Care Moments
Care Moments are stories that capture our dedication to treating each patient with compassion, excellence, integrity, innovation and teamwork. Each story illustrates our Care for who I am culture, from the care services we provide to patients and families to how we interact with our partners and one another.
A Patchwork of Gratitude
In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week, our hospice team came together to create something truly meaningful: a handmade quilt with each square lovingly decorated by a member of our team as a tribute to the compassion and dedication of our volunteers.
Butch’s Greatest Wish
For Ronald Edwards, more well known as “Butch”, hockey isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifelong passion So when our Galesburg team learned that his greatest wish was to reconnect with the game he once played and still holds dear, they came together to make it happen.
Bringing Education and Community Together: Blooms & Bubbles Drive-Thru CEU Event
Our team recently hosted Blooms & Bubbles, a special drive-thru continuing education unit (CEU) event in partnership with Woody’s Funeral Home/Dignity Funeral Services and JenCare.
A Meal to Remember for Jay Deely
We believe in honoring life’s meaningful moments at Compassus, and for Jay Deely, that meant one last dinner with his closest friends and family, enjoying his favorite meal—swordfish.
A Mother’s Wish: Celebrating Life’s Milestones
We honor what matters most to our patients and their families at Compassus. For Imelda Werner, that meant witnessing her son Karl’s high school graduation and her daughter Jordan’s college graduation.
Chey Sullivan’s Impact at Desert Rose by Atria
This commitment to care is reflected in the efforts of Cheyenne Sullivan, LPN-HCC, who is making a meaningful impact at Desert Rose by Atria in Yuma, AZ.
Remembering Lost loved ones in Phoenix
A heartfelt Remembrance Gathering hosted by Bereavement Coordinator Sarah Amankwah brought together our Compassus hospice staff and patient families in Phoenix, AZ
Paying it Forward with “Blessing Bags”
Jenni Thompson, Area Executive of Clinical Operations, shared that the family of a hospice patient who passed away this summer gifted “blessing bags” to the hospice house. Intended for families spending time there with their loved ones during the holidays, each thoughtful gift bag contained small comforts and tokens of care.
A Holiday Story from Greenville, South Carolina
This holiday season, Barbara Mangle, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Amy Holder, Business Office Manager, from Bon Secours Home Care and Hospice by Compassus in Greenville, SC, teamed up with Barbara Hendley, who helps with our outpatient rehabilitation teams, to bring joy to those in need.
A Voice Restored – Speech Therapy with Rebecca
One patient recently shared their experience with Rebecca, a skilled speech therapist who went above and beyond to help them regain essential skills.
Compassionate Care Reflects the Heart of Ascension at Home Together with Compassus
A patient under the care of Ascension at Home shared a reflection on two team members: Holly, a registered nurse, and Matt, a physical therapist.
Supporting the Fight Against Cancer in Branson
This past Saturday, our team had the privilege of supporting the American Cancer Society at the Relay for Life event in Branson, MO. It was a day filled with community spirit and meaningful connections as we came together to raise awareness and funds for an important cause.
Fulfilling Lifelong Dreams at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
This October, the Compassus Clovis, New Mexico hospice program exemplified our ‘Care for who I am’ philosophy by coming together to fulfill a special wish for treasured patient and lifelong New Mexico resident, Michelle Salas.
Celebrating Betty Yust: A Century of Life, Love and Joy
This month, we had the special honor of celebrating the 100th birthday of Betty Yust, a treasured patient in our Tulsa, Oklahoma hospice program.
Celebrating Mr. Harvey Gardner: A Compassus Veteran and His 60-Year Love Story
Recently, our Yuma team had the privilege of performing a Veteran Pinning Ceremony for Harvey, recognizing his military service, and celebrating a significant personal milestone – 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Martha.
A Day at the Lake: Celebrating Norma Trooper
Norma’s camp, nestled by the serene Lake Wyola in Shutesbury, Massachusetts, was built in 1954 by her husband and father. A special place filled with memories, it has been a cornerstone of her life, and for years, she fondly recalled her time there. Her birthday wish was simple yet profound – she wanted to go back to the camp.
