Clinical
Each year, Community Hospice & Health Services is privileged to come alongside our friends and neighbors who turn to us during their time of need. By offering community-based palliative and hospice care, we focus on the medical, physical, spiritual and emotional support needed to assist patients and families. Our goal is to empower those we serve to make decisions that are best for them. Through quality care, symptom management and education, many patients are able to maintain independence and participate in meaningful life experiences. Our dedication and loyalty to our patients and families has never faltered and will remain our focus. We are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and just a phone call away.
In March of 2023, we commenced a Cardiovascular Specialty Program. Cardiovascular disease burden among hospice patients is high. Many patients have terminal diagnoses which are non-cardiac related but also suffer from significant cardiovascular disorders. Some patients develop cardiac issues as their disease progresses. Patients with major cardiac problems may feel insecure when transferring from cardiology care to hospice care. The Cardiovascular Specialty Program allows Community Hospice & Health Services to provide high quality cardiovascular care for our hospice patients with excellent patient and family satisfaction.
Dr. Peter Lai, Community Hospice & Health Services Medical Director oversees all patients enrolled in the Cardiovascular Specialty Program. Dr. Lai is a well-regarded Board-certified Cardiologist in our community who has more than 35 years of clinical experience. Trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Michigan, Dr. Lai also has an extensive research background with dozens of publications in the field of cardiology. Dr. Lai served as the Chief of Cardiology at both Memorial Medical Center and Sutter Gould Medical Foundation prior to joining Community Hospice & Health Services in 2021.
The Cardiovascular Specialty Program is one more reason Community Hospice & Health Services is often the preferred hospice and support services provider in our community.
In March of 2023, we commenced a Cardiovascular Specialty Program. Cardiovascular disease burden among hospice patients is high. Many patients have terminal diagnoses which are non-cardiac related but also suffer from significant cardiovascular disorders. Some patients develop cardiac issues as their disease progresses. Patients with major cardiac problems may feel insecure when transferring from cardiology care to hospice care. The Cardiovascular Specialty Program allows Community Hospice & Health Services to provide high quality cardiovascular care for our hospice patients with excellent patient and family satisfaction.
Dr. Peter Lai, Community Hospice & Health Services Medical Director oversees all patients enrolled in the Cardiovascular Specialty Program. Dr. Lai is a well-regarded Board-certified Cardiologist in our community who has more than 35 years of clinical experience. Trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Michigan, Dr. Lai also has an extensive research background with dozens of publications in the field of cardiology. Dr. Lai served as the Chief of Cardiology at both Memorial Medical Center and Sutter Gould Medical Foundation prior to joining Community Hospice & Health Services in 2021.
The Cardiovascular Specialty Program is one more reason Community Hospice & Health Services is often the preferred hospice and support services provider in our community.
“I just wanted to say thank you and God bless you for your work with us at Bethel. She had just declined so rapidly, and everything was overwhelming. When you appeared it just seemed like you dropped out of heaven for us!” – A Grateful Family
Hospice Care
Those who have used Community Hospice & Health Services to care for their terminally ill loved ones can share that our focus is not solely on dying, it is on providing the highest quality care that focuses on comfort, quality of life, and the wishes of the patient, family and caregivers.
Care and support services are provided 24 hours a day, 365 days per year to provide physical, spiritual and emotional support for our patients and their caregivers. Services are provided wherever one calls home, including private residences, independent and assisted living facilities, hospitals, nursing homes and at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House. In some circumstances, the care we provide has extended the life of our patients, allowing for the time needed by friends and family to share their love and say their proper goodbyes. Regardless of the setting, our staff apply their expertise to the care of both our patients and their families.
Services are provided by an interdisciplinary team which includes our Medical Director, Nurse Practitioners, Registered and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Attending Physicians, Social Workers, Chaplains, Hospice Aides, Volunteers and Grief Counselors.
In 2023, we cared for 1,732 patients and their families in our Hospice Care Program. This includes 1,531 newly admitted patients throughout the year. We are truly grateful for the trust and assurance that our community members and healthcare partners place in our staff to provide compassionate and quality care for their most vulnerable patients, families and loved ones. We are grateful for the opportunity to care for our community members and look forward to serving those in years to come.
