My Four Seasons Story- Lorraine & Samara



“Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation, and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” - Dean Koontz

Lorraine and Samara have experienced firsthand just how much joy and comfort animals can bring to our patients.

The Future of Healthcare in America

On the show today: Dr. Amy Abernethy from Duke University discusses the future of healthcare in America.

Tune in today from 3-3:30: Tune in

Catch up on past episodes at HealthcareCafe.org



My Four Seasons Story- Wendy, part 2

A touching message from Wendy, who is both a Four Seasons employee and a caregiver.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, please call:

Local: (828) 692-6178 Toll Free: (866) 466-9734



Looking for something to do this holiday weekend?

The Stars, Stripes and Stangs event is being held at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville this weekend. For those who want to come and check out the hundreds of Mustangs on display, the show is free and open to the public Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 9am-2 pm.

Proceeds of this event will benefit Four Seasons, Animal Compassion Network and the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
More info: http://brmcoa.org/2013national/

*Please note: The Blue Ridge Mustang Club of Asheville asks that you park in the northeast corner of the Sam's Club parking lot on Patton Avenue. There is no spectator parking available on resort grounds.*

My Four Seasons Story- Lynda

Grieving takes time and is different for everyone. Lynda, a bereavement counselor, offers a guiding hand as family members face the loss of a loved one.

Bereavement services are available to anyone in our area- even those whose families have not used Four Seasons' hospice or palliative care.

Call the Bereavement Department at 828-692-6178 for more information.



Spotlight Carolina: Pet Therapy

 Did you miss Marche and Drake on Spotlight Carolina last week?

Watch the video here: Spotlight Carolina: Pet Therapy

For more info on our Pet Therapy program, call the Volunteer Department at 828-692-6178.

Any Mustang lovers out there?

Come out to the Crowne Plaza next weekend (July 5-7) for the Stars, Stripes and Stangs event being put on by the Blue Ridge Mustang Club of Asheville.

This event is free of charge to anyone who wants to check out the hundreds of Mustangs on display. Parking available at Sam's Club.

Proceeds of this event will benefit Four Seasons.

Visit http://brmcoa.org/2013national/ for more info.



My Four Seasons Story- Ester

After she began working as a CNA, Ester quickly realized that there was something very unique about the Elizabeth House.

Read about family experiences at the Elizabeth House here: http://goo.gl/PII2u

Still accepting Bear Buddies through June 30th!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to everyone who has already donated a Bear Buddy to our Heart Songs Program!

We could still use a few more...

For more on the program and a list of drop-off locations in Black Mountain, read the article here: http://goo.gl/xqbky

Starting tonight:

The first show of "Secrets: Freeing the Hidden Story" begins tonight at 7:30 pm.

Tickets available at the Diana Wortham box office.

More info: http://www.fourseasonscfl.org/community-events

My Four Seasons Story- Susan

Children and teens grieve differently than adults. Four Seasons bereavement counselor Susan Bumgarner works to create a safe environment where children and teens can express their grief in healthy ways.

If you know a child who could benefit from grief counseling, call the Bereavement Department at (828) 692-6178 or Toll free at (866) 466-9734.

Cancer Care Advancements and Trends

Tune in now (3-3:30 pm) for a discussion on cancer care advancements and trends with Dr. Mark McCollough of Pardee Hospital: Tune in

Listen to past shows at www.HealthcareCafe.org

Making the Elizabeth House feel like Home

A great big THANK YOU to the gardeners who came out to plant annuals at the Elizabeth House last month!

It is so important for our patients and their families to feel comfortable and at home.

Thank you to everyone who works to keep the Elizabeth House so beautiful!

My Four Seasons Story

A message from a nurse and a caregiver.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, please call:

Local: (828) 692-6178 Toll Free: (866) 466-9734

One more week 'til showtime!

Community Choreography Projects presents "Secrets: Freeing the Hidden Story" June 20-22 at the Diana Wortham Theater in downtown Asheville.

"Secrets" melds storytelling, drama, dance and multimedia. Tickets for this unique and touching performance are $18 and can be ordered through Diana Wortham Theatre (www.dwtheatre.com) Malaprop’s Bookstore, Enchanted Forrest (North and South store), and Four Seasons.

Proceeds from the performance will benefit Four Seasons.

More info here: http://www.fourseasonscfl.org/community-events/

Understanding Palliative Care

On air right now (3-3:30 pm):

Tune in for "Understanding Palliative Care" with Dr. John Morris, Palliative Care Medical Director of Four Seasons.