Team Member Spotlight: Giovanni Day
Now serving as our Referral Intake Program Manager, Gio has already made an extraordinary impact by streamlining referral workflows and applying his data analysis expertise to enhance processes. This dedication to innovation allows us to serve more patients effectively, meeting their unique needs with greater efficiency
Honoring Memories in Yuma, Arizona
Recently, our hospice program serving Yuma, Arizona hosted its annual Remembrance Gathering, an event that reflects this belief and our ‘Care for Who I Am’ philosophy. It was a day filled with love, reflection, and the enduring power of memory.
Pets, Smiles, and Joy in Wausau: A Special Day at Rennes Health & Rehab Center
The Compassus hospice program serving Wausau recently brought smiles and joy to the residents of Rennes Health & Rehab Center-Weston by organizing a special event—a petting zoo.
Celebrating and Honoring Veteran Genara Marzan
This summer, our Compassus hospice program serving Willingboro, New Jersey, had the profound honor of celebrating and honoring one such extraordinary patient and veteran, Genara Marzan.
Bringing Comfort and Joy: Honoring Snong’s Heritage
Recently, our Bedford, New Hampshire hospice program had the privilege of bringing a touch of home and a reminder of younger years to our treasured patient, Snong Sungkam.
A Day at the Zoo Brett Ware’s Wish
Upon being discharged from the hospital, Brett expressed a heartfelt desire to our Compassus Clinical Liaison, Alyssa Weyandt. He shared that his dying wish was to visit the zoo with his sister Mickie and her family.
A Day at the Barnyard: Compassus Brings Joy to Troy Residents
Earlier this month, the Compassus hospice program serving Troy, Alabama, and surrounding communities, in collaboration with Troy Health & Rehab and Troy Regional Medical Center, organized a heartwarming event for the residents at Troy Health and Rehab.
Celebrating Richard Crawford: A Heartfelt Birthday Surprise from Compassus
Richard Crawford, a cherished patient from our Southside, Alabama hospice program, recently celebrated his 82nd birthday. “I never thought I would see 82, let alone be surrounded by so much love on my birthday,” Richard shared.
Dream Family Vacation
When asked about her most important wish, Linda expressed a heartfelt desire: she wished for a vacation with her entire family. She had never experienced a vacation where her whole family was together.
Fulfilling Dreams in West Branch, Michigan
The Compassus hospice program serving West Branch, Michigan, had the honor of making a dream a reality for one of our patients, Jana, a 26-year-old with a heart full of aspirations.
Corvettes and Compassion
In a touching display of community spirit and compassion, the Compassus Hamburg, Pennsylvania hospice program recently collaborated with Todd March, President of the Schuylkill Valley Corvettes Club, to bring happiness to a beloved patient and avid car lover.
Cabbage Patch Kids
At a heartwarming Compassus event held at Commonwealth Senior Living, residents experienced the joy of childhood anew adopting their very own Cabbage Patch Kid dolls thanks to our Fredericksburg, Virginia hospice program.
Thriving with Compassus: Sandy’s Journey to Independence
After recently relocating with her daughter Laura to a one-level senior living apartment, Sandra ‘Sandy’ Larrison is experiencing a beautiful transformation, thanks to the personalized home health care services provided by our Ascension at Home Together with Compassus program in Evansville, Indiana.
Rebecca and Jessica’s Hospice Journey
Caregiver Rebecca Spallinger shared the profound experience of caring for her dear friend Jessica during the latter’s final days, reflecting a journey marked by love, preparation, and the utmost respect for a life well-lived.
The Fry Family’s Story
In the world of hospice care, the journey of each family we serve is unique, deeply personal, and filled with moments of profound beauty and tenderness. The story of Greg Fry and his family exemplifies the essence of Compassus’ mission—to honor quality of life while providing compassionate care for our patients and their families.
