATION ON COVID - CEU PRESENTATIONS PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ON: > HEART FAILURE IN A JIFFY > CANNABIS FOR THE HOSPICE CROWD > EDMONTON SYMPTOM ASSESSMENT SCALE > PPE: COVID 19 AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT > REACH TO TEACH: MEETING THE HEALTH LITERACY NEEDS OF DIVERSE PATIENTS AND FAMLIES > HOSPICE ELIGIBITY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE > ROLE OF THE IDT > OPIOD MATH FOR THE PRACTICING HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE CLINICIANS > SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT DYSPNEA > IS THIS HOSPICE? STRATEGIES FOR DISCUSSING GOALS OF CARE IN THE FACE OF COMPLEX THERAPIES > HOARDING BEHAVIOR AND INTERVENTIONS > MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS > PARTNERSHIP WITH BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO REGISTER ELIGIBLE VOTERS AND FACILITATED OPPORTUNITIES TO CAST MAIL IN BALLOTS. - ESTABLISHED MANDATORY HOSPICE ELIGIBILTY COMPETENCEY PROGRAM FOR ALL HOSPICE CLINICIANS - DEVELOPED CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS TEAM FOCUSED ON REDUCING UNPLANNED DISCHARGES FROM HOSPICE AND IMPROVING ACCESS TO CARE AFTER HOURS - PARTNER WITH LOCAL UNIVERSITIES AND PARAMEDIC PROGRAM TO PROVIDE INPATIENT HOSPICE EDUCATION TO STUDENTS - LEADERSHIP PARTICIPATES IN CURRICULUM FOR NURSING STUDENTS ON DEATH AND DYING TOPICS. - PROVIDED LECTURES FOR PENN PHD GRADUATE STUDENTS PROGRAM - PRESENT MODULES AT MONTHLY ELNEC MEETINGS - STAFF MEMBERS PROVIDE REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE TRAINING TO MED STUDENTS ON END OF LIFE CARE (DOC 101) - STAFF MEMBERS PROVIDE MONTHLY CLASSROOM EDUCATION ON UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF SPIRITUAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL DISTRESS ON DISEASE PROGRESSION. - PARTNER WITH THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE TO PROVIDE MEDICAL STUDENT ROTATION THROUGH PALLIATIVE CARE AND HOSPICE. - FORMULATED ADVANCED BEREAVEMENT PEER TO PEER SOCIAL NETWORK GROUP FOR BEREAVED INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT PROGRAMMING TO MINIMIZE SOCIAL ISOLATION AMOUNG BEREAVED ADULTS. - COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT GRIEF AND LOSS WERE OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO THE COMMUNITY FREE OF CHARGE. SPECIAL PROGRAMS WERE OFFERED DURING DIFFICULT HOLIDAYS - SUPPORTING GRIEVING CHILDREN AND ADULTS DURING THE HOLIDAYS; ADULT SUPPORT AT MOTHER'S DAY. - PROVIDED "ASK THE EXPERTS" TABLE SIDE CONSULTATIONS TO PATIENTS, FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS. - MONTHLY PARTICIPATION IN THE UPHS PALLIATIVE CARE SEMINARS - ESTABLISHED TOWN HALL PRESENTATIONS EVERY OTHER WEEK - ESTABLISHED - ONE NOTE, A PHONE APP TO ALLOW CLINICIANS TO ACCESS ON THEIR PHONE IMPORTANT RESOURCES, INFORMATION, CLINICAL SUPPORT, FUNERAL HOME INFORMATION, VETERAN'S BENEFITS, AREA FACILITIES, AND HOW TO COMPLETE CERTAIN ELEMENTS OF DOCUMENTATION. - HELD GOALS OF CARE AND DEATH AND DYING SIMULATIONS FOR HEALTH SYSTEM EMPLOYEES. - PROVIDED GRIEF SUPPORT AND EDUCATION TO COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS. - STAFF SUPPORT AT AREA NURSING HOMES FOCUSED ON CAREGIVER AND GRIEF BURNOUT. - EDUCATIONAL LECTURES HELD WITH SOCIAL WORK GRAD STUDENTS, MED STUDENTS AND NURSING STUDENTS. - AGENCY WIDE HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED TO PROMOTE SELF CARE AMOUNG EMPLOYEES. - COORDINATED WITH FUTURE MEDICAL STUDENTS ON A STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (SHOOP). - ESTABLISHED GRIEF REACH WORKSHOP. - PRESENTED CREATIVE ART OF GRIEF AT CHESTNUT HILL FALL FESTIVAL.