November is a special month for Hospices nationwide as we recognize National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. This time is dedicated to raising awareness about hospice care and the ways in which we bring comfort, support, and dignity to our patients at the end of life. At Sivitz Hospice & Palliative Care, our patients and their families form beautiful relationships with our hospice specialists and volunteers, who ensure that no one faces this difficult time alone.
One such invaluable member of our team is Rabbi Dovid Small, who serves as both a spiritual leader and bereavement counselor, bringing warmth and compassion to patients, their families, and Sivitz staff alike. Having a dedicated rabbi on our hospice team is a unique quality that sets us apart, and we are proud to offer his services.
Volunteers are also an essential part of hospice, offering compassionate care to patients through meaningful visits, long conversations, or by providing respite for family members. At the JAA, we are developing an end-of-life doula program, training both volunteers and staff to become end-of-life-doulas. These doulas provide psychological and emotional support to make the dying process more peaceful for everyone involved. This may include creating a comforting environment, having open conversations about death, explaining the signs and symptoms of the dying process, assisting with the planning of funerals and memorial services, and responding to the unique needs of each patient and family to bring them comfort during this time.
Additionally, volunteers assist with our new Legacy Program, which gives hospice patients the opportunity to shape how their legacy will be honored and remembered. Through this program, patients can select meaningful, personalized ways to preserve their memories, offering them a chance to reflect on their lives and leave a gift for their loved ones.
Before I conclude, I’d like to share a heartfelt message we recently received from the widow of a Sivitz Hospice patient that is the perfect example of why our work means so much to us:
“All of you are the heart of JAA and Sivitz and I am most grateful to have had you all in my life during this difficult period. My heart goes out to each and every one of you and pray that you find peace and strength in knowing that you made this journey easier for us both.”
This month, please take the time to thank anyone you know who works in or volunteers with hospice or palliative care. As I mentioned, we create strong bonds with our patients and their families and, while saying goodbye is an inherent and difficult part of our work, we are driven by the belief that everyone deserves a compassionate and dignified end-of-life experience. We love what we do and are honored to be there for our patients and their families when it matters most.
– Stacey Tabanli
Director of Professional Services, Sivitz Hospice & Palliative Care