Ken’s Story: Discovering a New Identity Through the Journey of Grief

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Ken Stoner

For Ken Stoner of Etters, discovering his new identity after the death of his beloved wife Sarah has been a difficult journey. With the support of his family and new friends from Homeland Hospice’s men’s breakfast group, Ken is tapping into his creative and entrepreneurial spirit to find new purpose.

“I attended my first men’s breakfast on my first wedding anniversary without my wife,” Ken says. “The men in the group understand the challenge of finding strength through grief.”

Last fall, Ken transformed a portion of his home into an airbnb, which he affectionately calls Home on the Hill. Since it’s opening in November, Ken has hosted individuals and families from as far away as China. In the coming months, Ken wants to learn how to use Facebook to promote his business. His long-term plans include expanding his rental space to accommodate more travelers.

Guests staying at Home on the Hill are often treated to one of Ken’s delicious homemade pies. Ken began baking following the death of his wife as a way to stay busy. After months of practice, he has mastered recipes for seven pies and always makes his own crust.

Apple PieKen finds the greatest joy in baking is sharing his pies with friends, including the men in the breakfast group. At the men’s breakfast in August, the group encouraged Ken to enter his apple pie in the Annual New Cumberland Apple Festival.

“I never imaged I would open an airbnb or start baking,” Ken says. “I’m learning to take on new challenges to help me through my grief.”

In the coming months, Ken will begin volunteering with Homeland Hospice. As an avid guitar, piano and ukulele player, Ken hopes to share his love of music with hospice patients. He remembers the important role music played in comforting his wife during her illness and hopes to bring this sense of peace to others.

Ken’s journey through grief reflects the transformation many individuals encounter. Along the road of heartache, new opportunities and friendships can help individuals discover a part of themselves.

“The changes I’ve made have been a blessing,” Ken adds. “They have given me purpose.

Homeland Hospice’s bereavement support program is available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief.

The men’s breakfasts are held on the second Thursday of each month from 9 -10:30 a.m. at Gordon’s Family Restaurant in Harrisburg.

To learn more, please contact Brian Medkeff-Rose at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

Pride, Honor and Purpose Supporting Veterans in their Final Days

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John GoodMusic, art and photographs transcend time. They can transport us back to defining moments in our lives, and provide peace and comfort when the days are overwhelming.

John Good, chaplain for Homeland Hospice, uses images and music to provide a sense of normality for military veterans during their end-of-life journey. He strives to bring “out of the box” approaches to help veterans and their families find comfort and healing.

“When patients receive a terminal diagnosis, their life narrows,” John says. “I try to find something that resonates with them as a person – not a patient – to bring purpose back into their lives.”

John carries a Bluetooth speaker with him to quickly access music. While visiting a veteran from World War II, John played a patriotic march by John Philip Sousa. Although he was in his final hours of life, the veteran snapped to attention, saluted and made the sign of the cross.

More recently, John worked with a former tank commander who served in the Korean War. During their conversations, John learned the commander loved working with his hands and constructed grandfather clocks prior to his illness.

Tank Commander GazeboJohn enlisted the help of his daughter to collect wooden tongue depressors and referenced online sources like Pinterest for ideas. The commander’s focus shifted from his illness to creating crafts, like miniature birdhouses, using the tongue depressors. He proudly gave them to family and friends, and the nurses providing his care.

“I’m humbled to help our distinguished veterans,” John says. “It’s an honor to help them find comfort after their sacrifice for us all.”

John’s work is part of the We Honor Veterans program, created by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The program works to improve the quality of health care for all veterans. Homeland Hospice has been part of the program for six years.

While not a veteran himself, John holds a special place in his heart for those who have served our country. When visiting veterans in hospice care, John likes to partner with volunteers and chaplains with military service.

“I love to see the veterans salute each other,” John adds. “It brings pride and honor to the veteran in hospice care at a time when they need it most.

For more information about We Honor Veterans visit www.WeHonorVeterans.org. To learn more about Homeland’s work with this program, call Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

Forging a Path Forward – Breakfast Series Helps Men Find New Purpose

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attendees of the homeland hospice men's breakfast

“It’s often difficult to talk to other men about grief,” Michael says at a recent men’s breakfast provided by Homeland Hospice. “This group understands that losing a loved one is a journey.”

