Homeland Hospice Named 2023 Hospice CAHPS Honors Recipient by HEALTHCAREfirst

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

National honor distinguishes Homeland for quality care for patients and caregivers.

Homeland Hospice, a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania, has been named a 2023 Hospice CAHPS Honors Award recipient by HEALTHCAREfirst, a national provider of services for hospice and home health agencies.

The Hospice CAHPS Honors Award recognizes agencies that continuously provide a positive patient experience and high-quality of care as measured by the patient and caregiver point-of-view. The award acknowledges the highest performing agencies by analyzing their results of the Hospice Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey, a nationally recognized tool that hospice agencies use to assess and improve patient care and patient and caregiver satisfaction.

“Receiving this honor is a testament to the dedication of our entire care team,” said Kristine Crockett, RN, CHPN, director of Homeland Hospice. “We are passionate about providing hospice patients and their caregivers with the best possible care experience so they can make the most of every precious moment together. While this award is very meaningful to us, what truly motivates is the difference we make in the lives of our patients and families. That is what gives us the greatest sense of fulfillment.”

Ronda Howard, vice president of revenue cycle and CAHPS at HEALTHCAREfirst, said, “We began our Annual Hospice Honors Award program more than ten years ago as a way to highlight those agencies that are truly leading the way in providing and demonstrating quality patient care. We congratulate Homeland Hospice on their success.”

Homeland Hospice provides end-of-life care in a person’s home or wherever they reside, including nursing facilities, throughout South Central Pennsylvania. The program helps patients live as fully and comfortably as possible by providing symptom and pain relief; care services and therapies; spiritual support; and on-call support.

Homeland Hospice is the only hospice agency in the region to offer an in-home relief program to patient families. Homeland also provides bereavement support to families following the death of their loved one.

Homeland Hospice is part of Homeland at Home, a community outreach program of Homeland Center, which provides a full continuum of home-based services to care for patients and to support families as their needs change. In addition to hospice care, Homeland at Home services include Homeland HomeHealth (in-home physician-ordered medical treatment), Homeland HomeCare (in-home non-medical daily living assistance) and Homeland Palliative Care (comfort and relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness).

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Homeland Unveils Tribute Medallions at a Special Ceremony in May

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Homeland unveiled its Tribute Medallions at a special ceremony held in May at Homeland Center in Uptown Harrisburg. The Tribute Medallions along with a special plaque about Homeland are displayed on the iron fence that surrounds the facility. The zinc metal medallions are a tribute to loved ones who received Homeland services as well as recognition of those who make a difference through their volunteerism and dedication to Homeland.

The event included a special blessing from Todd Carver, MDiv, BCC, Homeland Chaplain, and remarks from Noelle Valentine, MSW, LSW, Homeland’s Lead Bereavement Counselor, about Homeland’s dedication to serving families through its outreach efforts. Following the remarks, guests toured the path along the fence to see the medallions and were invited to tour Homeland Center.

“The Tribute Medallions memorialize loved ones and represent the unity of Homeland’s work,” Noelle says. “Through Homeland Center and our outreach efforts we have a special connection with the names and families associated with each medallion.”

The Tribute Medallion initiative was launched at Homeland Hospice’s 10th Anniversary Celebration in November 2019. At the event, Louetta Romberger of Millersburg purchased two Tribute Medallions in remembrance of her husband, Stanley Romberger, and mother, Francis Shoop, who received hospice services. When Homeland began assisting the family, Stanley was living at home and Francis lived a short distance away. As his health began to decline, Stanley entered a nursing home. Francis soon followed and resided in the same nursing facility. After Stanley died in 2018, Francis moved into Louetta’s home. With the help of Homeland, she cared for her mother until her passing in 2019.

“I will always appreciate the care we received from Homeland,” Louetta says. “The support was beyond my expectations.”

At the event, Louetta toured Homeland Center. Along the way, she noticed a pianist playing on the baby grand piano in the dining room. Homeland frequently invites guests to perform for residents over lunch and dinner. She asked if her 13-year-old grandson Elliott could play. He returned several weeks later and entertained the residents.

For Louetta and families throughout central Pennsylvania, Homeland is personal. Through its work, Homeland has the privilege to care for families and their loved ones during their changing life circumstances. The Tribute Medallions and Homeland’s outreach efforts will continue to grow as the needs of our community evolve.

“We will continue to offer Tribute Medallions for families to memorialize their loved ones,” Noelle says. “Every name and every medallion will forever be an important part of Homeland’s history.”

Since Homeland Center began as the “Home for the Friendless,” more than 155 years ago, it has been – and will always be – a place for friends, family and the community to find respite and support. Every time someone enters Homeland, the first thing they see is a beautiful iron fence with the names of loved ones on tribute medallions. Each name has a story and is part of Homeland’s history.

For more information, click here or call Myra Badorf at Homeland Hospice, (717) 221-7890.