Compassionate Journeys

While the holiday season is a time of joy for many, it can cause great struggle for those who are grieving. Susan Toleos, counseling services manager for bereavement and spiritual care at Home Health Foundation, offers tips for how grievers and supporters can better communicate needs and wishes, build connection and make new traditions while honoring the past.

After an ileostomy, colostomy or urostomy, patients confront a dizzying combination of physical, emotional and social challenges. Wound ostomy nurses Rachael Sacco, RN, WOCN of MelroseWakefield Hospital and Marian Barry-Ravigni, RN, WOCN of Hallmark VNA collaborate within the hospital and patient homes to support patients' new personal care routines, diets, special products and confidence to lead a normal life.

Since its inception in 1960, D'Youville Life & Wellness Community has provided Greater Lowell and surrounding communities with exceptional elder care. President and CEO Naomi Prendergast describes the nonprofit organization's breadth of services and longtime role as a valued community partner of Home Health Foundation.

While nearly half of Americans report gaining too much weight during the COVID-19 pandemic, Home Health Foundation Registered Dietitian Erin Tefft, RD, LDN explains why healthy eating is important for us all – but especially those living with chronic illness.

Home Health Foundation Chief Medical Officer Bernice Burkarth, MD, HMDC, FAAHPM reviews the data leading to the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization of the vaccine for ages 12 and older.

Throughout the pandemic, David Zoffoli has continued volunteering for Merrimack Valley Hospice by sewing memory pillows and teddy bears from clothing of the deceased; leading a virtual Calm Breathing session each week; and co-facilitating a biweekly Zoom support group for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community who is grieving a death. To register and learn more about MVH support groups, all of which are free and open to the public, call 978-552-4510 or visit www.MerrimackValleyHospice.org.

Episode 4 – Linda Barron, whose parents Leo and Anna Barron succumbed to COVID-19 within 59 hours of one another in May 2020, discusses finding solace in collaborative caregiving with Merrimack Valley Hospice nurse Marley Boehner, RN, CHPN and Parkland Medical Center Nurse Navigator Goals of Care Rosemary Crawford George, RN, MSN.

Home Health Foundation Chief Medical Officer Bernice Burkharth, MD demystifies the COVID-19 vaccines.

After working for 17 years as a physical therapy assistant for Home Health VNA, Jill Bradley's job was turned upside down by COVID-19. She discusses her new role as video visit coordinator for all of Home Health Foundation and the benefits of telehealth to patients and their families.

Eric Redard, a chaplain and volunteer services manager at Home Health Foundation, discusses common misconceptions around hospice and its varied benefits for patients seeking comfort, dignity and meaning in their final stages of life.