Carmella Gibellino-Schultz

Beginning in 1978 Carmella’s flair for hair began by attending the Delaware Beauty Academy. Since then she has followed a long line of cosmetologists. Carmella worked at Majo Hair Studio for many years with her two sisters, Madelyn and Lynda, and her mother, Carmella.  In 1996 her dream of opening a school specifically for skin care became a reality when she opened Delaware’s first aesthetic school, The Skin Care School and Center.

Carmella is a licensed cosmetologist and has been practicing the art of permanent cosmetics since 1999. In both Delaware and PA she has performed thousands of procedures and her impressive portfolio speaks for itself. Carmella’s journey into permanent makeup began in 1999 out of curiosity simply because she was allergic to topical makeup. She had eyeliner done, got hooked and decided to begin practicing the art of permanent cosmetics.

Carmella’s training has been in Canada, Texas, Belgium and Philadelphia and she believes that continuing education is a key to her success.  Her expertise and years of experience have made her the areas most sought after permanent cosmetics artist for her artistry in eyeliner, lips, eye shadow, and fabulous brows to frame your face.

With one happy client after another permanent makeup became her primary focus thus leading her to move forward and sell the school to Dawn Training Centre.

The Permanent Cosmetic Studio www.permanentu.com

Rob Jerger

For Rob Jerger, there is a deep satisfaction in giving his customers exactly what they need.  “I love seeing that look on the customer’s face, when everything is set up and perfect,” the owner of Home & Garden Culture said.  Jerger has been at the helm of HGC since 2008, after working for the previous owners for several years. The longer he worked there, the more he came to appreciate the level of detail that goes into every piece they sell. “I fell in love with the place,” he said. “It was very different from what I was used to seeing anywhere else. The amount of time spent on just one piece, from bringing it in to assembling it to installation is just amazing.” In the last five years, Jerger has fine-tuned his inventory, removing many interior accent pieces and focusing instead on exterior pieces – from pots and planters to statues and fountains of simple and complex design. He also tries to learn as much as he can about each piece, from what region a particular type of stone came from to what process is used to create a particular finish.

With a background in exterior design and landscaping, and a love of fountains and water-based designs, Jerger enjoys working with his customers closely, getting to know them personally and getting a feel for what they like, before guiding them to the perfect piece. “I’ve had to talk people out of certain things, because I knew it wouldn’t be right for them,” he said.  While he personally likes things in a natural setting, his appreciation of different styles – from classic to modern and everything in between – is what leads to the diverse selection at HGC. When not helping his customers or working on his latest endeavor, upcycling retail project Brandywine Accents, Jerger enjoys being outdoors and spending time with friends on the Brandywine Creek. Home and Garden Culture is located at 908 E. Baltimore Pike (Route 1) in Kennett Square, Pa.  For more information, visit www.gardenculture.com or call 610-388-6300. Feel at home with Home & Garden Culture

Jodi McGee

Jodi McGee has spent her entire career in the Marketing and Communication industry.  She’s lived and worked in Washington, DC, Ohio, and Colorado before returning to the city where she was born, Philadelphia.  Jodi is a working mother of three and founded her own firm, Jodi McGee Consulting, in 2012 so that she could have the best of both worlds:  working with fantastic clients and spending time with her young children. Jodi McGee Consulting is focused on bringing unparalleled project leadership to marketing and communication projects.  After spending more than ten years advising business leaders, Jodi realized that clients worry about practical matters just as much as the strategic aspects of their work.  Today, Jodi blends her project management skills with her experience in marketing, public relations, internal and external communication strategy to serve as a high quality partner for organizations. In addition to her thriving consulting practice, Jodi has also created a niche business offering based on a need she recognized in today’s workplace.  Maternity Leave It To Me offers specialized interim staffing support to cover a valued employee’s maternity leave. Jodi believes that women today need and deserve each other’s support as they balance being valued contributors at work and amazing mothers to their kids. Maternity Leave It To Me helps moms-to-be feel confident that their work will be attended to with the same level of care while they are out by an experienced, non-threatening, dedicated resource.

Before starting Jodi McGee Consulting, she was a senior consultant at Cast Communication Design where she helped world-class clients like The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Target, Chevron, and Burton Snowboards engage their employees and build their brands. Jodi graduated from Georgetown University where she earned a degree in business administration, and also studied abroad at the Universidad de Autonoma in Madrid, Spain. Today, Jodi resides in Wallingford, PA with her husband, three children and their bulldog.  She enjoys traveling, running (Broad Street this year!), family vacations to Disney, reading and volunteering

Our Business In Profile for DE County was shot on location at the lovely Q Salon and Spa located at 110 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-358-6088. Thank you to Kim Trac and her crew for providing our location and also the hair and makeup for our DE County Shoot.

