Name, title:  Kelly Hardy, Home Care Social Worker How long have you worked here? 15 years What made you decide to work here? The idea of working with families in their own homes really appealed to me. Being able to see what daily life is like for someone is very helpful in trying to understand their needs. I also really appreciated the extent to which emotional and spiritual needs were valued at Angela Hospice – that’s often not the case in other areas of health care. How had you heard of Angela Hospice? I had a friend who had worked at Angela Hospice for a brief time and she encouraged me to consider working here. What’s a typical day like for you? My days are typically comprised of several phone conversations with patients and families who are currently in our program, as well as bereavement phone calls to families who have recently lost a loved one. Home visits are also a regular part of each day in which I serve as a counselor and a community res...

Name: Pat Millen How long have you been a volunteer? Two years in April. What areas do you work in/what sort of tasks do you do as a volunteer? Development, events, mailings, salads for Caregiver Suppers, and ice cream socials. What made you decide to become a volunteer? I am in a place in my life that’s really very good and I’ve gotten more free time. My grandchildren don’t need me anymore, they’re all in school now; I used to be there for them in case the parents had to go do something. Now I don’t have to do that and I’m in good health. I just decided that I need to give back and thought, “Where could I do this? How could I volunteer?” Pat (left) working at Burgers, Brews & Bros. I was thinking about food pantries and serving meals, but I’ve lived in this community for 45 years, and I only live three miles away. I’ve been associated with the Felicians since school -- I went to school for 12 years with them in Hamtramck…And I thought, “You know, this is clos...

This year's annual Laughter Lifts You Up event already has some really amazing raffle prizes, including the Glitzy Glamour Raffle prize! One lucky winner will take home a Hearts on Fire 18K White Gold Lorelei Crescent 1.00ct TW Diamond Necklace (pictured left, enlarged to show detail) worth $4,900! This gorgeous piece of jewelry was kindly donated by Orin Jewelers of Garden City. Tickets are $10 each, 3 tickets for $20 or 10 tickets for $50.   The drawing will take place at our annual women’s event, Laughter Lifts You Up, on Thursday, February 23, between 8-10 p.m. If you won’t be able to make it to Laughter Lifts You Up but still want to buy tickets, that’s fine! You don’t need to be present to win. Call the Development office at (866) 464-7810 to get tickets over the phone or download the order form here . Or, stop by the Angela Hospice Care Center and speak to the receptionist. Tickets will also be sold at the event. Interested in more information about Laugh...

Name, title: Kathy Ostroskie, Spiritual Care Coordinator How long have you worked here? Six years. What made you decide to work here? I worked at another hospice for seven years prior to coming to Angela Hospice and the fact that Angela Hospice is a faith-based hospice was the draw for me.   How had you heard of Angela Hospice? I had never even heard the word “hospice” until my mother was referred to a hospice program. After that, the hospice philosophy was imprinted on my heart. I live in Livonia and whenever I passed the beautiful Angela Hospice grounds, I just knew that I would work here eventually.     Kathy in the adoration chapel in the Care Center. What’s a typical day like for you? I visit patients and their families in their home setting for any spiritual care needs and then provide those needs, whether it’s a scripture reading, prayer or spiritual conversation, etc. I might also facilitate a patient connection with a parish or locate clerg...

Going to a stranger’s home for the first time and knocking on their door is almost always a little nerve-wracking; just ask home care volunteer George Weber. “Sure, I had a few butterflies ringing my first doorbell!” he said. “However, I knew that I was entering a home that wanted me there… I was accepted as just another part of the Angela Hospice team.” George volunteers in home care each week. As a home care volunteer George definitely feels the love from both patients and their families, who are incredibly appreciative he’s there, even if only for a few hours each week. “A lot of times you’re just a sounding board,” George laughed. “A little bit of a psychologist sometimes too.” To patients and families, George and all the other home care volunteers who visit are much more than “just a sounding board.” They can give the patient some companionship and comfort. They can give the loved ones a moment to do something for themselves, even if it’s as small as going to ...