Quality hospice care in Boise is essential for this large community and we recognize that need.  Locating hospice care in Boise is not difficult, in fact given the many companies available one could make a decision quite quickly.  However, don’t let that allow you to make a rash decision when choosing end-of-life support for a loved one.  It’s important to ask questions, and more important ask around – you will be surprised what your friends and family may be able to tell you about their experiences.

Finding the right Boise hospice provider does not have to be difficult.  Once you acquire a list of hospice providers in Boise City, you will want to learn more about their reputation and services specific to your needs.

Below are some questions that can help you determine what is most important to you and your family when choosing a hospice:

• What is their mission statement?
• What makes them different from other hospice agencies?
• Is the hospice Medicare Certified?
• Has the hospice been surveyed by a state or federal oversight agency in the last five years?
• Does the hospice conduct a family evaluation survey? What are the results? What do they do with them?
• Are any of their clinical staff members (physicians, nurses, hospice aides, etc.) certified or credentialed in hospice and palliative care?
• What can Volunteers help with? And how often?
• What training and screening is done before Volunteers are placed with patients/families?
• Will staff come to the home if there is a crisis at any time of the day or night as well as weekends? Who is available to make the home visit (nurses, physician, social worker, etc.)?
• If the patient needs to go to a nursing home, which one(s) does/doesn’t the hospice work with?
• How many years has the hospice been serving patients?
• How many patients has the hospice served?
• How soon does the intake/admissions staff come to begin the admission process? Is someone available at nights or on weekends?
• How does the hospice honor veterans?
• Does the hospice have any specialty programs for specific populations or diagnoses?

For a free, in-home visit call us today at 1-800-HOSPICE or we can contact you – just fill out this short form.

To celebrate Volunteer Recognition Week, Heart ‘n Home will be recognizing our outstanding Hospice Volunteers each day of the week (16-20th).  We will be honoring each Volunteer Team by office.  Heart ‘n Home currently has 5 hospice locations in Fruitland, Idaho; Emmett, Idaho; Caldwell, Idaho; Meridian, Idaho; and Baker City, Oregon.

I urge each of you to join us in recognizing and supporting those who volunteer and serve.  “We hope that Volunteer Recognition Week ignites a spark of motivation within each of you to volunteer your time and special talents to help our hospice patients and families through one of the most difficult stages of their lives.” said Brianna Walter, Director of Volunteer Services at Heart ‘n Home.

And the celebration party-train stops with our fabulous Fruitland Hospice Volunteer Team! Who may be listed last, but are most certainly NOT least!  Thank you to each of the following Caldwell Hospice Volunteers whom together have donated over 89,651 miles and over 9,738 hours! Thank you:

• Charlotte Alexander, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Larry Alexander, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Debra Davis, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Milly Davis, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Dan Dickerson, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Ella Downing, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Lori Finch, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Cicely Ambassador Advisor
• Jim Humble, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• John Inman, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• John Kelleher, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Naida Kelleher, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Rick Kerr, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Verda Koehn, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Jennifer Medina, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Nola Miller, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Cathy Morrison, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Laura Pirrie, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Gloria Roberts, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Alberta Savala, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer
• Joe Shockley, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Venita Shockley, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Cherie Skogerboe, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer
• Denny Skogerboe, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer
• Tom Smith, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Doyle Taylor, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Lila Taylor, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Patti Upton, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer
• Judy Watts, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Accounts Receivable Specialist
• Ruby Braun, Fruitland Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer
• Maria Acuna, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Bradee Burns, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Taylor Allen, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Kayla Burns, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Lucia Carbajal, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Jandee Carlson, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Kelsey Clow, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Jillian Cote, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Daniel Dahle, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Ethan Davis, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Talia Esplin, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Nik Fagen, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Trevor Finch, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Kacie Gastanaga, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Clara Gonzalez, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Diana Gonzalez, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Ramiro Gonzalez, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Connor Heersink, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Olivia Heersink, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Jasmin Herrera, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Kendra Kiramatsu, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Courtney Ingram, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Bibiana Juarez, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Victoria Marvin, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Kaylee Michael, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Holli Mullins, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Kenia Ortega, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Jesus Palomares, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Chase Paterson, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Titania Preston, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Ashley Pulido, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Sidronio Rangel, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Seth Reed, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Priscilla Rosilez, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Emily Tesnohlidek, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Emily Tingey, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Hailee Turner, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Kaylea Ware, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Alicia Williams, Fruitland Hospice Youth Volunteer