Michael began attending Homeland Hospice’s breakfast series more than two years ago after the death of his mother. Through the group, he has found a supportive network of friends who understand that grief doesn’t operate on a fixed timeline. Together, they help one another find new purpose amidst the pain of loss.

“Sometimes I feel like the ‘odd man out’ because I’m grieving the loss of my mother while the other men have lost their spouses,” Michael adds. “Everyone in the group understands heartache. They listen and offer their support.

At the most recent breakfast in August, attendees talked about their happy and challenging moments of their summer. For many, vacations with family members and time with friends provided a necessary respite.

“It’s okay to take a break from your grief,” Brian Medkeff-Rose, M.Div., M.A., Bereavement Counselor at Homeland Hospice says. “Self-care is important to keep your mind and body healthy.

For several of the men, the loss of a loved one coupled with retirement has compounded their loneliness and loss of identity. Finding meaningful ways to fill their days has led many to volunteerism.

Ken, who began attending the men’s breakfast series earlier this year, has become a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He takes great pride caring for those he serves, making sure to check in on individuals when delivering their meals. At the urging of the men in the group, Ken recently renewed his passport so he can volunteer internationally.

“My wife and I volunteered in Liberia in 1979,” Ken says. “I used my skills and experiences to fix the air conditioning system at a local hospital. I’m thinking about going back to volunteer again.”

“I appreciate the support of the group,” Ken adds. “Everyone has been welcoming and kind. We truly relate to one another.”

At the end of the breakfast, the men talked about upcoming anniversaries marking the death of their loved ones.

“We will always grieve the death of our loved ones,” Brian says. “Transformation is part of the process, and we’re here for you each step of the way.”

The men’s breakfasts are held on the second Thursday of each month from 9 -10:30 a.m. at Gordon’s Family Restaurant in Harrisburg.

Homeland Hospice’s bereavement support program is available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief. To learn more, please contact Brian Medkeff-Rose at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

Homeland Hospice riding in style with the AACA Museum for a unique fundraiser

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event flyer for the night at the museum gala and live charity auction

Join Homeland Hospice and the original Ford Mustang designer for a Night at the Museum.

The designer of the original 1965 Ford Mustang will receive the AACA Museum, Inc. Automotive Heritage Award during the Museum’s annual gala fundraiser on October 10 benefiting Homeland Hospice and the AACA Museum, Inc.

Award recipient Gale Halderman began as a designer with Lincoln-Mercury in 1954 and four years later became head of Ford’s Advanced Studio. In addition to leading the team that created the first Mustang, during his eight years as studio chief, Halderman oversaw the development of the Lincoln Mark VII and VIII.

  • The AACA Museum, Inc.’s “Night at the Museum Gala” will be held from 5-10 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10 (Hershey, PA) and includes a cocktail reception and full dinner. UPMC Pinnacle is the Premier Sponsor and presenting sponsor is PNC.
  • Tickets are $150 and proceeds will help support benevolent care provided by Homeland Hospice as well as the AACA Museum’s continuing preservation work.
  • Guests can meet in a special VIP setting for a $50 upgrade featuring a private exclusive reception with Gale Halderman. VIP Guests will also receive an autographed Mustang poster courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
  • For more information, please visit the museum’s event website NightattheMuseum.org or contact Jake Dunnigan at 717-566-7100 ext. 116 or JDunnigan@AACAMuseum.org

The AACA Museum, Inc. will hold a live auction with auctioneer Josh Katz of the Katz Family Foundation during the Gala, which also marks the 15th anniversary of the Museum. Many interesting auction items including artwork and special experiences – ones you cannot buy anywhere else – will be up for bid.

During the event, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the museum’s featured exhibits including “Mustangs: Six Generations of America’s Favorite Pony Car,’’ with more than two dozen Mustangs, a trio of Thunderbirds courtesy of the International Thunderbird Clubm and the 1985 Modena Spyder aka the “Ferrari” from the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

A Journey to Serve Others Employee Spotlight: Chaplain Mark Harris

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Chaplain Mark P. Harris, M.A., M.Div., Spiritual Counselor at Homeland Hospice

Throughout his life, Chaplain Mark P. Harris, M.A., M.Div., Spiritual Counselor at Homeland Hospice, has responded to the call to serve others. On his journey to becoming a spiritual counselor, Mark learned valuable life-lessons, which enriched his understanding of faith and his compassion for others.