Care and support services are provided 24 hours a day, 365 days per year to provide physical, spiritual and emotional support for our patients and their caregivers. Services are provided wherever one calls home, including private residences, independent and assisted living facilities, hospitals, nursing homes and at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House. In some circumstances, the care we provide has extended the life of our patients, allowing for the time needed by friends and family to share their love and say their proper goodbyes. Regardless of the setting, our staff apply their expertise to the care of both our patients and their families.
Services are provided by an interdisciplinary team which includes our Medical Director, Nurse Practitioners, Registered and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Attending Physicians, Social Workers, Chaplains, Hospice Aides, Volunteers and Grief Counselors.
In 2023, we cared for 1,732 patients and their families in our Hospice Care Program. This includes 1,531 newly admitted patients throughout the year. We are truly grateful for the trust and assurance that our community members and healthcare partners place in our staff to provide compassionate and quality care for their most vulnerable patients, families and loved ones. We are grateful for the opportunity to care for our community members and look forward to serving those in years to come.
“The Community Hospice & Health Services Blue Team members were true blessings for Mike and our family during his illness.” – A Grateful Family
Palliative Care
The Community Hospice & Health Services Palliative Care Program focuses on providing compassionate care to patients with chronic or serious illnesses through symptom management, education and support.
Our dedicated palliative team helps patients, caregivers and families navigate challenges and overcome barriers of the healthcare system; advocating for them while they continue to seek curative and life-prolonging treatments. Our specially trained palliative care team visit patients wherever they call home. In collaboration and partnership with the patient’s primary care provider, staff develop an individualized care plan to provide comfort, pain and symptom management.
In 2023, we saw an increase in needed services throughout our service area. Our palliative care team cared for a total of 158 patients, admitting 79 new patients into the program. These numbers reflect both our adult and pediatric palliative care patients.
The Palliative Care Program has also benefitted from partnering with Basket of Hope, a food program sponsored by the Friends of Community Hospice & Health Services, Salvation Army and Trinity United Presbyterian Church. Through this program we have been able to refer 47 families to receive food, which has been such a blessing to our under-resourced families experiencing food insecurity. In 2023, 183 Baskets of Hope were distributed to our patient families. We have also enjoyed partnering with the Legacy Health Endowment Patient Centered Care Program which provides social work, nursing and homemaker services to many who would otherwise not have such coverage. Our clinical team is making visits to those in the program who may benefit from additional community resources and clinical oversight.
Additionally, several of our patient families had an extra special Christmas celebration because of the Adopt-A Family Program organized by our Volunteer Department. We are grateful for our generous community donors who provided gifts and holiday cheer.
We look forward to continuing this good work in 2024 and exploring additional ways to care for our community.
Our dedicated palliative team helps patients, caregivers and families navigate challenges and overcome barriers of the healthcare system; advocating for them while they continue to seek curative and life-prolonging treatments. Our specially trained palliative care team visit patients wherever they call home. In collaboration and partnership with the patient’s primary care provider, staff develop an individualized care plan to provide comfort, pain and symptom management.
In 2023, we saw an increase in needed services throughout our service area. Our palliative care team cared for a total of 158 patients, admitting 79 new patients into the program. These numbers reflect both our adult and pediatric palliative care patients.
The Palliative Care Program has also benefitted from partnering with Basket of Hope, a food program sponsored by the Friends of Community Hospice & Health Services, Salvation Army and Trinity United Presbyterian Church. Through this program we have been able to refer 47 families to receive food, which has been such a blessing to our under-resourced families experiencing food insecurity. In 2023, 183 Baskets of Hope were distributed to our patient families. We have also enjoyed partnering with the Legacy Health Endowment Patient Centered Care Program which provides social work, nursing and homemaker services to many who would otherwise not have such coverage. Our clinical team is making visits to those in the program who may benefit from additional community resources and clinical oversight.
Additionally, several of our patient families had an extra special Christmas celebration because of the Adopt-A Family Program organized by our Volunteer Department. We are grateful for our generous community donors who provided gifts and holiday cheer.
We look forward to continuing this good work in 2024 and exploring additional ways to care for our community.