Tune in

Listen to past shows at www.HealthcareCafe.org



My Four Seasons Story

The death of a loved one can be a frightening path to walk alone. When the time comes, Four Seasons can be a companion for the journey.

If you know a caregiver in need of support, we are here to help.

Local: (828) 692-6178 Toll Free: (866) 466-9734

Thank you Hendersonville Board of Realtors!

Last month, the Hendersonville Board of Realtors raised $2,000 for Four Seasons CFL from their golf tournament held at Crooked Creek Golf Club.

We are so grateful to be part of such a supportive community.
Thank you Hendersonville Board of Realtors!

(Pictured: Bill Fishburne, President of the Hendersonville Board of Realtors, presents check to Derek Groves, Vice President of Four Seasons.)



Offer comfort to a grieving child

"Every child needs something to hold when someone in their lives faces end of life."

  -Susan Bumgarner, Child and Teen Bereavement Counselor

Help a child who is grieving the loss of a loved one by donating a new teddy bear to the Heart Songs Program for Children.

Donations will be accepted at the following Buncombe county locations throughout the month of June:

Four Seasons-Checkpoint, 373 Biltmore Avenue; Appalachian Vintner; Diamond Brand; Mast General Store; Fresh Market; Audubon Apartments; OP Taylor, Biltmore Park; Ingles, Skyland and Fairview; Fire House Subs, Long Shoals Road; and Weirbridge Village Apartments.

Read more on the program here.

It's the last day to vote for your favorites!

Today is the final day to vote in the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC poll.

It only takes a few minutes to cast your ballot at vote.bestofwnc.com.

Vote Four Seasons as the Best Hospice in WNC here.



Overall State of Healthcare and End of Life Care

On air right now (3-3:30 pm):

Tune in for a discussion on the overall state of healthcare and end of life care with Dr. Scott Donaldson of Pardee Urological Associates.

Tune in

Listen to past shows at www.HealthcareCafe.org

 

Vote 'Four Seasons' as the best Hospice in WNC!

vote.bestofwnc.com

Each year, the Mountain Xpress asks the community to vote online for their favorite businesses and organizations in and around Asheville, and this year there is a Hospice category on the Best of WNC ballot!

Just enter your name and email at vote.bestofwnc.com to get the ballot.

Find Hospice under the Health & Wellness section.

A link to share on Facebook and Twitter appears underneath each nomination, so it's easy to pass along to friends and family! Voting is open through June 5th.

We'd love your support!

Happy Voting!

**Please note: After you have completed the ballot, scroll down to the bottom to SUBMIT.**



Volunteer Spotlight

 

Want to know more about how you can become a Four Seasons Volunteer? Call (828) 692-6178 to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator today!

Soiree 2013

We celebrated our 8th Annual Seasons of Life Soiree last month.

Thank you to each and every volunteer, sponsor and staff member who made this wonderful evening possible!

New Volunteer Training

New Volunteer Orientation and Training starts Monday, June 3 in Bryson City.

Call Volunteer Coordinator, Mike Garner at (828) 551-5271 for more information or to register.



World Cafe

On air right now (3-3:30pm)..Healthcare Cafe with Chris and Courtney Jackson of ProCare. Tune in to hear answers to your submitted healthcare questions:

Tune in

Listen to past shows at www.HealthcareCafe.org

Hope After Loss

For those who are currently experiencing or anticipating a loss, our Bereavement Team can help. Bereavement counseling is free of charge to any grieving person who lives in our service areas.

For information on support groups and workshops, visit our Bereavement page or call 828-692-6178.

Upcoming Support Groups and Workshops

Healthcare Reform

Tune in tomorrow at 10:30 am to hear Chris discuss the biggest upcoming changes in healthcare with Kevin Kappel of Caring Foundations.

Live Streaming:

1350WZGM

To catch up on past shows, visit:

HealthcareCafe.org



Delivering Care within an Integrated Healthcare System

Tune into Healthcare Cafe at 10:30 tomorrow morning for a discussion with Suzi Johnson, VP of Sharp Hospice Care, on delivering care within an integrated healthcare system.

Live Streaming:

1350WZGM

HealthcareCafe.org

A Monthly Newsletter for Family Caregivers

http://www.seriousillness.org/fourseasons/newsletter/



Coping With Grief On Mother's Day

Not everyone will be able to celebrate this coming Mother's Day. For those who have lost a mother, it can be a painful day of mourning, especially if this is the first Mother's Day without Mom or if young children are grieving, too. This may also be a hard day for women who have experienced infertility, pregnancy loss or the loss of a child.

