In this episode of the Vantage Hospice podcast, we sit down with Angelica, the volunteer coordinator, to discuss the integral role of volunteers in the hospice community. Angelica shares her journey from a hospice volunteer to her current role, emphasizing the importance of volunteer work and detailing the various opportunities available, including direct and indirect support for patients and their families. She also elaborates on CMS's 5% volunteer requirement, the impact of volunteers on patient care, and stories of meaningful connections. Listeners will gain insights into how to become a volunteer, the types of activities involved, and the profound effect volunteerism has on both the patients and the volunteers themselves.

00:00 Introduction to Vantage Hospice Podcast

00:13 Meet Angelica: Volunteer Coordinator

00:57 Angelica's Journey into Hospice Care

01:41 Understanding the 5% Volunteer Requirement

03:10 Roles and Opportunities for Volunteers

04:07 Direct Volunteer Activities

06:52 Indirect Volunteer Activities

07:36 Becoming a Volunteer: Process and Requirements

11:08 Heartwarming Volunteer Stories

13:04 Caregiver Relief and Support

14:55 Special Talents and Community Involvement

17:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Vantage Hospice & Palliative Care

Our Mission

Vantage Hospice, LLC is dedicated to providing individualized hospice care with services specially tailored to the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of patients with life limiting illness, their families and the community, by delivering high quality and compassionate care.

We strive to create a culture dedicated to meeting the needs of our patients, families and employees based on the principles of dignity, respect and compassion.

Hospice recognizes dying as part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of remaining life. It affirms life and neither hastens nor postpones death through a multidisciplinary team approach. Hospice is not a place. It is philosophy.

Our Way of Caring: Vantage Hospice Podcast [Episode 4] - Coping with Holiday Grief & Traditions

In this episode of the Vantage Hospice podcast, host Nicole welcomes Beth Fortier, the Director of Social Work and Psychosocial Services at Vantage. Beth shares her extensive experience in hospice care and her passion for supporting patients and families. They discuss the emotional challenges of grief during the holiday season, particularly for those with a loved one in hospice care. Beth provides insights on coping mechanisms, maintaining or changing traditions, and the importance of acknowledging one’s feelings.

The episode emphasizes the need for anticipatory grief support, sharing memories, and allowing oneself grace during this tough time.

00:00 Introduction to Vantage Hospice Podcast
00:09 Meet Ms. Beth Fortier
00:45 Discussing Grief and the Holidays
02:28 Anticipatory Grief During the Holidays
04:24 Coping Mechanisms and Traditions
06:53 Personal Stories and Experiences
19:46 Involving Loved Ones in Holiday Festivities
22:56 Final Thoughts and Resources

Helpful Articles by Vantage Hospice & Palliative Care:

• Get-Togethers While Coping with a Terminally Ill Loved One
• Honoring Memories and Sharing Gratitude: Embracing the Spirit of the Holidays Amidst Serious Illness

Vantage Hospice & Palliative Care

Our Mission

Vantage Hospice, LLC is dedicated to providing individualized hospice care with services specially tailored to the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of patients with life limiting illness, their families and the community, by delivering high quality and compassionate care.

We strive to create a culture dedicated to meeting the needs of our patients, families and employees based on the principles of dignity, respect and compassion.

Hospice recognizes dying as part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of remaining life. It affirms life and neither hastens nor postpones death through a multidisciplinary team approach. Hospice is not a place. It is philosophy.

Navigating End-Of-Life Nutrition: Expert Insights from a Hospice Dietitian

In this insightful episode of the Vantage Hospice podcast, host Nicole Knight welcomes Kristen Schwab, a specialized hospice dietitian. Kristen discusses her transition from traditional dietetics to hospice care, sharing vital insights on end-of-life nutrition. The conversation covers topics such as 'pleasure feeding,' the use and limitations of PEG tubes, managing common issues like constipation, and debunking myths around dietary supplements. They also delve into the balance between diabetes management and comfort-focused care, emphasizing the importance of allowing patients to enjoy their favorite foods. Practical tips on fortifying meals, hydrating effectively, and adapting food textures to reduce aspiration risks are shared, alongside advice on identifying muscle wasting. This episode aims to provide caregivers with essential information and support to ensure comfort, peace, and nourishment for patients during their final stages of life.