Alexander Cohen Hospice House
The Alexander Cohen Hospice House is a one-of-a-kind inpatient hospice facility located in Hughson, California. The Hospice House includes 16 private inpatient rooms with all the amenities of home and delivers comprehensive 24-hour nursing care.
For 19 years, the Alexander Cohen Hospice House has provided compassionate and quality care for patients and families in our community. Our dedicated staff consists of both Registered and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Medical Social Workers, Chaplains, Hospice Aides and volunteers. Patient care is overseen by a skilled and knowledgeable Medical Director, Chief Clinical Officer and Hospice House Administrator.
The Alexander Cohen Hospice House predominantly provides two levels of care for our hospice patients. General Inpatient Care (GIP) is the highest level of hospice care where staff utilize their expertise in symptom management to alleviate symptoms not controlled in the home environment. Respite is the level of care which allows the caregiver up to five days of a much-needed rest from caregiving.
In 2023, we had the honor of providing care for 514 patients and their families at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House.
For 19 years, the Alexander Cohen Hospice House has provided compassionate and quality care for patients and families in our community. Our dedicated staff consists of both Registered and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Medical Social Workers, Chaplains, Hospice Aides and volunteers. Patient care is overseen by a skilled and knowledgeable Medical Director, Chief Clinical Officer and Hospice House Administrator.
The Alexander Cohen Hospice House predominantly provides two levels of care for our hospice patients. General Inpatient Care (GIP) is the highest level of hospice care where staff utilize their expertise in symptom management to alleviate symptoms not controlled in the home environment. Respite is the level of care which allows the caregiver up to five days of a much-needed rest from caregiving.
In 2023, we had the honor of providing care for 514 patients and their families at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House.
Quality Assurance
According to the 2023 National Research Corporation benchmarking system, Community Hospice & Health Services ranks higher than the national average for patient/family satisfaction. We are proud that patients and families highly regard the care we provide and would recommend Community Hospice & Health Services to others in need.
NATIONAL RESEARCH
CORPORATION DATE
(January– September 2023)
NATIONAL RESEARCH
CORPORATION DATE
(January– September 2023)
Clinical Education
Clinical Education had an exciting year in 2023 focusing on the expansion of our Learning Management System. These efforts have allowed us to grow our educational materials for our staff and enhance the educational training of our new hires.
More than 200 college students completed ride-a-longs with our clinical staff throughout the year with various disciplines ranging from Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, and Home Health Aides. Community Hospice & Health Services has continued our strong cultivated relationship with California State University, Stanislaus. Several students completed their learning requirements with Community Hospice & Health Service during their master’s degree in Social Work program or bachelor’s degree in Registered Nursing program. We are grateful to have well educated and friendly clinical staff members willing to create a conducive learning environment to help our students grow in their roles to serve our community at large.
We are excited about the new relationships we are building with other local schools and universities who hope to enhance their students’ learning through Community Hospice & Health Services, adding to much needed healthcare workforce capacity.
Our in-house library is open to the public and regularly updated at both our Stanislaus and San Joaquin offices. Our libraries provide a variety of books and resources related to health and aging topics. To learn more call 209.578.6300.
More than 200 college students completed ride-a-longs with our clinical staff throughout the year with various disciplines ranging from Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, and Home Health Aides. Community Hospice & Health Services has continued our strong cultivated relationship with California State University, Stanislaus. Several students completed their learning requirements with Community Hospice & Health Service during their master’s degree in Social Work program or bachelor’s degree in Registered Nursing program. We are grateful to have well educated and friendly clinical staff members willing to create a conducive learning environment to help our students grow in their roles to serve our community at large.
We are excited about the new relationships we are building with other local schools and universities who hope to enhance their students’ learning through Community Hospice & Health Services, adding to much needed healthcare workforce capacity.
Our in-house library is open to the public and regularly updated at both our Stanislaus and San Joaquin offices. Our libraries provide a variety of books and resources related to health and aging topics. To learn more call 209.578.6300.