Roy McDowell of Royal Photography provided all photography work.  Royal Photography is located at 3646 Silverside Rd., Wilmington, DE  19810, for more information call 302-478-1809.

Without all of these wonderful people none of our photo shoots would be possible.  Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Thank You

To Our Photographer: Royal Photography

royalphotogde@aol.com

302 438 1308

&

To Our Stylist: Q Salon & Spa

110 Wilmington West Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

www.qsalonspa.com

610-358-6088

Obscurely blended into many of our workplace offices, PTA committees and church choir rehearsals are a quiet population of adult children. Many of them go unsung for their good deeds and are left to maintain the rigors of their own lives while simultaneously needing to sort out the life of an aging parent.   Often referred to as “caregivers”, adult children of aging parents are faced with heart wrenching decisions, sleepless nights, and sometimes uncompromising parents who are no longer safe in their homes.

Is an Assisted Living facility the answer? Will in homecare be a permanent option? How do I start the conversation? What can my parents afford? Where do I start?  Will my mom thrive in a senior living community? These are just a few of the many questions that adult children ask themselves when the inevitable time for change presents itself.   Memory loss, lack of safe mobility, poor medication management and loneliness from a lack of socialization in the home are all indicators that senior living should be considered.

For many seniors the concept of moving into an Assisted Living is a viable solution.  Assisted living is often viewed as the best of both worlds. Residents have as much independence as they want with the knowledge that personal care and support services are available if they need them. Assisted living communities are designed to provide residents with assistance with basic ADLs (activities of daily living) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and more.

Assisted living communities range from a stand alone residence to being one level of care in a CCRC (continuing care retirement community). The physical environment of an assisted living is often more appealing to both potential residents and their families. These communities offer a more home-like atmosphere with apartment styles that typically include studio and one bedroom models. Kitchenettes usually feature a small refrigerator and microwave.

The most important point to impress upon adult children and families faced with these types of decisions is not to wait until a crisis occurs.  Reactive decisions, in emergency situations, are often taxing on everyone involved.  Early planning, touring and getting decision-makers involved in the process choosing an Assisted Living is imperative.

Setting up an informational tour at Foulk Manor South has proven to be a great place to start.   Located in Wilmington, just minutes from the city’s historic and cultural areas, Foulk Manor South is a charming community nestled among the history and tradition of the Brandywine Hundred–the perfect place to pursue new interests or just relax in the comfortable and safe setting of Assisted Living Care.  Tamme Hackett, Community Relations Director is ready and able to answer any questions about senior living care and what to expect in a setting like Foulk Manor South.  Tamme can be reached at 302-655-6249 or at www.foulkmanorsouth.com

By Elizabeth Douglass

Have you ever watched TV shows such as “What Not to Wear” and “How Do I Look” or heard celebrities talking about how they owe their fabulous fashions to personal stylists and shoppers? Have you wondered what it would be like to get that kind of professional help for yourself? Or do you know someone who might benefit from getting a new look?

As you read this article, stop for a minute and look at what you are wearing.
Does your outfit make you feel fantastic? Does it flatter you? Does it make an incredibly positive impact on those around you?
If there are other people nearby now while you are reading, sneak a peek at them. What’s the first word that comes into your mind when you look at each one of them…and think about that one word they might use to label you.

Each of us is a walking label – a visual personal brand that’s created by our own personal styles. But you already know that, right? That’s why you get your hair cut by a stylist, your teeth taken care of by a dentist, your body shaped up by a trainer or your skin maintained by an esthetician. But one of the biggest parts of your brand – your clothes and accessories – you probably take care of on your own.

Be honest with yourself though, do you really know what looks best on you? Do you think your friends or family really know? And do you realize that many sales associates – while very hard-working and well-intentioned — don’t often have the time or skills to share ideas truly well-tailored to you?

No matter what your age or budget is or whether you need just one amazing outfit for a special occasion or a complete closet cleanout and wardrobe makeover, a personal stylist and shopper can change your look…and perhaps change parts of your life also.

