Saying the 4 Things that Matter Most
After 20 years' experience with patients and families facing tragedy or death, Dr. Ira Byock believes that expressing just four things can be a powerful tool in reconciling the rifts that divide people: "Please forgive me", "I forgive you", "Thank you" and "I love you". Dr. Byock is the guest speaker for our 8th Annual Lecture Series and will speak on the 'Four Things' during his community talk and luncheon at the Coastal Georgia Center on Friday, January 22, 2016. Find out more and register here. This portion of the series is generously sponsored by Bart, Meyer and Company, LLP and by Anthony and Shirley Costrini.
End-of-Year Giving
We thank you for considering Hospice Savannah's Daily Impact Fund in your year-end giving plans. Donations to this fund support the many extra services we provide to our patients and community members.  You may also wish to consider buying a gift of a $100 membership to the Edel Caregiver Institute; learn more about the benefits of membership here. We thank everyone who attended and supported this year's Tree of Light event supporting the bereavement programs of Full Circle Center for Grief and Loss; donations are still gratefully accepted until the end of the year. And finally, we thank those who have made memorial gifts last month.
9 Facts You Need to Know:
Is Hospice Right for You or a Loved One?
This excellent AARP article not only outlines nine points to ponder as you make this difficult decision, but also lists five questions to ask when choosing a particular hospice:
  • Is the hospice accredited? (We have been accredited by the Joint Commission since 1988.)
  • Has the hospice been surveyed by a state or federal oversight organization? (In addition to earning the Joint Commission's Gold Seal, we regularly attain excellent ratings from State surveyors.)
  • Is the medical director board-certified? (Dr. Kelly Erola and our three hospice physicians are all board-certified in hospice and palliative medicine.)
  • How many patients does the hospice care for? Larger hospices have more resources. (We care for 170 or more patients each day and are considered a large hospice.)
  • What is the typical caseload? Ideally nurses should see less than 12 patients each day. (Our homecare nurses care for four to five patients a day.)
The Gift of Art
It's not too late to pick up a beautifully framed Daniel E. Smith painting for the art lover on your list! Dan has specially priced his landscapes at just $185 with a portion of all sales benefiting our Daily Impact Fund. His paintings, along with wood sculptures by Edward A. Jones, will be available in our Art Gallery through the end of this month. Read art critic Allison Hersh's review on their show.
The Gift of Volunteering
Share your love, companionship and empathy with caregivers and hospice patients throughout Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty and Long counties. Or choose to volunteer in our Hospice House, Administrative Offices, Full Circle Grief and Loss Center, or the Edel Caregiver Institute. Our next training is scheduled for Monday, January 11, 2016  -  find out more or complete your application here.  No prior experience needed - just a loving heart! Pictured are Doris (who helps our Foundation acknowledge gifts) and Bobbi (who visits patients in Hospice House and calls homecare families to check on their needs).
Caregiver Stress - 5 Ways to take care of yourself
We know that being a full-time or a working caregiver is exhausting! So in addition to the four suggestions in this Huffington Post blog, we are adding one more way to help you stay strong to help others; by enrolling in our complimentary Caregiver 101 class provided by our Edel Caregiver Institute, pictured above. This one-hour class covers the basic components of self-care, practical tips to better deal with the psychosocial and emotional challenges of caregiving, and assisting in identifying available community resources - including a full array of classes and support offered through our Institute. Find out more here.
2016 Pet Calendars
Don't miss out - they are going fast! Be sure to stop by the reception desk at Hospice House or our Administrative Offices during business hours and pick up a 2016 calendar benefiting our Pet Peace of MindŽ program. Your $15 gift helps keep patients and their beloved pets together during their time under our care.
Meaningful Moments
We are so proud to be included in the NHPCO's new "Moments of Life" video.  More meaningful moments are possible - even when a person is facing a serious or terminal illness.
        
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