One of the many important activities of our volunteers is honoring and serving the military veterans in our care. Although we have always provided loving care to veterans and their families, we have formalized that care and now acknowledge their service to our country through the Hope VALOR program - "Veterans' Access to Life Opportunities and Resources."

The purpose of VALOR is to ensure that each veteran in our care receives the respect, specialized care and VA benefits that they deserve.

Some volunteers serve in our Hope Honor Guard, a group of volunteers - many of whom are veterans -- supporting our patients who have served in the armed forces. As part of the VALOR program, the Hope Honor Guard says "thank you" to our veterans by presenting them with a certificate of appreciation for their military service, along with an American flag lapel pin and a special camouflage bear. These presentations are made during a ceremony that always concludes with a military salute - a gesture of honor.

For patients nearing the end of life, it is often helpful to talk about the past. For some veterans, it is easier to talk about military experience with fellow veterans. These conversations can be helpful to the person, bringing peace of mind and perhaps closure to past events in life. The Hope Honor Guard is there, listening while offering camaraderie and support.

Veterans and their families are showing us, through smiles and tears, that we are creating a special moment in their lives.

For all that each of you do, thank you for making a difference.

Office volunteers continue to be needed at our HealthPark Office. If you are interested in volunteering with computers or learning how to work on a computer, please contact Lynnan for more information. Positions are available every day and times are flexible.

11th Hour Volunteers
Sitting with a patient in the last hours is a privilege and the utmost sign of respect. When a patient does not have family or the family is present but exhausted or uncomfortable being alone when their loved one dies an 11th Hour volunteer can be a tremendous help, and will usually be called to a nursing home, assisted living facility, or a hospice house when a patient has 24-48 hours to live. The hours and days vary depending on need. If you would like to be on the list to help, you will need to attend additional training.

 

Fort Myers Healthpark Office
Wednesday, September 30
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A: I love this new program! This is an opportunity for Hope to say 'thank you' to the men and women who gave so much for our country. You do not have to be a Veteran to participate. Hope Honor Guard volunteers participate in the regular Hope training program to become volunteers, and additional training for the Honor Guard. We are offering the Hope Honor Guard training in Fort Myers on Wednesday, September 30. We are currently planning an Honor Guard training in Sebring and Lakeland in late October. We will announce that date shortly. We need Honor Guard volunteers - please call your volunteer specialist if you are interested.

 

 

Hope HealthCare Services and Uncommon Friends present "Salute to Veterans: A Soldier's Story" featuring decorated "Blackhawk Down" Ranger and country music recording artist Keni Thomas

 

Veterans Day, Wednesday evening, Nov. 11

at The Burroughs Home

 

 

Tickets: Speaker Presentation and Buffet Dinner $135 per person

Speaker presentation (only) $30 per person, or 2 for $50

 

For ticket purchase contact Courtney Quirie at (239) 433-8069 or courtney.quirie@hopehcs.org

 

For more info on Keni Thomas, Click Here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keni_Thomas

Please welcome Allison Lao, Volunteer Specialist for Highlands and Hardee counties. Allison was brought onboard due to the growing number of volunteers and patients in the area. Allison will be located at the Sun N' Lake Blvd office in Sebring. She will also spend time at the Hope at Highlands Regional Hospice Program.
Allison grew up in Sebring and we are very excited to have her as part of our team.

Flu season is starting. Flu shots available now!
The flu season is starting and will last through the fall and winter. More than one kind of flu virus will be spreading this season, including seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 (Swine) flu. If you get the flu, you can become ill and spread the flu to others at home, at work, and in the community. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

We are asking that you plan to stay home if you are sick with the flu for at least 7 days minimum or until at least 24 hours after your fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) has subsided and your signs of fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating) has disappeared. This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medicines (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

Also remember to cover your coughs and sneezes and wash your hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available. Receive the seasonal flu vaccine this fall.

Flu shots are available for all Hope Volunteers through our Occupational Health Department. You must call to schedule an appointment.

Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties - please call 239-313-8235 or 1-800-863-1675 and ask for Employee Health.

Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties - please contact your volunteer specialist to schedule an appointment.

 

Hope has partnered with Land's End to provide top quality, branded clothing for you. Click on the image above to visit the site where you can purchase official Hope Volunteer Wear.