Speakers Bureau |
Community Hospice & Health Services provides experienced speakers on a number of topics related to palliative care, hospice, grief and loss, and mental health care. Our speakers are available to come to your organization or office to provide education and resources. To learn more or schedule an inservice please contact our Director of Public Relations at 209.578.6300, [email protected] or visit hospiceheart.org.
Hospice Family Bereavement Support
Losing someone we care about can be a very difficult and emotional time. Through compassionate listening, Community Hospice & Health Services continues to support our patient’s families as they embark on their grief journey, reminding them that they are not alone. Throughout 2023, we were honored to walk alongside 975 newly grieving adults providing 698 individual grief support sessions.
In addition, we held our annual Coping with the Holidays and Family Tree Decorating Ceremonies welcoming community members who have experienced loss. This year’s Coping with the Holidays theme was Grief During the Holidays presented by Carol Schaefer, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25 years of experience working and volunteering in the fields of counseling and social work. Carol encouraged participants to plan ahead, communicate their needs and allow time to savor moments of peace, comfort, and even joy. Our Family Tree Decorating Ceremony began 18 years ago as a way to honor and remember our patients. This year we celebrated the lives of 91 of our patients and their families. This beautiful ceremony included the lighting of our holiday tree, and melodious music provided by our hospice volunteers. We are grateful for the trust of those we serve.
In addition, we held our annual Coping with the Holidays and Family Tree Decorating Ceremonies welcoming community members who have experienced loss. This year’s Coping with the Holidays theme was Grief During the Holidays presented by Carol Schaefer, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25 years of experience working and volunteering in the fields of counseling and social work. Carol encouraged participants to plan ahead, communicate their needs and allow time to savor moments of peace, comfort, and even joy. Our Family Tree Decorating Ceremony began 18 years ago as a way to honor and remember our patients. This year we celebrated the lives of 91 of our patients and their families. This beautiful ceremony included the lighting of our holiday tree, and melodious music provided by our hospice volunteers. We are grateful for the trust of those we serve.
“My thanks to all those who planned and carried out the beautiful family tree decorating ceremony on December 5th.” – A Grateful Family
Children's Grief Support Services
Children grieve very differently than adults and often experience feelings of isolation, confusion and despair. You may not always see children’s grief displayed outwardly. Internally, children may feel and react to emotions that are difficult to express. They might not have the words or understanding of what they feel to communicate or process their experience. Community Hospice & Health Services is honored to partner with various school districts throughout Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties to bring support to children and youth.
In 2023, our children’s grief support staff supported a total of 649 children providing 1,339 counseling sessions. Individual and group support was provided to 490 children in 60 area schools throughout Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.
Crisis Response Team
When a death unexpectedly occurs in a workplace or school that affects the staff, faculty and students, we are available to be called out to provide grief support to children and adults alike. This past year we continued to see a demand for assistance from our community for crisis events. In 2023, our Crisis Response Team responded to a total of 14 crisis calls and 2 follow up calls for sudden, unexpected death circumstances, supporting 157 children and 53 adults.
In 2023, our children’s grief support staff supported a total of 649 children providing 1,339 counseling sessions. Individual and group support was provided to 490 children in 60 area schools throughout Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.
Crisis Response Team
When a death unexpectedly occurs in a workplace or school that affects the staff, faculty and students, we are available to be called out to provide grief support to children and adults alike. This past year we continued to see a demand for assistance from our community for crisis events. In 2023, our Crisis Response Team responded to a total of 14 crisis calls and 2 follow up calls for sudden, unexpected death circumstances, supporting 157 children and 53 adults.
Youth Grief Camp
The Community Hospice & Health Services Youth Grief Camp, formerly known as Camp Erin of the Central Valley, provides a unique opportunity for youth who have had a death loss of a loved one. Children and teens ages 6 to 17 attend a three-day, overnight camp experience that provides traditional camp activities, grief education, emotional support, and healing. Camp gives an opportunity to meet others and bond with their peers who are grieving and can relate to their experience. Led by bereavement professionals and caring volunteers, camp provides a safe environment to explore grief feelings, learn coping skills and make new friends.
We are excited to kick off our 11th year of camp with a new name, Camp Wokini, which means hope and new beginnings. Camp Wokini will be held May 31-June 2, 2024, at Camp Sylvester in Pinecrest, California. To learn more or to apply to be a camper or volunteer, visit hospiceheart.org.