00:00 Introduction to the Discussion

00:16 Kristen Schwab's Journey to Hospice Dietetics

00:47 The Role of Nutrition in Hospice Care

01:38 Tips for Families on Feeding Loved Ones

03:01 PEG Tubes and End-of-Life Decisions

04:12 Managing Swallowing Issues

05:45 Addressing Constipation in Hospice Patients

07:04 The Role of Vitamins and Supplements

08:02 Diabetes Management at the End of Life

09:36 Challenges of Feeding at the End of Life

11:31 Wound Care and Nutrition at End of Life

12:20 Encouraging Pleasure Feeding

13:31 Understanding the Dying Process

14:27 Managing Food Textures and Diets

19:18 Tube Feeding Decisions in Hospice

23:14 Supporting Families Through the Process

23:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Vantage Hospice & Palliative Care

Our Mission

Vantage Hospice, LLC is dedicated to providing individualized hospice care with services specially tailored to the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of patients with life limiting illness, their families and the community, by delivering high quality and compassionate care.

We strive to create a culture dedicated to meeting the needs of our patients, families and employees based on the principles of dignity, respect and compassion.

Hospice recognizes dying as part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of remaining life. It affirms life and neither hastens nor postpones death through a multidisciplinary team approach. Hospice is not a place. It is philosophy.

Our Way of Caring: The Vantage Hospice Podcast [Episode 2] Understanding Hospice Care in Houston

In this insightful episode of the Vantage Hospice podcast, host Nicole welcomes Bridget Wilson, RN. PCM, a seasoned Patient Care Manager with extensive hospice experience since 2005.

Bridget shares her journey and deep involvement in various hospice roles, emphasizing the importance of personalized care plans and the core interdisciplinary team required for hospice accreditation.

The discussion covers the different levels of hospice care, from routine home care to respite and general inpatient care. Bridget and Nicole highlight what families should look for in a hospice provider, the roles of various team members, and the importance of communication and support throughout the hospice experience.

They also discuss Vantage Hospice's commitment to responsive care, after-hours support, and their unique approach to being there for patients and families during challenging times.

Vantage Hospice & Palliative Care

Our Mission

Vantage Hospice, LLC is dedicated to providing individualized hospice care with services specially tailored to the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of patients with life limiting illness, their families and the community, by delivering high quality and compassionate care.

We strive to create a culture dedicated to meeting the needs of our patients, families and employees based on the principles of dignity, respect and compassion.

Hospice recognizes dying as part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of remaining life. It affirms life and neither hastens nor postpones death through a multidisciplinary team approach. Hospice is not a place. It is philosophy.

In the inaugural episode of "Our Way of Caring: The Vantage Hospice Podcast," Nicole Knight, the administrator of Vantage Hospice, and Dr. Theodore J. Trumble MD, the founding medical director, share their journey of establishing and growing Vantage Hospice over the past 13 years. They discuss the origins of the hospice, the challenges they faced in building a patient-centered care model, and the importance of a strong interdisciplinary team.

The episode highlights the unique aspects of hospice care, including dispelling common misconceptions, the ethical and moral considerations in patient care, and the critical role of a cohesive team in providing comprehensive support to patients and families. Nicole and Dr. Trumbull also touch on the evolution of their palliative care program and its significance in bridging the gap between active treatment and end-of-life care.

Listeners are invited to join them in future episodes as they continue to explore the compassionate world of hospice care, sharing insights and stories that define their commitment to providing exceptional care to the Houston community.

Vantage Hospice & Palliative Care

Our Mission

Vantage Hospice, LLC is dedicated to providing individualized hospice care with services specially tailored to the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of patients with life limiting illness, their families and the community, by delivering high quality and compassionate care.

We strive to create a culture dedicated to meeting the needs of our patients, families and employees based on the principles of dignity, respect and compassion.

Hospice recognizes dying as part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of remaining life. It affirms life and neither hastens nor postpones death through a multidisciplinary team approach. Hospice is not a place. It is philosophy.