Thursday, February 23, 2012

State of the Heart Hospice Patient Finds Comfort in Her Own Home

Wanda Simpkins is pictured in front of a
family photo and with a poinsettia given to her at Christmas
by State of the Heart Hospice
Seventy-eight year old Arcanum resident Wanda Simpkins exemplifies what State of the Heart Hospice strives to do in providing hospice care: She is able to stay in the house she has called home for nearly 50 years.

“If I did not have State of the Heart Hospice care, I don’t know what would happen to me,” said Simpkins. Her hospice caregivers, she added, “have become like a family to me.”

Diagnosed with a lung disease, she said her doctor advised her to contact State of the Heart Hospice to help in her care and to assure she could remain in her home where she is most comfortable. As a hospice patient, she has regular visits from her nurse Sheri Fleming, her hospice aide, Jodi Anderson, and enjoys the company of two volunteers, Mary Brennan and Tara Macy.

For more than 30 years, State of the Heart Hospice has provided care to patients and families in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are confronting a life-limiting illness. The agency has offices in Greenville, Coldwater and Portland.

Every morning, Monday through Friday, Anderson shows up at Simpkins’ house to help her get ready for the day. “It takes me a while by myself,” Simpkins explained. “I don’t know what I would do without Jodi.” Anderson helps with a bath, then prepares breakfast and tends to any other needs before leaving.

“I keep her in a routine and make sure she is eating right,” Anderson explained, adding that Simpkins enjoys her visits and help. “I know if we were not there to help her, she would not be able to stay in her home that she loves so much.”

Hospice volunteer Mary Brennan enjoys her visits with Simpkins. “It is a mutual enjoyment,” Brennan added, as both women enjoy their visits together. “When I visit, I truly feel I am providing a valuable service.” Simpkins, she added, has a lot of confidence in her nurse Sheri Fleming. “If Wanda is not feeling well, she talks to Sheri who listens carefully, then works to resolve the problem.” Fleming visits Simpkins once or twice a week, depending on the need.



Brennan sometimes surprises Simpkins with a treat. “She loves coney dogs and I will sometimes get some for her. She really enjoys them and is so delighted when I bring them to her,” she said. Brennan was also able to help Simpkins with some decorations after the Christmas holidays. “She does not like to ask for help,” Brennan explained, “and she did not want to ask someone to put the boxes away. I was able to do this for her and was glad I could help. She is always appreciative.”

A basic concept in hospice care is to provide care in a patient’s home where they are most comfortable with familiar surroundings. In a national survey by the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, it was revealed that more than 83 percent of those patients facing a life-limiting illness would prefer to remain at home while they are cared for in their final days.

For Simpkins, becoming a State of the Heart patient was a bit of a surprise. “I thought hospice cared for only cancer patients,” she said. Actually, hospices are caring increasingly for patients with chronic breathing problems, heart disease, renal failure, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

“Wanda is a delightful person who enjoys each day,” said Fleming. “She is so appreciative that we are caring for her and helping her stay in her own home.” Simpkins, whose husband Ezra operated a TV repair shop out of their home for 29 years, said they moved into their home in 1964. She and her husband, since deceased, were married 53 years. They had two children, a son and daughter.

Every Monday Simpkins looks forward to a visit from her young State of the Heart volunteer, Tara Macy, a junior at Miami University who is from Lewisburg. She travels from Oxford for her visits. “When I walk in Wanda is always so glad to see me. We talk, reminisce and laugh. It is so rewarding to me. Wanda does some reminiscing and talks of her son and daughter. She always asks about school and how I am doing.” She usually spends an hour to two hours with Simpkins.

Macy, who is studying Gerontology at Miami University, explained that she had relatives who had hospice care. Her career goal, she said, “is to work in hospice care. I saw the difference hospice care made in my own family and I want to be a part of that same care.”

Simpkins explained that her “hospice family” brings her “peace of mind.” “I am used to my home. I love it here,” she said. “The hospice care provided by State of the Heart is wonderful. Without it, I just could not make it and remain in my own home.”

“Wanda is the perfect example of what we try to do in providing hospice care,” Fleming explained. “We care for her where she is comfortable and that is in her home.”

For more information about any of the services provided by State of the Heart visit the agency website at www.stateoftheheartcare.org.

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