- In 2023, 70 brave campers joined us on June 2-4, 2023, for camp.
- 60% of campers had lost a significant caregiver.
- 31% of campers had lost someone to cancer.
We are excited to kick off our 11th year of camp with a new name, Camp Wokini, which means hope and new beginnings. Camp Wokini will be held May 31-June 2, 2024, at Camp Sylvester in Pinecrest, California. To learn more or to apply to be a camper or volunteer, visit hospiceheart.org.
Hope Counseling
Hope Counseling, a mental health program offered by Community Hospice & Health Services, provides compassionate and high-quality care and therapeutic support for children, teens, individuals, and couples who are experiencing barriers that may impede their ability to live life fully.
Our skilled and dedicated clinicians are Licensed Clinical Social Workers or Marriage and Family Therapists who are paneled with several major insurances. Through a Community Impact grant award with Sutter Health Foundation, Hope Counseling was able to offer a discounted rate for uninsured and underinsured clients. Counseling is offered to clients through in-person, telephone and virtual platforms.
In 2023, Hope Counseling served a total of 141 clients and provided 1,136 sessions. Clients are empowered and provided resources to develop strength and resiliency. Our expansion of therapeutic services supports those in need of guidance, improved well-being, healing and hope. To learn more or to schedule an appointment call 209.578.6373 or visit hospiceheart.org.
Our skilled and dedicated clinicians are Licensed Clinical Social Workers or Marriage and Family Therapists who are paneled with several major insurances. Through a Community Impact grant award with Sutter Health Foundation, Hope Counseling was able to offer a discounted rate for uninsured and underinsured clients. Counseling is offered to clients through in-person, telephone and virtual platforms.
In 2023, Hope Counseling served a total of 141 clients and provided 1,136 sessions. Clients are empowered and provided resources to develop strength and resiliency. Our expansion of therapeutic services supports those in need of guidance, improved well-being, healing and hope. To learn more or to schedule an appointment call 209.578.6373 or visit hospiceheart.org.
Volunteer Services
Community Hospice & Health Services Volunteers continue to remain at the heart of our organization. We are filled with gratitude for their continued support and helping us fulfill our mission.
We are fortunate to have the support of 361 volunteers, who contributed 15,123 hours of service in all aspects of our organization, including offering comfort via cards, in person, pet therapy and through music to our patients and families. 43 volunteers returned to an in person overnight camp, offering support to grieving children.
This year we were able to show our appreciation for our volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Ceremony. We honored the following volunteers for their dedication and commitment to the mission of Community Hospice & Health Services. Community Hospice & Health Services Volunteers are serving, giving and caring- Thank you for Helping us Grow!
Dolores Herrera – Community Hospice & Health Services
Yvonne Taylor – Friends of Community Hospice & Health Services
Michel Tristant – Camp Erin of the Central Valley
Racine Martin – Hope Chest Thrift Stores
We are fortunate to have the support of 361 volunteers, who contributed 15,123 hours of service in all aspects of our organization, including offering comfort via cards, in person, pet therapy and through music to our patients and families. 43 volunteers returned to an in person overnight camp, offering support to grieving children.
This year we were able to show our appreciation for our volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Ceremony. We honored the following volunteers for their dedication and commitment to the mission of Community Hospice & Health Services. Community Hospice & Health Services Volunteers are serving, giving and caring- Thank you for Helping us Grow!
Dolores Herrera – Community Hospice & Health Services
Yvonne Taylor – Friends of Community Hospice & Health Services
Michel Tristant – Camp Erin of the Central Valley
Racine Martin – Hope Chest Thrift Stores
We welcome your time and talent!
There are many opportunities to lend a helping hand at Community Hospice & Health Services. Some areas of opportunity and service include:
For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit hospiceheart.org.
There are many opportunities to lend a helping hand at Community Hospice & Health Services. Some areas of opportunity and service include:
- Patient and family visitors
- Board leadership
- Fundraising
- Community education and marketing
- Bereavement support
- Camp Wokini
- Retail operations
- General office duties
For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit hospiceheart.org.