Although National Volunteer Recognition Week is coming to an end…..Heart ‘n Home never stops recognizing their wonderful Volunteers! Our team would not be complete without them! and our patients and their families would vouch for that as well   Thanks again to our Volunteers, and to ALL of America’s outstanding and generous citizens we like to call “Volunteers!”

To celebrate Volunteer Recognition Week, Heart ‘n Home will be recognizing our outstanding Hospice Volunteers each day of the week (16-20th).  We will be honoring each Volunteer Team by office.  Heart ‘n Home currently has 5 hospice locations in Fruitland, Idaho; Emmett, Idaho; Caldwell, Idaho; Meridian, Idaho; and Baker City, Oregon.

I urge each of you to join us in recognizing and supporting those who volunteer and serve.  “We hope that Volunteer Recognition Week ignites a spark of motivation within each of you to volunteer your time and special talents to help our hospice patients and families through one of the most difficult stages of their lives.” said Brianna Walter, Director of Volunteer Services at Heart ‘n Home.

SNAP….CRACKLE….POP….CELEBRATING OUR Caldwell Hospice Volunteer Team!  Thank you to each of the following Caldwell Hospice Volunteers whom together have donated 63,196 over miles and over 8,889 hours! Thank you:

• Harold Anders, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Tonia Atkins, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Outreach Coach
• Ryan Banner, Caldwell Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Cathy Bear, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Don Carlberg, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Cleve Clucus, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Jean Clucus, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Margaret Cromwell, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Janet Drake, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Jay Hawkins, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Ann Houston, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer
• Chris Johnson, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Deborah Johnson, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer
• John Karp, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Nedra Karp, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Linda Kerr, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Kathy Koch, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Kathi Lee, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer
• Melynda Lewis, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Jane Lemison, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Sylvia Lopez, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Penny McClelland, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Jack Muldoon, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Manuel Munoz, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer
• Neil Phelps, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Gloria Rogers, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Dave Smith, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Buddy Snethen, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Penny Steadham, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Erin Storey, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Caldwell Office Executive Director
• Rebecca Thomas, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Case Manager
• Don Tiller, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Sharon Townsend, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• Debbie Wallace, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer
• John Watson, Caldwell Hospice Volunteer

Be waiting for tomorrow as we wrap up our Recognition Week – last, but absolutely NOT LEAST . . . . the Fruitland Hospice Volunteers!

To celebrate Volunteer Recognition Week, Heart ‘n Home will be recognizing our outstanding Hospice Volunteers each day of the week (16-20th).  We will be honoring each Volunteer Team by office.  Heart ‘n Home currently has 5 hospice locations in Fruitland, Idaho; Emmett, Idaho; Caldwell, Idaho; Meridian, Idaho; and Baker City, Oregon.

I urge each of you to join us in recognizing and supporting those who volunteer and serve.  “We hope that Volunteer Recognition Week ignites a spark of motivation within each of you to volunteer your time and special talents to help our hospice patients and families through one of the most difficult stages of their lives.” said Brianna Walter, Director of Volunteer Services at Heart ‘n Home.

Now starring our Baker City Hospice Volunteer Team!  Thank you to each of the following Baker City Hospice Volunteers whom together have donated 14,311 over miles and over 1,875 hours! Thank you:

• Aletha Bonebrake, Baker City Hospice Volunteer
• Stephanie Byran, Baker City Hospice Volunteer
• Elva Chetwood, Baker City Hospice Volunteer
• David Coombs, Baker City Hospice Volunteer
• Jennifer Dennis, Baker City Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Roxann Fisher, Baker City Hospice Volunteer
• Ron Forrester, Baker City Hospice Volunteer
• Allen Gerig, Baker City Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Susan Gerig, Baker City Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Betty Hack, Baker City Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Baker City Volunteer Coordinator
• Phyllis Hammer, Baker City Hospice Volunteer
• Darla Looney, Baker City Hospice Volunteer, Bereavement Volunteer
• Troy Martin, Baker City Hospice Volunteer
• Linda O’Neal, Baker City Hospice Volunteer
• Lynne Proudfoot, Baker City Hospice Volunteer
• Jeanne Schroder, Baker City Hospice Volunteer

More to come this week!! Be watching!

