Rainbow Hospice: It’s About Choices

Feature Article from The Whitewater Press - Holiday / Winter 2011 www.thewhitewaterpress.com

By Linda Bricco Schalk ~ The Press Editor

Most people say they hope to receive end-of-life care in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by the people and things most important to them. Thankfully, for the majority of Rainbow Hospice Care patients, home care is not only possible, it’s all they will ever need. But sometimes, the hospice team determines that a higher level of medical and nursing attention is necessary. If this happens, the specialized care available at the Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center may be the best option.

HISTORY OF RAINBOW HOSPICE CARE
Founded in 1990, Rainbow Hospice Care is a community based non-profit organization that serves patients with any type of life-limiting illness such as cancer; heart, lung, and liver diseases; stroke; Parkinson’s disease; Alzheimer’s; ALS; or AIDS, generally with a life expectancy of less than six months. Regardless of age, race, gender, faith, ethnicity, insurance coverage or economic status, we treat all of our patients and their loved ones with the same respect, kindness and concern—focusing on quality of life, maintaining comfort and dignity, and providing expert support tailored to each individual’s unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs and wishes.

WHAT MAKES THE RAINBOW HOSPICE CARE INPATIENT CENTER SPECIAL?
The Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center is a true community asset—with the land and all construction costs funded by donations. The 12,000 square foot free-standing facility is built to hospital code but offers a peaceful, home-like setting. It is uniquely designed, equipped, and staffed to provide the best physical, emotional, social and spiritual care for those facing the end of life.

The center is staffed round the clock by highly skilled Registered Nurses (RNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) with access to physicians, social workers, bereavement counselors, chaplains, dietitians, trained volunteers, and other experts in providing end-of-life care.

LOCATION:
The Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center is ideally situated in Johnson Creek, just north of the intersection of I-94 and Highway 26. Easily accessible from all directions, the location allows patients to remain close to home—providing greater convenience and connection to family and friends who don’t have to navigate
time-consuming, long distance commutes in order to visit loved ones.

Surrounded by trees and terraced landscaping, the center features eight private patient suites, as well as numerous areas for visitors to gather, including a family room with fireplace, screened porch, dining room & kitchen, chapel, meeting room, children’s play area, and more. Patient rooms are spacious and designed for comfort, privacy, and ease of care. Each includes a private bath, patio, ample storage for personal belongings, space for mementos and personal touches, telephone, two TVs, radio/CD player, free wireless internet access, tables and sitting areas, sleeper sofa, and recliner. A beautiful spa offers a place for patients to receive a soothing whirlpool bath and other complimentary treatments such as massage and aroma therapy. On-site laundry facilities are also available.

TYPES OF CARE GENERALLY OFFERED
Acute care is available to those needing more intensive medical and nursing care than can be realistically managed at home. Examples include uncontrollable pain, nausea and vomiting; severe shortness of breath; agitation; seizures; and other difficult symptoms. Although there are patients who may die within hours or days of admission, most are able to return home again when their symptoms stabilize or care is less technical. For those who can’t return home, we help to arrange alternative accommodations. As a result, inpatient stays are fairly short-term. Respite care is also available to hospice patients for up to five days at a time when their families need a break from continuous caregiving activities. For longer term inpatient care options, please consult with our inpatient director.

ADMISSION PROCESS
Admission to the inpatient facility is most often initiated through a referral made by the patient’s primary physician or other health care provider. A nursing assessment is required for all referrals to verify the most appropriate level of care for the patient. If a patient is already receiving home hospice services, admission is coordinated through his or her Rainbow Hospice Care clinical team.

WHO PAYS FOR INPATIENT CARE?
Like hospice home care, short term acute-care and respite stays at the inpatient level are typically covered by Medicare and Medicaid—however, private insurance coverage varies by plan. Rainbow Hospice Care staff will work with you to determine which payment options are available, depending on your specific needs and circumstances.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about any aspect of Rainbow Hospice Care services, including how to become a volunteer or make a donation, please visit

www.rainbowhospicecare.org or call (920) 674-6255

Hospice Care

A Note from Linda & Jerry Schalk

During the summer of 2010, we personally experienced the gift of hospice care and felt sharing a little of our feelings from that time would be helpful to others reaching out to hospice for the first time.

Jer’s dad, Glenn, was diagnosed with fourth stage liver cancer in mid July of that summer. Dad lived in the northern suburbs of Chicago, and we live an hour plus away. Dad was at the hospital from a fall and although we knew his health was failing, the cancer was a complete surprise to the rest of his family. The oncologist explained the situation and recommended we contact hospice care and take dad home for his last days.

Honestly, we were freaked out. None of us had ever dealt with hospice and had no clue about the care, services or how much it would cost. We did know we wanted dad in the warm surroundings of his own home with us, if at all possible. We can’t tell you how amazing the whole hospice experience was! The staff reacted immediately after our first call. They took care of EVERYTHING! Dad’s bedroom was turned into a care room with a hospital bed for his comfort. He came home for one last week before he joined Jer’s mom on the other side. His passing was peaceful and we were honored to be with him every moment. We named ourselves, ‘Dad’s Concierges on his Big Adventure to the Otherside!” and we took every step we could to make it the best trip he ever had.
We will always be so grateful to hospice for that opportunity!

Love to ya both, Dad & Mom!