13 Nov, 2019
The sweet aroma of Chinese cuisine wafted into the large gathering room at Hunan Springs Restaurant, Tuesday afternoon. Area health care providers sat around tables as LB Homes’ Missy Klemin stood in front to present on some common misconceptions with Hospice Care.
“What I believe sets us apart from other Hospices is our focus on the patients as a whole,” Klemin noted before the presentation. “At LB Hospice we have a team of chaplains who focus on all aspects of a person’s well-being. We have one full-time chaplain dedicated to Hospice Care.”
In Klemin’s presentation she highlighted some of the criteria necessary for a person to receive Hospice care. She noted that life-limiting illness, with a prognosis of 6 months to one year of life expectancy is a common benchmark. She highlighted a wide-range of services, specifically a patient/family first focus that engages a strong interdisciplinary team at LB Homes. Notably, LB Homes has a team of chaplains and a dedicated grief support and bereavement coordinator who not only provides 13 months of follow-up service as desired by the family, but also provides community grief support groups.
“What I believe sets us apart from other Hospices is our focus on the patients as a whole. At LB Hospice we have a team of chaplains who focus on all aspects of a person’s well-being. We have one full-time chaplain dedicated to Hospice Care.”
— MISSY KLEMIN
The attendees to the Fergus Falls Senior Service Providers Network were also directed to consider the venues LB Homes provides their hospice care in our community. Klemin noted that a person could receive our care in their home or the home of a loved one, but it is common for LB Homes to provide hospice care inside nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, hospitals, correctional settings, and even in homeless shelters. LB Hospice provides a ministry-first service to the greater Otter Tail county region wherever a person is located.
Many in attendance scribbled notes quickly as Klemin progressed through her presentation. In closing she highlighted the way LB Homes cares for veterans in the region. LB Homes is a member of the We Honor Veterans program through the Veterans Administration. LB Homes provides focused education for veterans, also presenting significant care resources and presentations to the greater community on helpful and proper ways to care for and respect our veterans.
Klemin noted that LB Homes provides exceptional chaplain services, not only to the LB Homes residents and clients but also to the greater Otter Tail County community. She spoke of LB Hospice’s pet and aromatherapy services, commenting on the benefit holistic care in the final months provides not only for the patient but also for their family.
The Fergus Falls Senior Service Providers Network gathering occurs monthly for the greater Otter Tail county region healthcare providers. It is a time for health care providers to share new developments, ministry opportunities, and build community as we continue to care for our residents.
