Messenger
March 2012: Message from the CEO
SKB at Desk

Samira K. Beckwith

President and CEO

 

At Hope, our goal is to ensure that each person in our care receives the loving comfort, dignity and peace of mind that they need and deserve. That is why we continuously monitor the quality of our work.

 

However, the truest measure of our success comes to light in conversations with patients and clients. Helen, a retired nurse, recently told us, "I love the people, the volunteers at Hope who care for me. I know they love me too. I grew up in a Children's Home. No one has ever cared for me like you do. You have made my life so much better."

 

Helen is a beautiful example of how you support our mission to provide exceptional care to every individual as they fulfill life's journey.

 

Thank you for all that you do.

Save the Date: Volunteer Appreciation
 
Please save the date and let your Volunteer Specialist know that you will be able to join us for this complimentary luncheon to honor your service to Hope.

Lee County
- Hyatt Regency Hotel, Bonita Springs - April 5

Polk County - Terrace Hotel, Lakeland - April 9

Highlands/Hardee Counties - Garden Café, Sebring - April 11
Hope Wear for Volunteers

Hope Logo Shirts Available for Purchase

Did you know that volunteers can purchase Hope Wear? If you would like to buy a shirt or sweater, visit ces.landsend.com/hopehospice.

 

You don't need a password. Purchases can be completed online with a credit card.

Ways to Volunteer
Attention Animal Lovers
Patients may experience stress at the end of life when they worry about who will take care of their pets. Could you help us? We're asking volunteers to help create a program to find homes for these beloved pets. Contact Colette Johns.

Fingerprinting
The Volunteer Department is now processing fingerprints for our new staff and volunteers. If you would like to learn this interesting process and help out in the office please contact Barbara Tvedt.

Human Resources Assistance

Office volunteers are needed to assist our Human Resources Department in the Westlinks (Gateway) office. Please contact Barbara Tvedt.

Tuck-in Callers

Contact patients and caregivers to discuss their comfort level. Callers are needed in all areas. Call your volunteer specialist to help with this effort.

Sewing Opportunities

Lap robes (small blankets) are needed for Hope Honor Guard presentations to our Veterans. Contact Jean Best.

 

PACE Centers

New Volunteer opportunities are available at the Hope PACE Centers. There are a variety of activities that volunteers may assist with, including front desk reception and pet visitation. You may choose to volunteer at the PACE Center that is closest to you: central Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, or Lehigh Acres. A PACE Center in North Naples will also be coming soon. Contact Joan Wyckoff to volunteer.

 

Hope Parkinson Program

Volunteers are needed to check on participants and assist with classes the second Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contact Joan Wyckoff to volunteer.

 

Patient Visitors in Sebring Facilities 
Brighten someone's day by visiting a nursing home or assisted living facility. Your help is needed in the Sebring area. Interested volunteers should contact Allison Lao.

Health Fair Helpers - Polk County 

Do you like to share Hope with others? Coordinate, set up and attend health fairs throughout Polk County. Contact Amy Arnold.

 

Lakeland Office Volunteers and Admission Survey Callers
Assist with
filing, organizing supplies, and helping at the front desk. Help is also needed making phone calls for admission surveys. Contact Amy Arnold.  

 

Patient Assistance in Winter Haven

Visit and sit with patients, run small errands or provide much needed transportation for patients and family members. Contact Amy Arnold.    

 

baseball fieldLet's Play Ball!

It's that time of year! For the 6th season in a row, we are looking for volunteers to help at the Minnesota Twins Spring Training Concession Stand! We need managers, cooks, preps, cashiers and runners.   

 

Games run from March 3 to April 4. Please call or email your volunteer specialist to sign up.

 

If you are attending a game as a spectator, please visit the Hope concession stand near the first base line. You can't miss our banner! A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hope.

Infection Control Information

Bacterial Infections: VRE and MRSA

 

Individuals with severe disease or multiple medical problems are vulnerable to bacterial infections like VRE and MRSA.

 

VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Entercocci)

VRE are bacteria that are normally present in the intestines. They can sometimes cause infections. VRE is often spread by the contaminated hands of caregivers. VRE is not spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. VRE can survive on surfaces for an extended period of time:

hands, telephones & stethoscopes - 60 minutes

bedrails - up to 24 hours

countertops - 6 days

 

Most VRE infections can be treated with antibiotics other than vancomycin.

 

MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

 

MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. More severe MRSA infections occur in healthcare settings. MRSA is typically spread from patient to patient on unclean hands of healthcare personnel or through the improper use of equipment. MRSA can live on surfaces for days, weeks, or months, depending on the circumstances.

 

Appropriate hand hygiene such as washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub can prevent infections.