To celebrate Volunteer Recognition Week, Heart ‘n Home will be recognizing our outstanding Hospice Volunteers each day of the week (16-20th).  We will be honoring each Volunteer Team by office.  Heart ‘n Home currently has 5 hospice locations in Fruitland, Idaho; Emmett, Idaho; Caldwell, Idaho; Meridian, Idaho; and Baker City, Oregon.

I urge each of you to join us in recognizing and supporting those who volunteer and serve.  “We hope that Volunteer Recognition Week ignites a spark of motivation within each of you to volunteer your time and special talents to help our hospice patients and families through one of the most difficult stages of their lives.” said Brianna Walter, Director of Volunteer Services at Heart ‘n Home.

Drum roll please…………..introducing the Emmett Hospice Volunteer Team!  Thank you to each of the following Emmett Hospice Volunteers whom together have donated over 26,739 miles and over 2,227 hours! Thank you:

• Heather Biggers, Emmett Hospice Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Nursing Services
• Linda Goodwin, Emmett Hospice Volunteer
• Ronald Harris, Emmett Hospice Volunteer
• Ruthie Herker, Emmett Hospice Volunteer
• Shannon Kessler, Emmett Hospice Volunteer
• Sarah Peterson, Emmett Hospice Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Case Manager
• Chuck Shambaugh, Emmett Hospice Volunteer
• Ron Turner, Emmett Hospice Volunteer
• Sandie Turner, Emmett Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Program Rep. & Volunteer Coordinator
• Ashlyn Baird, Emmett Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Oralia Garcia-Larios, Emmett Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Naomi Gillman, Emmett Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Ann Maupin, Emmett Hospice Youth Volunteer
• Jaydon Wilkerson, Emmett Hospice Youth Volunteer

To celebrate Volunteer Recognition Week, Heart ‘n Home will be recognizing our outstanding Hospice Volunteers each day of the week (16-20th).  We will be honoring each Volunteer Team by office.  Heart ‘n Home currently has 5 hospice locations in Fruitland, Idaho; Emmett, Idaho; Caldwell, Idaho; Meridian, Idaho; and Baker City, Oregon.

I urge each of you to join us in recognizing and supporting those who volunteer and serve.  “We hope that Volunteer Recognition Week ignites a spark of motivation within each of you to volunteer your time and special talents to help our hospice patients and families through one of the most difficult stages of their lives.” said Brianna Walter, Director of Volunteer Services at Heart ‘n Home.

Kicking off the week with the Meridian Hospice Volunteer Team!  Thank you to each of the following Meridian Hospice Volunteers whom together have donated over 11,073 miles and over 1,401 hours! Thank you:

• Brittany Barnes, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Lauren Beyer, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Kelsey Bruch, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Joshua Casaos, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Larry Clucas, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Mary Corn, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Michael Crawford, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Rachel Dailey, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Kim Gardner, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Justin Gause, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Garrett Gilbreath, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Whitney Godsill, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Sally Guaspari, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Jason Hanley, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Meg Kevan, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Sherry Kroon, Meridian Hospice Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Case Manager
• Patricia Kubicki, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Justin Martin, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Cindy Mason, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Vickie Mathew, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Arla McEvoy, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Marcus Miller, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Liz Mills, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Susan Palmer, Meridian Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer
• Danae Perkins, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Emily Price, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Dustyn Putzier, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Audra Rajsich, Meridian Hospice Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Program Representative
• Tim Tracey, Meridian Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer
• Brianna Walter, Meridian Hospice Volunteer, Heart ‘n Home Director of Volunteer Services
• Jocelyn Welch, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Karen Zagol, Meridian Hospice Volunteer
• Gladys Clymens, Meridian Hospice Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteer

Be watching for more Volunteer teams to be recognized!

