HPH Hospice

Eased Through His Final Hours

HPH Hospice — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:32:23 +0000

My husband, Walter, died at this fantastic hospice early this morning, April 25, 2012.
It was my first experience at a hospice and I have to say that I have never felt such compassion. My husband was well cared for and eased through his final hours.
Thank you with genuine gratitude.

- Rachael

HPH Hospice — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:33:03 +0000

Click on the video to pause.

American Legion Post #343 Donation benefits HPH Hospice’s We Honor Veterans Pinning Ceremony Program

HPH Hospice — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:10:33 +0000

When the American Legion Post #343, Holiday recently disbanded, the group was required to disperse leftover funds in the treasury. Luigi Squaillante, a Post #343 member requested a donation be made to HPH Hospice. On April 5, Squaillante presented Sheena Thompson, HPH Hospice volunteer coordinator, with a $500 donation designated for the We Honor Veterans (WHV) pinning ceremony program.
Squaillante, a Vietnam veteran and a WHV volunteer, has conducted many pinning ceremonies honoring veterans who are patients at HPH Hospice. Presented by a volunteer who is also a veteran, the pinning ceremony consists of a certificate of appreciation, pin and star from a worn American flag. Through the WHV program many veterans have been able to talk about their military service, possibly for the first time in their lives. This program has significant meaning to Squaillante because he has experienced the emotion and appreciation veteran patients and families express during the pinning ceremonies.
Partnering with the Veterans’ Administration and the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, HPH Hospice staff has been trained to understand the unique needs of veterans and their families and are better prepared to meet the specific challenges that they may face at end-of-life.
For further information on the programs and services offered at HPH Hospice, please visit our We Honor Veterans page.

A Blessing For Me

HPH Hospice — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:56:41 +0000

Due to surgery and my husband’s medical problems and falling, I was unable to care for him with his medical problems and dementia. HPH took him in at the Hospice Care Center which was a blessing for me. He had the best nursing care. Doctors from Hospice stepped in and worked out his meds. I feel God surely was watching over him. I thank the Care Center from the bottom of my heart. May God bless the doctors and nurses at the Center.

- Kathy

Tender and Compassionate Care

HPH Hospice — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:55:39 +0000

I cannot express in words the wonderful, tender and compassionate care my husband, Arduino (Eddy) received while at HPH.

He could get pretty cranky when in pain, but the nurses and aides were so professional and compassionate in caring for him. When a particular nurse, Mary, saw me crying at his bedside she appeared with a carafe of coffee and cookies on a tray and had instructed a kitchen volunteer to bring me lunch and to not linger. An aide, Donna, saw that I was chilled and brought me a few throws to warm me up.

There were limitless hugs and kisses to my husband, and to myself. I never knew what hospice really was until I became involved via my husband. He was aware death was imminent and kept asking me how we could afford this.

He passed on 3/29/12 and when I arrived a few minutes later I was grabbed by the nurse on duty and hugged and brought into his room to stay as long as I wished without being disturbed. Our son arrived a little later; we thanked everyone on hand for their care and went home to mourn. Thank you, HPH.

- Marion

The Veteran Pinning was a Very Special Occasion

HPH Hospice — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:11:38 +0000

My father-in-law William McFarland, has been very ill since December 1,2011. He was in the James Haley Veterans Hospital then the St. Joseph’s Hospital prior to his arrival at the HPH Hospice Care Center on Rowan road on March 12, 1012. Special thanks to Suzanne Wade, RN for her support with setting up the quick transfer. Kudos to Lisa, RN for her compassionate care on his first day. The Veteran pinning by two volunteers on the morning of his death was a very special occasion that I will never forget. The passion and sensitive manner of the pinning and awarding of the HPH Veteran Certificate will never be forgotten.

We are very happy to have shared the last days with our loved one at such a caring facility. Thanks to everyone that supported us during this most difficult time.

- Linda

My Relationship with My Dad was Pretty Special

HPH Hospice — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:32:24 +0000

I had really never had hands-on experience with hospice before. My Father, Norman Shaver, came to the East Pasco location on February 29, 2012 and passed away there March 9, 2012. It was tough watching my father so sick. I am the only girl with 5 brothers. I was born on father’s day so my relationship with my Dad was pretty special. Everyone at the Hospice Care Center was great. My father spent his last days looking outside at the beautiful scenery. The whole staff was great. There was one nurse who admitted my father and was with us most evenings. Her name was Terry and she was wonderful. She talked to us and told us what to expect. She was always there for us. She even cried with us. What really was a difficult time was made bearable by the whole staff and volunteers at the Care Center. And the soups and all the goodies were delicious. I cannot say enough about HPH Hospice! Thanks again.

- The Family of Norman Shaver

Heartfelt Thanks

HPH Hospice — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:04:11 +0000

I just wanted to thank your organization and a big special thanks to the nurse Jennifer. She cared for my grandma Gladus at the facility in Dade City off of Clinton Road. My grandma passed away this morning at your facility at about 2:30 a.m. It was a great loss for us but a big win for heaven. Your facility gave her dignity and peace to the end. I am so glad you were there. I wish I could say more but pretty upset right now. But, again, please thank everyone involved for me; you have our family’s utmost respect and heartfelt thanks.

- Mark

I Just Wanted To Say Thank You

HPH Hospice — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:41:27 +0000

I just wanted to say that the staff at Dade City, who worked with my dear friend and “adopted Dad” Woody took THE BEST care of him in his final days. He suddenly lost his wife unexpectedly and she was his main caretaker. Every time I called, the staff was pleasant and was able to give me an update without having to check with someone else. They knew their patients well. They could tell me what he ate and drank and even helped him hold the phone when I called. I just wanted to say thank you. I also wanted to make sure that the love and care that the Dade City staff gave Woody did not go without acknowledgement. Please commend them. It means a lot. Thank you.

- Shannon

He Was My Hero

HPH Hospice — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:58:39 +0000

My dad recently passed away with lung cancer in the Dade City Hospice Care Center. He was my hero and one of my best friends.I want to begin by saying thank you to ALL the nurses at the Hospice Care Center. I can’t think of a better place for my dad to have been at that time in his life. We knew it was the end and we knew he was suffering, but you all gave him that extra strength and encouragement to hold on just a little bit longer. It’s amazing how much dedication you have for your patients. It’s been four months and I still miss him every single day. Thank you for keeping my daddy healthy as long as you possibly could. You all will never be forgotten by myself or my family.

- Melissa