Past President Tim Ridge called the meeting to order
Kevin Courtney offered the prayer and led the pledge
Announcements:
Operation Christmas Child boxes were collected, thank you to all who participated
Next Week - November 26 - there will be no morning meeting, as we will be delivering Thanksgiving food baskets that day. Be at Piggly Wiggly on the South End by 4:00 to pick up baskets to be delivered. We are delivering more this year so need everyone's help. Social afterward at Mangiamo's
Friday December 13 is the annual VLR Christmas Party - it will be at Spanish Wells. The theme is "LowCountry Cowboy Christmas" Great food, beverages - wear your cowboy duds.
Meeting on December 3 is the auction kick off!
Sergeant at Arms Julie Camp Tome welcomed guest of Dave Pierce, Hal Wilson and collected Happy $$
Speaker:
Speaker was Jenny Brasington, RN, CHPN, Executive Director of Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.
photo credit Barry Davis
She shared the history of and the services offered by this nonprofit. Hospice was started in the 1960's has grown over the years. Last year 1.6 million had Hospice care. Care is provided by a team of inter-disciplinary health professionals and volunteers. Hospice Care of the Lowcountry has been serving the area since 1982 and are the leading independent non-profit, Medicare-certified hospice serving Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton Counties. They are the only one in the area to offer Pallative Care of the Lowcountry which means that the patient may continue to receive curative treatment. There are over 150 volunteers in the lowcountry and they serve up to 350 patients a year currently.
A team of doctors, nurses started it in 1982 as a 501C3 and it has remained a non profit. The board members are all volunteers. Their mission statement: "To give comfort and honor dignity for end of life patients and their families through compassionate physical, emotional and spiritual care, regardless of their financial circumstances. "
photo credit Angie Stone
Anyone can start a hospice so there are a number locally including ones that are owned by doctors. Be aware of that when choosing one.
There are many services that they offer: They honor veterans - have a meaningful ceremony that is done in the home; Pet therapy program with 60 animals - offered in home and nursing homes; Videos - made to capture memories (example for a young child who is losing a parent); Aromatherapy; Massage therapy; Community bereavement program; Pet Peace of mind ; infant child loss group; Life song music therapy. Hospice Care of the Lowcountry's mission is to care for anyone in need, regardless of ability to pay. Care is covered 100% by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. They get a daily rate and also provide all medications and equipment. They also apply for grants and do fundraising. There biggest fundraiser is the Yacht Hop which is held in spring. The Hospice team is happy to answer any questions by phone and are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Main phone number is 843-706-2296. To learn more visit the website at www.hospicecarelc.org