In operation for just a few months, the Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater has already made a big impact on many of its patients’ family members, including Irwin Kroskin. When his wife Ruthi became ill, Kroskin called on the hospice team.
“When our family needed care for Ruthi, the hospice team immediately came in and took over. They quickly assessed the situation and made everyone comfortable. Every member of the hospice staff was kind, caring and supportive. They provided the highest level of care to our family in an extremely difficult time. It’s hard to find the right words to thank them for their kindness,” says Kroskin.
The Hospice was formed earlier this year as a partnership between Beth Sholom Village and Jewish Family Service of Tidewater. Named in memory of Freda H. Gordon, the hospice is dedicated to providing comfort and dignity so that people can spend their last days the way they began—surrounded by loved ones and supported by community.
When Freda Gordon suddenly became ill in 2011, hospice services had to be secured rather quickly. “We’d been using JFS for home health services,” says her son, Steven Gordon. “We had to transition very quickly from JFS to a hospice agency that did not know us. Compounded with the imminent loss of a loved one, it was very stressful. It would have been seamless to transition into hospice care with the same organization.” Because of the Gordon family’s generosity, both the Jewish community and community at-large now have another hospice choice.
In November, Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in home care. The hospice earned this accreditation with zero deficiencies, or areas of needed improvement.
Established in 1988, The Joint Commission’s Home Care Accreditation program accredits more than 5,600 organizations. The Joint Commission’s standards address the home care organization’s performance in specific areas, and specify requirements to ensure that patient care and services are provided in a safe manner.
“In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, HPCT has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients,” says Margherita Labson, R.N., executive director, Home Care Accreditation, The Joint Commission. “Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend HPCT for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”
“Both JFS and Beth Sholom Village congratulate the staff of HPCT on this outstanding achievement,” says Betty Ann Levin, JFS executive director. “We appreciate the staff’s hard work and continued dedication to providing the best end of life care to residents of Tidewater.”
*of blessed memory