Kandice Dickinson is the Director of Public Relations for Heart ‘n Home Hospice. Her role is to manage communication between advertising, social media, public relations, and maintain a positive public image for Heart ‘n Home by exuding passion and an understanding of Heart ‘n Home operations and vision. In her role, she cascades information to the general public, Heart ‘n Home company, and media contacts in an effort to highlight the company’s best attributes. She also plans, analyzes, and creates visual solutions to communications problems including graphic design, finding the most effective way to get messages across in print and electronic media using color, type, illustration, photography, and various print and layout concepts. Kandice has Associate degrees in both Medical Office and Business Office Administration. She also received one year of consulting from Hubspot on inbound marketing and SEO. She has a Certificate of Completion in Google Analytics for Beginners. She was the Liaison to the Heart ‘n Home Foundation in 2008. She is also certified in “The Perfect Visit” by Heart ‘n Home. She has played an active role in helping Heart ‘n Home achieve recognition by the Better Business Bureau and receive the Integrity Counts! award as well as the 2019 Best of Treasure Valley award by Inbound Systems.
“Hospice to me means ‘relief.’ I began working in hospice in 2007 and it just so happened my great grandpa was on hospice services at the same time. It was a frightening time for me as I watched his diagnosis worsen rather quickly. He struggled to breathe and had limited energy. I was young, a recent college graduate, and did not have the knowledge about the end-of-life process like I do today. I had also never gone through the dying journey with someone. Once hospice came on board, there was a noticeable difference for Grandpa. Hospice also gave us relief through their education, as we learned what to expect as he progressed through the disease and decline. They empowered us by the knowledge we gained. Truthfully, I was even afraid to touch him for fear I would cause him more discomfort or pain. His hospice team reassured me it was okay for me to love on him and hold his hand and massage his hands and feet if I wanted to, which I did. They gave me a great sense of relief knowing it was okay to do that. They also brought oxygen and proper medical equipment on board and he was able to sleep better. Another sense of relief. He had more energy to do what was most important to him – like visiting with his grandkids and holding the babies. He no longer had to go to the Emergency Room and doctor’s office for appointments. This provided an element of relief to us knowing his limited energy was being protected and valued. Hospice provided relief by being available 24/7 – they were just a phone call away at all times. After he passed, they provided grief support to my grandma – giving us additional relief knowing professionals were helping her with tools that we could not. A relief, again.
Fast forward to today, I have lost several family members since Grandpa, and they too were on hospice services. These experiences have fueled my passion and love for what I do today. I now promote and advocate for the hospice benefit. I believe deeply in the right that all American’s should have access to the Medicare Hospice Benefit. My personal experiences with hospice feed the fire inside me to ensure individuals know hospice is an option for them. They do not have to do this alone. We are here to be a relief to them. I also know that each hospice IS different, everyone deserves the Heart ‘n Home standard of care.”
Zac Friberg, RN
Nicole M., RN