Recognizing this, the Good Grief Center for Bereavement Support, a nonprofit which provides free services to individuals and families, offers these suggestions for coping.


Tips for Adults who are Grieving Their Mothers

1. Grief is work, requiring time and energy. Write Mom a letter. Say what you would tell her if she was still physically here.

2. Men, women, adults, children, and adolescents all grieve in different ways. Share and respect your differences. Neither way is right or wrong, each gender and age group can learn from the other.

3. Ask a trusted friend or coworker what helped them when their mother died.

4. Do something positive in memory of your mother. Choose an activity that will connect you to her. Repeat this activity as often and as long as you feel the need.

5. Seek out others who are helpful and supportive. Do not feel that you need to do this alone. Someone who has been through grief can often empathize with you. This may be a friend, family member, counselor or bereavement support group.

6. Take care of yourself. Give yourself time and space to begin healing. Get enough rest. Eat nourishing food. Give yourself a break.

Tips to Help Children who are Grieving Their Mothers

1. If the children are young, spend quality time by reading them stories that Mom used to read. Encourage and help them make a Mother's Day card.

2. Remind them it's okay to miss their mom and cry if they need to. Engage them in creative games. Children process grief and other emotions through play.

3. Explain that this is a good day for good memories of Mom. Break out the photo album and reminisce with them. Laugh with them. Let them know it's okay to feel good, too, when thinking about her.

4. Encourage them to honor their mother by spending the day with family. Suggest activities that Mom used to enjoy, or ones that will evoke warm memories.

5. Take them to one of Mom's favorite places as a means of enabling them to feel close to her. Have them take flowers or special mementos to leave at the site.

Tips for Mothers who are Grieving Their Children

1. Be gentle with yourself. This could be the most dreaded day of the year for you. You may feel anger, sadness, guilt or a range of other emotions because your child died before you. These emotions are very common with grief-don't try to suppress them.

2. Seek out emotional support; it is a sign of courage, not weakness. It is unrealistic to believe that you will process your grief quickly. Everyone grieves in their own time and their own way.

3. Be patient with yourself. Talk openly with trusted family and friends about your child and encourage them to talk openly with you too-hearing your child's name mentioned can be helpful.

4. Create your own memorial. Whether it involves planting, writing, building or painting, be creative and put your energy into doing something in memory of your child.

5. If you're a woman who never held your baby due to a pregnancy loss, celebrate your baby by lighting a candle or planting a flower that blooms every year. If your friend experienced a pregnancy loss, offer a hug and let her know you are thinking of her on Mother's Day.

6. If you have not been able to conceive, follow the suggestions above that are right for you. Give yourself permission to grieve and to talk with trusted others about how you have changed as a person.

7. Talk about your feelings with your spouse and encourage him or her to express to you how they are feeling.

Source:
Good Grief Center for Bereavement Support


The Remembering Our Mothers support group will be held tomorrow, May 9th from 2-3:30 pm at our Four Seasons Checkpoint Office: 373 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801.

Please Call 828-692-6178 for more information or to register.

Thank you,
The Four Seasons Team

If you have any questions or need to talk to someone, please call our
Bereavement Department at 828-692-6178

Disparities in Healthcare

Tune into Healthcare Cafe tomorrow morning at 10:30 for a discussion on Disparities in Healthcare with Tom Bridges from the Henderson County Department of Public Health.

Listen Here:

1350WZGM

HealthcareCafe.org

Celebrating our Volunteers!

It's the last day of Volunteer Appreciation Month!

Did you know that we have a group of specially-trained,

four-legged Volunteers at Four Seasons? 

There are 18 certified pet therapy dogs that serve our patients and families in facilities throughout Western North Carolina.  That is one big, talented, loving, adorable pack!

We love ALL of our Volunteers at Four Seasons, but we have a soft spot (right behind the ears) for our pet therapy dogs!

Celebrating our Volunteers!

Did you know that we have over 60 wonderful Volunteers who help staff our Hospice Home Store?

They do everything from running the cash register, receiving and sorting donations, pricing merchandise, helping to keep the store neat and inviting, and providing excellent customer service!  

We are so thankful for our Home Store Volunteers!

Healthcare Cafe: World Cafe

Tune into Healthcare Cafe tomorrow morning at 10:30 to hear answers to your submitted questions!

Listen Here:

1350WZGM

To listen to past episodes of Healthcare Cafe, visit: HealthcareCafe.org

Celebrating our Volunteers!

Did you know that we have a group of Baking Volunteers who make delicious homemade goodies to serve at Bereavement programs and special events throughout the year?   

