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JUNE 2021

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Notes From Friends

Hospice of the Valleys serves hundreds of patients each and every year. We honor them by sharing their stores. They remind us every day of the meaning and purpose in our work and that human connection is at the heart of the hospice experience. The following are notes Hospice of the Valleys has received from the families of patients that we have been privileged to provide hospice care.

"From the bottom of my heart - on behalf of my family, I am humbled and grateful for your compassion and loving care for my aunt. I made it through because of all of you."

"Thank you all for the excellent care of my husband. Your caring, love and support is much appreciated."

Turning the Corner on the Pandemic

By: Dr. Leslee B. Cochrane
Executive Medical Director

Dr. Leslee Cochrane - Hospice of the Valleys

It has now been nearly a year and a half since the first case of Covid-19 in California. This pandemic has been difficult for all and devastating for many; but we are now seeing numerous encouraging developments in the fight against the pandemic. I thought it might be helpful to hear about some of the positive developments, which have taken place over the past couple of months. On April 6, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsome announced that if the current progress against the pandemic continues, California is on track to re-open all businesses effective June 15! On April 14, the Governor announced that he anticipates that California students will be able to return to school in person this August. According to the CDC, on April 27th, California had the lowest Covid-19 case rate of any state in the country! On April 30, Disneyland re-opened at 25% capacity with masks. On May 12, the CDC approved the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to be used in children as young as 12 years, greatly expanding the availability of vaccine to adolescents.

All patients age 12 and older are now eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccination in the State of California. To date more than 1.9 million vaccine doses have been administered in Riverside County (population of approximately 2.5 million). I recommend that each person discuss the risks and benefits of the various vaccines with their doctor to determine if the Covid-19 vaccine is right for them. One of the most challenging aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic has been protecting our frail elderly residents who are most susceptible to the serious adverse effects of infection with Covid-19. As more and more residents and health care workers have been able to immunize against Covid-19, we have seen a continued drop in the number of new cases in nursing home residents over the past several months.

On May 21, the Riverside County Department of Public Health launched a new program to provide Covid-19 vaccinations to homebound patients within Riverside County who are unable to leave their home to receive the vaccine. The Riverside county Department of Public Health has signed a $300,000 agreement with United Lab Services to provide Covid immunizations to those patients who are homebound and not able to leave their home to receive the Covid vaccine. if you know of a homebound patient who would like to be added to the list of homebound individuals seeking vaccination, call 833-422-4255, or click https://myturn.ca.gov/ to find out information regarding the available vaccination program near you.

A New Twist on Finding Inner Peace

By: Dr. Lynn Euzenas
Director of Spiritual Care & Bereavement Services

Dr. Lynn Euzenas - Hospice of the Valleys

Inner peace is a treasure. We all want a bit more of it. Daily we try to add things to our daily routines to enhance it, such as a quiet walk, connecting with loved ones, or meditation. I've rarely seen someone suggest things we can remove from our daily rounds to move us closer to inner contentment. An insightful article by Amy Morin suggests ten such things. I want to share my own twist on them with you as a helpful means of giving your souls a bit more breathing room.

  • Make less time for truly toxic people: We all know people who are "energy vampires" those who drain your emotional energy, either intentionally or not. Kindly regulate your own ration of these folk. It's okay to say "not today."
  • Practice less self-blame: Most of us are highly skilled in finding ourselves lacking or beating ourselves up for things which we really can't claim blame for. Be more gentle with yourself.
  • Stop chasing happiness: Happiness is wonderful, but chasing it often moves us beyond feeling the happiness in the moment. Ask yourself, what's good, or beautiful, or fulfilling about this very moment. You may find some of that elusive happiness right now.
  • Give up trying to stay comfortable all the time: Constant comfort is lovely, but the reality of life is that often change and growth come of some struggle, challenge, and even pain or discomfort. Don't miss seeing how a balance of these things is essential to staying fully human.
  • Lose the victim mentality. We have met Eeyore, that gloomy and pessimistic old grey donkey in "Winnie the Pooh." By staying too long in a victim mentality we usually lose something essential to who we are: like Eeyore who often misplaces his tail.
  • Think about how exhausting trying to impress people can be. This is a simple one: practice just being "you" for all the unique goodness you are. There's no one else just like you: and that's a good thing!
  • The pursuit of perfection is a constant reminder of how far from that goal we actually are. Can we truly in our lifetimes win the perfection victory? At what cost?
  • Holding grudges is a huge time bandit. Grudges are heavy. They weigh a lot when added to all the other rocks we cart around with us. They are rarely a winning proposition. Give yourself a break. Put it down and lighten the load.
  • Seeking material things is a spirit killer: One question is a good remedy for this quest: could that material item you are chasing replace the deep joy of being with your loved ones?
  • Stubborn self-reliance can box you in a corner: Some of the most wonderful inner peace to be had is that feeling when another person reaches out and offers help. Receiving that help is comforting and transformative. Being too stubbornly self-reliant can block you from this gift.

Trying to practice even one of these things can surprise you with that soul deep inhalation and exhalation of your breath, and the relief which comes of touching your own inner peace. How will you chose to enhance your inner peace this week?

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  • Top Work Places 2014-2021 Award
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