Hospice of St. Francis has launched a program spotlighting the work of the hospice’s employees; work, which elevates the lives of patients nearing the end of life and their families. The program, “Uplifting Lives,” will eventually include internal and external communications for Hospice of St. Francis employees, patients and family members, and all of Brevard County.
“Uplifting Lives speaks to the care, compassion and commitment of our caregivers, who dedicate themselves to the well-being of our patients and families, at a time of life unlike any other,” said Bruce Wolters, Hospice of St. Francis President and CEO. “It’s these qualities that uplift the lives of our patients and their families when it is most needed.”
The idea for “Uplifting Lives” was born as discussions were underway about Hospice of St. Francis’ planned 12-bed inpatient care center. Construction on the care center is set to begin this summer.
“As we talked about what this care center truly represents, the words ‘uplifting lives’ came up, and they fit perfectly with what we do at Hospice of St. Francis,” Wolters said. “It so exactly describes the lives of our employees and our goal for patients and families.”
Uplifting Lives will begin with regular weekly communications to employees that share examples of acts performed in service to hospice patients and families. It will eventually extend to advertising and other outreach.
“Hospice care differs from all other healthcare in that we know in advance the eventual outcome for our patients,” said Dr. Elizabeth Galfo, Hospice of St. Francis Medical Director. “Every day, I see our caregivers doing extraordinary things that truly touch lives in a deeply meaningful way. It is visible in the faces of family members. They bring comfort, help and an uplifting spirit to families at this time of powerful emotions. It’s what they do and who they are. Sometimes with their daily responsibilities, they can overlook the significance of their work. “Uplifting Lives” will be an important reminder to them of the importance of what they do.”
“Uplifting Lives is now an integral component of Hospice of St. Francis’ theme of caring for patients and support for loved ones. This is a message that over time we’ll be taking to the entire county,” Wolters said.
Founded in 1977, Hospice of St. Francis is Brevard’s longest-serving and only independent, non-profit hospice. The hospice provides physician care; nursing care; home health/hospice aid; grief support; bereavement counseling; pastoral care and multiple other services and programs. Hospice of St. Francis serves patients throughout Brevard County. Its offices are located in Titusville and Melbourne. To learn more about Hospice of St. Francis and the services and programs they offer, please visit www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.