 

In 2012, our Baking Volunteers made over

160 DOZEN cookies, bars, and brownies!

Yum, yum!

Thank you Baking Volunteers!

WLOS Person of the Week: Joyce Roush Mason

Joyce Mason, Clinical Director at Elizabeth House, was just named WLOS's Person of the Week!

We are so lucky to have such an inspiration walking our hallways each day.

Congratulations Joyce!

Watch Joyce's story here:

http://wlos.com/shared/community/features/potw/stories/wlos_joyce-roush-mason-118.shtml

Healthcare Cafe: Healthy Building Materials

Tune into Healthcare Cafe tomorrow morning at 10:30 to hear Chris discuss Healthy Building Materials with Ken from Ken Gaylord Architecture.

Listen Here:

1350WZGM

To listen to past episodes of Healthcare Cafe, visit: HealthcareCafe.org

Celebrating our Volunteers!

Our Patient Care Volunteers serve our patients in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and in Home Care Settings. 

They provide supportive presence, socialization and caregiver respite as well as help with errands and provide transportation. 

 

In 2012, over 51% of our patients were served by a Volunteer!

Thank you for all you do to bring comfort and support to our patients and their families!

Zambia 2013

Our team has arrived safely in Zambia!

The Palliative Care Association of Zambia (PCAZ) and Four Seasons have collaborated on a volunteer medical project to promote vital health awareness of palliative care and other critical health issues including prevention and treatments for HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and cancer.

Our team of doctors, nurses and social workers will spend time in three communities working to strengthen and support existing resources and promote local health programs.

This project was organized by Dr. Alan S. Baumgarten, a family practice physician in Asheville, Caleb Rudow, an Asheville native and Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia along with Njekwa Lumbwe, National Coordinator of PCAZ and Dr. Janet Bull, Medical Director and CMO of Four Seasons.

National Healthcare Decisions Day

 

Today is the 6th Annual National Healthcare Decisions Day.

 

Does your family know your wishes?

www.nhdd.org

NHDD.org offers a list of educational resources on making healthcare decisions.

Read our monthly newsletter for tips on having the conversation with your family today.



Celebrating our Volunteers!

Last week we celebrated Four Seasons Volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the NC Arboretum. 

Thank you to all of our wonderful Volunteers who joined us at the beautiful new venue!  And thank you to all the fantastic Four Seasons staff who came out to support the event and show some extra love to our Volunteers! 

A great time was had by all. 

Healthcare Cafe: Caregiving for Dementia Patients

Tune in tomorrow at 10:30 am!

"Caregiving for Dementia Patients" with Dr. Peggy Noel, Memory Care

1350WZGM

To listen to past episodes of Healthcare Cafe, visit: HealthcareCafe.org

Enjoy Music, Coffee, and Desserts While Supporting our Music Therapists!

For more info, visit our Community Events page

Need to get rid of old medicine?

The Henderson County Sheriff's Office is offering the community a safe way to dispose of medicine that is no longer needed.

Saturday, April 13th, residents can drop off unused pharmaceutical medications in a collection box at the Sheriff's Office located at

100 N. Grove Street in downtown Hendersonville.

More Info: www.hendersoncountync.org/sheriff/documents/MedicineDrop.pdf

Celebrating our Volunteers!

Did you know we have a group of very talented Sewing Volunteers at Four Seasons?

They make a variety of different comfort items, quilts, and blankets for our patients:

Last year, our Sewing Volunteers made and donated:

                  774    Beautiful Butterfly Pillows

                             

                       160    Lovely Lap Quilts

                             

                       283    Handmade Hospital Gowns

                                             

                                   ...and much more!

Thank you for all you do to bring comfort to our patients!



Healthcare Cafe: A Partnership for Zambia

Tune in tomorrow at 10:30 am! 

"A Partnership for Zambia" with Dr. Janet Bull

1350WZGM

To listen to past episodes of Healthcare Cafe, visit: HealthcareCafe.org

“The brightest stars are those who shine for the benefit of others.”

Did you know that April is Volunteer Appreciation Month? 

Here at Four Seasons we could not do what we do without our wonderful, compassionate Volunteers.

OUR FOUR SEASONS VOLUNTEERS SHINE!

The 2013 Seasons of Life Soiree is just around the corner!

Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center - April 27th @ 6:30 pm

* Food * Raffle * Auction * Entertainment *

Don't have your tickets yet? There's still time!

RSVP at SeasonsOfLife2013.com for a night of delicious food, fun, and a chance to impact the lives of those in need!

And don't forget to wear your favorite jeans and jewels!