Mark joined the United States Navy after high school and became a hospital corpsman, providing medical support to sailors and marines nationally and internationally. In 2000, Mark transitioned from active to reserve status. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, he wanted to do more. He returned to active duty and trained other corpsman for deployment. Mark’s time in the Navy was a period of spiritual growth.

“As a corpsman, I focused on physical wellness,” Mark says. “I was feeling a higher calling. I wanted to help people on their spiritual journey, even during their darkest hours.”

Mark enrolled in online courses through Liberty University and earned a Masters of Arts in theological studies and divinity. While on his way to becoming a Navy chaplain, Mark was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He retired from the Navy and began to plan the next step in his career.

When the opportunity to work for Homeland Hospice arose, Mark recalled the advice he received from a fellow chaplain. “If you ever have the chance to work for hospice, run toward the opportunity.”

Mark joined the Homeland team in 2017. In his role, Mark helps patients and family members deal with spiritual issues, repair strained relationships to bring peace to the patient, and supports individuals during their final hours.

“I meet people where they are on their journey,” Mark says. “I assure them they are not alone.”

Recently, Mark served as a guest speaker at the Silver Lake Institute and Asbury Retreat Center’s 145th Anniversary. The Center, located in in Western New York, draws individuals from all parts of the nation to learn and enjoy various aspects of art, music, social justice and spirituality.

In his homily, “Faith in the Sunshine and Storm,” Mark spoke about finding faith and holding on to it during good and difficult times.

“I learn so much from the people I serve,” Mark adds. “It’s an honor to help others during their final journey.”

Spiritual counseling is a component of Homeland’s holistic approach to health care. Counselors and chaplains respect each individual’s beliefs and offer support and encouragement. In addition, Homeland offers bereavement support to families for a full 13 months following the death of a loved one.

To learn more, please contact Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

Homeland at Home Helps Lead Discussion on Elder Care

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Annual Health Care Symposium Addresses Industry Trends

Every day, families throughout our community and nation are facing difficult discussions about the care of aging loved ones. Often these conversations don’t happen until an incident occurs prompting family members to “take stock” of their loved one’s ability to live independently.

These situations are developing rapidly as the baby boom generation ages and Americans live longer than ever before. Today, 46 million adults living in the United States (15 percent of the population) are 65 or older. By 2060, that number is expected to climb to about 98 million, or 24 percent of the population (Population Reference Bureau).

Elder care, as well as the opioid crisis and medical marijuana, data and communication in hospitals, and the Amazon effect, were topics discussed at Central Penn Business Journal’s Annual Health Care Symposium held on July 17 at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey. Homeland at Home served as a presenting sponsor of the event.

Barbara Goll, B.S., Community Education Liaison/Nutritionist on the symposium panelBarbara Goll, B.S., Community Education Liaison/Nutritionist at Homeland at Home, served as a panel member focusing on elder care. She was joined by Michael Fiaschetti, president and CEO, MediPlanConnect, and the discussion was moderated by Joel Berg, editor of Central Penn Business Journal.

The panel focused on the importance of aging in place, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”

Research shows 90 percent of individuals prefer living in their own homes as they age.

“Helping families age in place is my passion,” Barbara says. “Through our outreach efforts, I help families navigate options, including services provided by Homeland.”

Caregivers also serve as a critical link to living independently. Training can help family members learn how to care for their loved ones.

“I encourage families to start the conversation about aging in place before it’s necessary,” Barbara adds. “Provide time for a loved one to absorb the process and offer feedback before making a decision.”

Homeland at Home offers a full continuum of services to care for individuals as their needs change.

Compassionate caregivers provide an array of non-medical daily living services through Homeland HomeCare. Assistance can include, but is not limited to:

  • Light housekeeping
  • Errands such as grocery shopping or transportation to a doctor’s appointment
  • Medication reminders and/or administration
  • Oral care including suctioning
  • Bathing and dressing
  • Monitoring diet and appetite
  • Help with feeding and meal prep

Homeland only hires certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to provide services. They are supervised and trained by licensed nurses as Direct Care Workers per Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.

Homeland at Home also provides at-home physician-ordered medical treatment services through Homeland HomeHealth, and Homeland Hospice provides end-of-life care.

To learn more, please contact Homeland at Home at (717) 221-7890.