01/11/2024
This morning our team was recognized as hospice heroes and shared across our hospice division. We are so honored to be recognized for this amazing act of kindness.
See below for our story that recognized our team's amazing commitment to supporting our community.
"You cannot do a kindness too soon,
for you never know how soon it will be too late.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Assured Hospice in Portland OR provided care for a patient and spouse that have been married for many years. The couple has endured many struggles during their life together including discrimination and extreme poverty. The Portland team found a special spot in their hearts for this couple and made it their mission to make their final moments together special.
A few months ago, the couple celebrated their anniversary. Their tradition every year was to go to a special restaurant on the Columbia River to celebrate, but this year the patient was not able to get out to go because of their deteriorating condition. The Assured Hospice team decided to jump into action. They knew that the couple always ordered the same meal at the restaurant for their anniversary (fish and chips for him, steak, and veggies for her) and placed that exact order. Eva Wagoner, Patient Care Manager delivered the meal to them at home, complete with flowers from her own garden, dessert to share, some table decorations, and a lot of love! Their smiles said it all.
About a month later, the husband was reaching his final days. For years, he had proudly kept the yard of their small home impeccable. Molly Rhodes, Social Worker overheard the wife consoling him about the overgrown state of their yard, telling him it was okay and that she knew he would have it nice for her if he could. Again, the team came to the rescue. Molly, Eva, Scott Berggren, Spiritual Caregiver, Lesly Mejia Morales, Business Office Manager, and Martha (Karina) Gholaghong, Hospice Aide planned a day to clean up the yard. Both the patient and his wife were beyond thankful, and once again proud of their home. The patient passed soon after, and his funeral was very well attended by the Portland team. They were invited to sit up front with the family in a place of honor!
Simple acts of kindness, like helping someone to celebrate an anniversary or maintaining a yard they had so much pride in are priceless. Everyday our Hospice teams are not only providing care and support to the patients and families they serve, but they are also performing acts of kindness that really make a difference. Thanks to Eva, Molly, Scott, Lesly, and Karina for all that you did to support this patient and his wife. You are all our Hospice Heroes!"