101 Year old birthday
In the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, our Compassus hospice program recently had the privilege of celebrating a truly remarkable milestone – treasured patient, Sidney Horn becoming an official Oklahoma Centenarian.
Ellie’s Wish
When a hospice patient recently began care services with our Compassus Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania program, the team had the privilege of demonstrating compassionate care and our ‘Care for Who I am’ philosophy in action.
Austin Team Demonstrates ‘Care for Who I Am’ Culture
In a true display of compassion and solidarity, the Compassus Austin team recently exemplified their ‘Care for Who I Am’ culture when one of their own faced a harrowing ordeal.
Spreading Love in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
During Valentine’s Week, our Fort Washington, Pennsylvania hospice program had the amazing opportunity to spread extra love and compassionate care to our patients and their families across the county.
A Compassus Hospice Care Consultant’s ‘Why’
In the world of hospice care, every day brings new challenges, but also moments of profound connection and compassion. One such story comes from Compassus Hospice Care Consultant Evan Campbell from our Tulsa, Oklahoma program.
Palliative Puffs
Our Compassus hospice program in Payson, Arizona, recently joined hands with the non-profit organization Palliative Puffs to bring warmth, companionship, and happiness to two of our beloved patients.
A Special Recognition for Betty
Our Compassus hospice program serving Fredericksburg, Virginia and surrounding communities had the privilege of honoring patient 87-year-old Francis “Betty” Mills, whose life story echoed resilience, service, and unwavering dedication.
A Special Gathering in Casa Grande
Our Compassus program serving Casa Grande, Arizona and surrounding communities had the privilege of hosting a Remembrance Gathering this past month for our patients and families. It was a time for people to come together and honor the memories of those we’ve lost, a chance to remember and celebrate their lives.
Homemade Holiday Cookies
The Compassus hospice program serving Green Bay, Wisconsin and surrounding communities recently received a special surprise from a local club—a donation of homemade holiday cookies! The aim? To sweeten the holiday and spread cheer to those in hospice care.
Elvis Party
Our Compassus hospice program serving Bedford, New Hampshire and surrounding communities threw not just one, but two fantastic Elvis-themed parties for two very special patients this past month.
Volunteer Nancy Russell
Meet Nancy Russell, an extraordinary Compassus volunteer from our Indianapolis hospice program who has dedicated 11 years of her life to supporting patients and their families. As you will learn, Nancy’s role might not always be in the spotlight, but her contributions are invaluable.
Ronald (Ron) Kazanski
Compassus hospice patient Ronald (Ron) Kazanski from our Saginaw, Michigan program grew up and lived his entire life in Michigan. Over time Ron watched his family grow and take different paths across the vast United States.
A Grandfather’s Mission
In Southside, Alabama, Madelyne Hayes Giamalva was busy planning her dream wedding. There were countless things on her list of wedding wishes, but one thing stood out above all others: she wanted her 89-year-old grandfather, Joseph Holmes, to walk her down the aisle.
Sylvia Gelineau
In the warm embrace of family, vacationing at the beach has been a long-standing tradition for the Gelineali family. Sadly, this cherished family tradition was disrupted by the onset of Alzheimer’s disease for matriarch Sylvia Gelineali leaving her family wanting to find a way to recreate those precious memories.
Kaleb Legoland
On a recent visit with 6-year-old patient Kaleb from our Milwaukee hospice program, the social worker asked him what he liked to do for fun. Kaleb’s eyes lit up as he shared his passions: video games, wrestling with his dad and brothers, and his absolute love for Lego’s. But there was one dream that stood out above all – a trip to Legoland!
Mr. Price (Thunder)
As Compassus Hospice Care Consultant Amanda Satcher of our Meridian, Mississippi hospice program was making her way home, she stumbled upon something she never expected to see: her neighbor, Mr. James Price, known as Thunder, sleeping on the side of the road.
Michael Tanner
Michael Tanner’s journey began as a soldier in the Marine Corps, where he served a tour in Afghanistan with honor and dedication. Michael’s service to his country showcased his commitment to protecting others, a value he would carry with him throughout his life.