If something were to happen to you today, would your family and friends know your wishes? What will you be doing for National Healthcare Decisions Day, April 16th?

• Completing my advance directive (Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare)
• Updating my advance directive
• Starting the Heart to Heart Conversation of advance care planning with my family/friends
• Encourage my loved ones to complete their advance directives

Have you done your advance directive? If not, don’t worry because it’s not too late – 18 years or 80 years …  make your wishes known today!

Imagine the impact we can make if we all took a moment to share our advance care planning story.  Read Janice’s story and feel free to post your own on our blog.

For more information or support in completing your advance directive call Heart ‘n Home today at 1-800-HOSPICE.

March 2012, Emmett, ID – Modern Healthcare Magazine recognizes Heart ‘n Home Hospice & Palliative Care as one of the nation’s Top 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare.  Cindy Lee, Kristopher Stice, and Todd Stice, Owners of Heart ‘n Home contribute this recognition to their excellent staff and say thank you to them for always doing what’s right by patients and families, as well as their true dedication to providing legendary customer service to our communities.

Heart ‘n Home is providing 26 new Nissan Versa vehicles for staff whose case loads require the most extensive driving. You’ll notice the new wrap design on the cars includes symbolism from their national recognition as being a best place to work in healthcare. “We want people to recognize our cars quickly and have the opportunity to ask questions about hospice care everywhere,” said Todd Stice, Senior Vice President of Finance.  “Considering that our fleet of vehicles will be driven nearly 300,000 miles a year for hospice visits, the savings will be substantial.  This will allow us to continue to provide hospice services to an ever increasing population whose financial resources are limited,” said Stice.

This decision to provide company vehicles also demonstrates that it is possible to significantly reduce expenses by offering hospice employees more. “Providing company cars that are fuel efficient and in great condition not only will help control costs, it also gives the company an advantage in a highly competitive industry,” said Stice. “In addition to enhancing employee satisfaction, these great looking cars will help promote the company’s reputation as a great place to work.”

Stice added, “Our first priority is to serve the medical needs of our patients with the most dedicated and qualified professionals.  Making our staff happy by providing a positive work environment and innovative benefits translates into providing the best hospice care for our patients.”

# # #

Please do something for yourself or a physician you care about to commemorate this special occasion. Looking for a way to support your doctor and say thanks? Here are some ideas:

• Take a moment to think about how the doctors you know have helped patients. Chances are a physician has made a huge impact on your life and on the lives of people you love.
• Thank them for their work. Doctors don’t always hear those two little words—thank you—and when they do, it truly means a lot.
• Healthcare professionals: manage up doctors with patients. This will show that we are all on the same team.
• Remember that treating doctors with kindness, empathy, and gratitude will enhance your own happiness and the quality of the environment you work in.

For doctors:

• Take a moment to pause and think about all the good you have done over the course of your career. The lives saved, the lives improved, the care you gave to patients even when you couldn’t cure them.
• Remember the “big picture” when the frustrations of the healthcare environment start to close in on you. Healing and helping others is a calling, and the good work you do makes up for the headaches that come with practicing medicine.
• Remember that we have limitations. Make sure that you realize and accept your own.
• Spend time with your family. They are also important, and time passes much too quickly. Don’t work your life away.
• Take care of your own health. The phrase “Physician, heal thyself” came about for a reason. I didn’t appreciate the wisdom of this advice until my own health began to suffer.
• Remember to practice kindness, empathy, and gratitude with patients, staff, and everyone around you. It’s the only way you will ever be happy.

(Quint Studer, Health Care Consultant and Founder of Studer Group. http://www.studergroup.com/home/quints blog.dot)

May 4th, 2012

8:00pm – 10:00pm

Origins Faith Community, 490 E Lane, Ontario

All monies raised will go to the Heart ‘n Home Foundation to provide hospice care to those with terminal diseases who do not have insurance or cannot afford to pay for care in this tragic time of life.

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