Healthcare Cafe: World Cafe

Tune in tomorrow morning at 10:30 am to hear answers to your submitted questions!

1350WZGM

This week's show is World Cafe style with guest host Courtney Jackson, VP of Sales and Client Relations at ProCare, a national pharmacy benefit management company.

To listen to past episodes of Healthcare Cafe, visit: HealthcareCafe.org



Healthcare Cafe: Red Cross

Tune in to Healthcare Cafe Saturday at 10:30 am with guest Amanda Edwards, Chapter Executive of the Asheville-Mountain Area chapter of the American Red Cross.

Tune in here: WZGM 1350

To listen to past episodes of Healthcare Cafe, visit: HealthcareCafe.org



Volunteer Spotlight

Want to know more about how you can become a Four Seasons Volunteer? Call (828) 692-6178 to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator today!

Find a Treasure at the Hospice Home Store!

The Hospice Home Store has great prices on furniture, antiques, housewares, clothing and more. Shop early and often for the best selection!

Proceeds from the Hospice Home Store help to fund the many programs of Four Seasons.

215 North Main Street in downtown Hendersonville

Open: Monday-Saturday 9:30 am to 5 pm



Healthcare Cafe: World Cafe with Courtney Jackson

Tune in tomorrow morning at 10:30 am to hear answers to your submitted questions!

1350WZGM

This week's show is World Cafe style with guest host Courtney Jackson, VP of Sales and Client Relations at ProCare, a national pharmacy benefit management company.

 

To listen to past episodes of Healthcare Cafe, visit: HealthcareCafe.org



Last Chance to see "Vesta"

ABIPA, Four Seasons and Different Strokes present “VESTA” by Bryan Harnetiaux

“Vesta” is a touching play that follows the emotional journey of a family accepting end of life care support for their dying loved one. Many in our community face difficult decisions when a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness. “Vesta” brings the end of life conversation to the forefront and helps us work through those complex decisions.

Price: $5

When:
Friday, March 8th 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 9th 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 10th 3:00 pm

Where:First Congregational United Church of Christ
20 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801

Please join ABIPA, Four Seasons and Different Strokes for this moving production.

For more information, visit: http://www.differentstrokesperformingartscollective.org/

Healthcare Cafe: Getting Healthy in 2013

Tune in to Healthcare Cafe Saturday morning at 10:30am for "Getting Healthy in 2013" with Paul Vest of the YWCA.

Tune in here: WZGM 1350

To listen to past episodes of Healthcare Cafe, visit: HealthcareCafe.org



News from Community Choreography Projects:

Community Choreography Projects Launches Secret Project

CCP embarked on its Secret Initiative in January 2013 with 21 participants meeting weekly in preparation for a collaboratively choreographed performance, Secrets: Freeing the Hidden Story, to be held June 20-22, 2013 at Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville. This will be the CCP’s fifth performance and for the first time, the topic of “secrets” has given rise to three additional events—a gallery exhibit, writing workshop, and film vignettes—that invite public participation starting in February.

Note-able Secrets: A call for submissions and gallery exhibit

We are calling for your participation

February-April, groups, organizations, and the general public are encouraged to create, draw, collage, and submit an anonymous secret on a 4x6 index card. The cards will be exhibited throughout the month of May at Jubilee and again on June 20-22 at Diana Wortham Theatre during the performance. This gallery of secrets aims to represent the many voices of our community and beyond.

For complete guidelines & submission details visit www.communitychoreography.com



"Vesta" starts Friday, March 1st

ABIPA, Four Seasons and Different Strokes present “VESTA” by Bryan Harnetiaux

“Vesta” is a touching play that follows the emotional journey of a family accepting end of life care support for their dying loved one. Many in our community face difficult decisions when a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness. “Vesta” brings the end of life conversation to the forefront and helps us work through those complex decisions.

Price: $5

When:
Friday, March 1st 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 2nd 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 3rd 3:00 pm
Friday, March 8th 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 9th 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 10th 3:00 pm

Where:
First Congregational United Church of Christ
20 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801

Please join ABIPA, Four Seasons and Different Strokes for this moving production.

For more information, visit: http://www.differentstrokesperformingartscollective.org/

Healthcare Cafe February 23: Answers to submitted questions

Tune in to Healthcare Cafe tomorrow morning at 10:30 to hear answers to your submitted questions!

Tune in here: WZGM 1350

To listen to past episodes of Healthcare Cafe, visit: HealthcareCafe.org



Local Man Starts Pet Bereavement Support Group:

http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20130221/ARTICLES/130229971/1151?p=1&tc=pg