CEO Message: October 2020

Dear Friends,

Fall is a time of anticipation for traditions and celebrations that we’ve known all our lives. Just thinking about it, we can almost experience the scents and sensations that come along with this season. Starting with the Jewish high holidays, onto playful Halloween and spirited Día de los Muertos, through Christmas, Hanukkah, and all the varied religious and cultural celebrations in December, the season culminates with the proverbial ‘ball drop’ — the time for a new start. Throughout these months our customs include gatherings, festivities, and visits with those we love.

Of course, 2020 is different. Never have we had a time when serious illness and death are such central themes in our collective conversations, or at least in the recesses of our minds. Yet, as difficult as these times are, they give us opportunities.

Though gatherings will be limited, consider that the difference this year is a physical difference, not a difference of the heart. In fact, this year may call upon us to deepen our connection to memories, improve how we reach out to those we love with more meaningful conversations, and forego the normal hustle to help those who are ill or alone.

At Hospice Giving Foundation we encourage those deeper and meaningful conversations. We believe that what gives each of us hope is our capacity for love and our ability to honor someone in the ways in which they desire. The basis of this is respect and dignity. It requires listening, giving space for differences, and looking at challenges through a lens of opportunity.

An opportunity HG Foundation has had during this pandemic is to bring people and organizations together for important conversations. It’s a natural role for us, because to impact change, we need to understand and be a part of the conversations. Since April, we’ve hosted a weekly information and support call with directors and administrators from Skilled Nursing Facilities. They help one another navigate caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Focused on keeping the residents and staff safe from COVID, they explore protocols and best practices, as well as how to deal with loneliness, isolation, and separation from family.

In other collaboratives hosted by HG Foundation, front line clinicians discuss balancing the care of the patient and their family with the needs of the medical team; community agencies and faith leaders discuss their challenges with caring for those entrusted to their respective services. The role Hospice Giving Foundation holds within these groups — offering space for open conversation, discussing essential resources and services, clarifying needs, and bridging providers — is an honor. Major take-aways during this pandemic have been the importance of preparedness, frank conversations, and the value of Palliative Care for both the patient and the family.

In closing, I want to thank you for ongoing support as well as for the messages we have received from so many of you these past several months. Please continue to let us know how you are doing; please keep those heart-filled conversations going. Compassionate end-of-life care is vital and being prepared and educated should be a priority for every individual and family. HG Foundation is here to ensure the services are available and to support this community in being safe and prepared while caring for our beloved family, friends, and neighbors. Visit hospicegiving.org/resources to learn how we are here to support you.

Wishing you a safe and compassion-filled fall season.

Siobhan M. Greene

President/CEO