Sock Hop
Our Compassus hospice program serving Flowood, Mississippi and surrounding communities was honored to be asked back for the 3rd Annual Abigayle Adult Day Center 1950s Sock Hop. It was a day filled with music, dancing, delicious food, and most importantly, heartfelt connections.
James Andrews
When James Andrews, a retired boxing instructor and proud veteran, started with our Huntsville, Texas program he expressed to Hospice Care Consultant Shelby Whisenhunt his lifelong passion for boxing.
Forever Heartbeat
Thank you to our Lakeside, Arizona hospice team for coming together to allow a young mother’s heart to forever beat for her two little daughters. Your compassionate care and steadfast commitment to our patients and their families define what our ‘Care for who I am’ culture is.
Eula ‘Faye’ Koloch
The special bond between Compassus companion volunteer Diane Potter, music volunteer Kathy Sax, and one very special patient Eula ‘Faye’ Koloch from our Indianapolis hospice program is a perfect example of the immeasurable impact our volunteers have on our patients—as well as the endless rewards that come with volunteering.
Phil Gerster
As team members we are steadfast in our dedication to our patients, families, & our ‘Care for who I am‘ culture. A warm thank you to hospice patient Phil Gerster for extending our culture back onto one of our own, it is a honor and privilege to be your chosen caregivers.
Thomas Lorbeck
When Thomas Lorbeck was asked, “If you could make a wish come true, what would that wish be?” he responded with great enthusiasm: “I would love to see a Milwaukee Brewers game in person with my group home family.”
Mr. Spiller
Our Houston, Texas hospice program faced an extraordinary challenge when they received a referral on Mr. Spiller from St. Luke’s Medical Center. Mr. Spiller, dependent on a ventilator and IV pressors, had a heartfelt end-of-life wish – to pass away at home, surrounded by family.
11th Hour Volunteer
Just when we thought our Compassus hospice volunteers could not provide any more dedication, compassion, and kindness to our patients, enter our 11th Hour hospice volunteers.
Rich Riggs
From meaningful conversations to surrounding him with his favorite foods, the Compassus team in Willingboro, New Jersey truly excelled in making Rich feel special.
Colorado Springs
Another trip around the sun, another year of celebrating our team members! See how our Compassus Colorado Springs program shows appreciation for their team members with some birthday love and self-care.
Kokomo Home Health
When Ascension at Home together with Compassus patient started services with our Kokomo, Indiana Home Health program, he had limited family support, needed major home repairs, and had very little food in his home because his refrigerator broke down. Thankfully, all this changed when the Kokomo Team stepped in and exemplified our ‘Care for who I am’ culture.
Imogene “Genie” Schiegg
When Compassus Colorado Springs patient Imogene “Genie” Schiegg wanted to go horseback riding for her 91st Birthday, our team–with the help of Dawn of Hope Ranch, got to work in making her birthday wish of being a cowgirl, a reality.
Opal McCardle
The Hattiesburg team worked diligently and found a nursing home placement that allowed both mother Opal and son David to be in the same facility.
Edward Swindoll
For home hospice patient Edward Brent Swindoll and his wife Jennifer Anne, this promise of ‘Care for who I am‘ came in the form of a Date Night thanks to our Hattiesburg, Mississippi team.
Dick Novak
Our Wisconsin team planned a date for Dick and his wife after learning that they used to enjoy taking car rides and hadn’t been able to do so in a long time.
Freddie Johnson
Compassus Volunteer Coordinator Travis had the honor of visiting with patient and Army veteran Freddie who disclosed he learned the important life lesson of dedication while serving.
Michelle Darr
Compassus Specialty Infusion RN Michelle Darr eases fears of toddler patient with toys.
Ricardo Anaya
Our New Mexico team planned the wedding of hospice patient Ricardo and his partner Margaret.
Maryann
Maryann’s dream of a birthday celebration that focused on her after sharing the day with her sister for years finally came true.
