In honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, Hospice Services of Lake County presents the following article with thanks to Kelseyville resident Jim Plank.
Everyone has a story. Hospice Services of Lake County understands that each story is as individual as the person involved. Hospice takes an approach to serving individuals by honoring the desires of their patients while treating those people in their lives — their caregivers, families, friends and loved ones — in the respectful way they deserve.
In 1969 a love story began, and Jim Plank could not have had any idea he would be saying goodbye to the love of his life less than 47 years later. But he wouldn’t have to be facing the difficult tasks of taking care of his wife Pam without some help.
“I could call any time — day or night — with questions, and Hospice was always available,” Jim Plank said, emphasizing his appreciation for the way Hospice provides a variety of services but always in a manner that respects the wishes of the patient and family.
Pam had struggled with back pain for years but remained active even after finding out that a pain in her side was not associated with her back troubles. Instead, it was a result of a tumor on her kidney. Doctors had to remove the kidney, said Jim. She was clear of cancer for about 5 years, but in 2012, while Jim was in New York helping Hurricane Sandy victims, he received a phone call. Pam’s cancer had metastasized.
It was not the diagnosis anyone had expected. Pam and Jim were both active people, both involved in Red Cross’ disaster response activities. Pam had been an advocate of the Lakeport Senior Center. She was a board member and ran the bingo games. She was involved in the operations of Meals on Wheels. She ran the annual holiday craft fair at the senior center. She continued with her activities, even while sick, said Jim.
It wasn’t until January of this year that Pam was ready to call Hospice. Johnathan, the admissions coordinator, met with the couple and asked to speak to Pam alone, said Jim. “He sat with us, talked with us, and presented no pressure.” When the pair was ready, a hospice team including Susan, a Hospice nurse and case manager, and Sharon Weeks, a Hospice social worker, initiated care in the couple’s home.
“It meant everything” knowing that Hospice care was available if the help was needed, said Jim. The help consisted of everything from aides coming to the home to assist Jim with Pam’s care to helping to get her in and out of the house in a wheelchair for appointments. The nurse came two or three times a week. She figured out the medications and helped with Pam’s pain management. They kept her comfortable. “All the nurses were fantastic,” said Jim.
The social worker contacted Pam and Jim a few times each month. She provided valuable information. Hospice contacted church friends for the couple, who then provided Jim with house cleaning assistance.
“When Pam passed in March, Hospice was called and took care of everything”, said Jim. They made the phone calls that were needed and took care of all details. Hospice’s services didn’t end there, however.
They are still here for the family, said Jim. Tears in his eyes, he said he still gets calls to check on him. Hospice representatives call to suggest counseling and support groups. Bereavement counseling is available, “but I’m not ready,” said Jim. “It’s just nice to know it’s available.” One of the things Jim likes about Hospice, he noted, is that they allow individuals to make their own decisions; the end-of-life choices are up to the patient, and Hospice continues to be a valuable resource for the family.
Hospice Services of Lake County provides patient- and family-centered care ensuring the highest quality of life at the end-of-life wherever you call home. Our specially trained staff ensure that families receive the necessary support to allow that to happen. Services include nursing care, symptom management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to a patient’s needs and wishes. No patients are turned away if they do not have the means to pay for Hospice care.
We invite you to learn how our compassionate team can assist you and your loved ones. We are happy to talk with you about the services that we provide and how we can help. Call us at (707) 263-6222. Additional information is also available on our website, www.lakecountyhospice.org.
Janine Smith-Citron is Marketing and Development Coordinator for Hospice Services of Lake County
