CEO Message: November 2021

Dear Friends,

At a recent meeting with local skilled nursing facility directors* we had a presentation about the Ombudsman program and the important role they play in advocating for older adults. It is a very interesting program and I encourage you to look up the California state program or our local program through Alliance on Aging.

At one point, the presenter asked: “When will you be ready to give up your autonomy, your independence?” Needless to say, no one had a response. Who is ever ready? As people we thrive on our autonomy and ability to make our own choices and decisions. She followed it with an equally challenging question, “What do you most want someone to know about you if you were in a care facility?” Few could respond to that either.

I struggled with my answers because what came to me immediately doesn’t fit well with being in a care facility. The simple life pleasures seemed hard to connect. How could I expect they’d fix me the ‘just-so coffee’ we enjoy every morning, or get me to the dance class I love, or arrange for me to walk in Garland Park with my dog and husband? The questions gave us all pause.

But there are other important things that transcend life circumstances. For me, those include being able to talk with my family, seeing favorite photos in my room, being connected to the outdoors, sunlight in my room, having someone treat me with basic kindness and make me laugh. An occasional outing to the beach or being spoiled by a special coffee drink would bring me joy. And finally, knowing there is someone there to talk with when I need a listening ear.

Questions like these help us reflect on the simple things that make us happy. If we consider the meaning of personal autonomy, self-directing freedom and especially moral independence, I am pretty sure in my heart and in the minds and hearts of those I love, my moral independence will persevere even if I’m living in a care facility.

At Hospice Giving Foundation we are here to offer guidance and resources to help you define your wishes for the final chapter of your journey. Life certainly won’t always turn out as planned, but plans help it turn out better. Life won’t always be easy, but good caregiving and compassionate providers can ease the difficulties.  And life won’t always be as active and busy as we imagine it should be but think how sweet and comforting those tender and quiet moments will be.

The fall brings many opportunities to think about those whose lives have graced ours with love.  May each of you make the time in your family traditions to remember, to share a story, and share a little tenderness. Please join us for our traditions to celebrate and remember loved ones this year including both Día de Los Muertos and Tree of Life.

All of us at Hospice Giving Foundation give thanks to the many people in our community who support our work, allowing us to fund dignified care. We also give our thanks to the many extraordinary people who work in this field and bring their compassion to caring for you and your loved ones.

With gratitude,
Siobhan Greene

*Hospice Giving Foundation has been hosting regular meetings with the Directors of Nursing and/or Administrators of Skilled Nursing Facilities since April 2020.