Special Opportunities

Listening Workshop  

Develop your listening skills to better assist patients and improve personal relationships. Learn how to listen for issues and hear pain and joy. You will discover how to evaluate early signs of anxiety and how to communicate your convictions.  

 

Volunteer Ann Robbins will facilitate this workshop.  

 

Joanne's House, Bonita Springs

February 24, March 2 and March 9

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

 

Bereavement Callers 101

Would you be willing to make phone calls to our recently bereaved family members? Offer help, reach out and connect with these individuals. Detailed training is provided.
Class - March 21, 2012

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
RSVP to Joan Wyckoff

 

Upcoming Orientation Classes

If you know someone interested in becoming a volunteer with Hope, please have them call Joe Pardi.

March 7, Bonita Springs
March 13, Fort Myers (student class)
April 11, Lehigh Acres

"Consider The Conversation"

Watch a profound video on end-of-life topics and learn how to use the Five Wishes document. 

Cape Coral, March 8 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Lehigh Acres, March 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Road Rage Prevention

Presented by the Lee County Sheriff's Office

As the roads become more crowded, we all need to learn how to prevent road rage. Join us for this informative class from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

March 5, Cape Coral

March 7, Fort Myers

Announcements

Congratulations to Mary Salemme!    

Congratulations to Hope Volunteer Mary Salemme who won the Grand Prize at a baking contest sponsored by King Arthur Flour at the Southeast West Palm Beach Senior Expo. Mary placed first out of 40 contestants. Mary has volunteered with Hope for over four years, helping with transportation, respite care and memorial support.

 

Winter Fest in Lehigh  

Thank you to all our Lehigh Volunteers who attended Winter School Fest on February 3. It was great to see so many of you.

  

We Remember Pet Visitor Happy Bunton
Since 2001, pet visitor Happy Bunton has been bringing smiles to patients and families at Hope.

Happy recently passed away and will be missed by everyone who knew her. She volunteered until the very end of her life, most recently at the Junior League's Family Fun Day where she and Lucky cuddled with our PIC patients and siblings.

We are truly grateful to Happy and her owners Nancy and Jack Bunton for over a decade of dedicated service to Hope.

 

 

Volunteer Events

Join Us at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

The ticket price for both shows includes dinner, show, tax and gratuities. Call Joe Pardi for tickets.

 

Brigadoon

Come watch the story of a mysterious Scottish Village that appears one day every 100 years. Two American tourists, lost in the Scottish Highlands, stumble upon the village just as a wedding is about to be celebrated, and their arrival has serious implications for the village's inhabitants.

March 13, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. 

Tickets are $46.50 per person.

 

The Great American Trailer Park Musical

Meet some of the residents of a trailer park called "Armadillo Acres". Norbert and Jeannie have been married for 20 years, and there's no electricity left in their relationship, a situation enhanced by Jeannie's agoraphobia, in which she refuses to leave their trailer.

April 24, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. 

$41.50 per person

   

Volunteer Manager

Bob Sheehan
9470 HealthPark Circle
Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-489-9188
239-482-3380 fax

 

Volunteer Educator
Joe Pardi
9470 HealthPark Circle
Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-489-9180
239-482-3380 fax     

 

Bereavement, Support Programs & Hospice House HealthPark  

Joan Wyckoff
9470 HealthPark Circle
Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-489-9181
239-482-3380 fax

 
Bonita Springs
Barbara Nielsen
27200 Imperial Pkwy
Bonita, FL 34135
239-444-4140
239-444-1111 fax

 

Cape Coral
Nina Tomasello
2430 Diplomat Pkwy E
Cape Coral, FL 33909
239-656-3240
239-574-6417 fax  

 

Fort Myers, Beaches, & Shell Point
Barbara Tvedt
9470 HealthPark Circle
Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-985-7722
239-425-8750 fax

Highlands & Hardee Counties 

Allison Lao 

4840 Sun N Lake Blvd. Sebring, FL 33872 863-382-7004
863-382-0359 fax

Hope Chest

Jane Davis 

13821 N Cleveland Ave
N Fort Myers, FL 33903
239-652-1114
239-985-7715 fax

Lehigh Acres, Hendry & Glades
Counties
Jean Best
1201 Wings Way
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
239-415-7217
239-368-2141 fax

N Cape, Downtown FM

Colette Johns
13821 N Cleveland Ave
N Fort Myers, FL 33903
239-985-7728
239-652-9211 fax

Nursing Homes &
Assisted Living

Fran Nanio
13821 N Cleveland Ave
N Fort Myers, FL 33903
239-985-7701
239-652-9211 fax  

 

Polk County
Amy Arnold
1525 Lakeland Hills Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33805
863-370-7017
863-688-4717 fax
TB Tests
TB Test
Call 800.835.1673
ext 25341 to
schedule a TB Test.

Visit Hope

Online or Call

HopeHCS.org
800.835.1673