Testimonials:

“Elizabeth helped me from underwear to jewelry showing me how those basic things plus clothing can make me look and feel so much better about myself. I used to hate how I looked and never felt stylish. Now I feel so much better about myself and get compliments all the time.”  ~  Gayle

“I have no idea how Elizabeth works her magic, I’m just grateful I took the plunge and set aside all my long-held pre-conceived ideas about fashion and style…because what she did really changed my life professionally and personally in incredibly unexpected and positive ways. What started out as career wear and then beachwear and then party wear eventually ended up with her helping me pick out everything for my rehearsal dinner and wedding. While she works incredibly fast to make the best use of your time and money (no matter how limited), she really does teach you as she goes so you can tear the right pages out of catalogs and magazines and easily make those looks work for you…rather than tearing out your hair wondering what to wear.”   ~  Liz

Shop With Elizabeth is a business based on the belief that your unique style and shopping needs are of the utmost importance not just to how you look, but how you feel and how others view you. Sole owner and operator, Elizabeth Douglass, is committed to meeting those needs however is best for you. She impartially tailors her work specifically to you and doesn’t impose “rules” or her own style on you. Shopping with Elizabeth always starts with a free phone or in-person consultation, with absolutely no obligation after that to use her services. So whether you need an amazing event outfit, a closet and wardrobe makeover or just an hour or two of strategic style and shopping help, her goal is to help you comfortably and affordably bring out the best in you.

To learn more about Elizabeth’s work and to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact Elizabeth at Elizabeth@shopwithelizabeth.vpweb.com or 302.897.5351.

Planning for a new baby can feel like a full-time job in itself. Chances are, though, that all of your planning is happening in addition to your responsibilities
at work.

Just over 70% of employed women took a maternity leave after their last pregnancy according to Women’s Health USA 2011. So how to do you make the most of your time at home with your new baby and set yourself up for a successful return to your career?

Here are eight strategies to having a great maternity leave.

Be part of the planning.
Breaking the news to your boss is one of your first duties as a publicly-pregnant woman. You should certainly schedule some time to let your boss know that you are expecting and what your post-baby plans are.

But don’t stop there. This is an opportunity to collaborate with your employer on figuring out a solution. Remember, while most bosses are genuinely happy, your leave does create a new situation for them to manage. Be proactive in mapping out your responsibilities, who you work with and how you’d handle situations that may come up. Clearly identifying the roles you play and how best to resource them will make the transition smoother (and may make your boss more willing to consider creative working agreements).

Begin the transition early.

Building a transition plan is one of the early steps in the process used at Maternity Leave It To Me.  When creating your own transition plan, make sure that you take into account that babies come when they are ready!  Start planning downloads and hand-offs about 3 weeks before your due date.

Get clear about benefits.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles US workers to take up to 12 weeks off following the birth or adoption of a child. But specific benefits depend on your employer, so request information from your HR department about how maternity leaves work at your organization.

Talk to others who’ve done it.

Women who have already taken a maternity leave are powerful allies. Whether she’s someone who works at your organization or an outside friend, ask veteran moms what advice they have for you. You might hear something that applies to your situation. For example, did you know that you are able to hire someone to fill your role temporarily while you’re out so that you work doesn’t get dropped, you have a single point of contact to keep you updated and your co-workers don’t have to take on your duties?

Make plans for child care now.

Investigate child care options in your area while you are pregnant, not after baby comes.  Quality providers often have long waiting lists.

Be certain you’ll feel unsure.

Part hormones, part massive life change, part sleep deprivation… you will likely have a few moments of panic during your early days of motherhood where you doubt your own abilities in some way, shape or form.

A common pair of worries among women going out on leave is whether anyone is able to do her job up to her standards, or what if someone does it better.  By engaging a professional for a set, temporary period of time you can rest assured that your work will be attended to with the same care you’d give it without any fear of someone looking to take your spot permanently.

Stay connected (if you want to).

Clearly communicate if and how you want your coworkers to contact you while you are out.  Are you open to taking questions? Do you want to be copied on certain kinds of email?   This is your choice.  You may want to completely unplug from the office and focus on bonding with your baby. Or you may find that after weeks of playing Chief Diaper Officer, you are ready to wrap your mind around something a bit more strategic once or twice while you’re home.  (I’ve found that co-workers are more than accommodating of a baby’s schedule and understand if you need to cancel at the
last minute.)

Cherish your time home.

You only get to experience your baby’s first few months once in their lifetime. Not only is this an incredibly special time in your relationship, it’s also one of the rare times in your career where it’s okay to not try to think about work on a regular basis… enjoy it!

About Maternity Leave It To Me

Jodi McGee founded Maternity Leave It To Me because she knows firsthand that having a baby changes everything, including your professional life. After navigating three maternity leaves of her own and watching friends, colleagues & clients wrestle with the same anxieties and decisions, it became clear to her that this is one of today’s workplace realities and there was an opportunity for a new answer.  Maternity Leave It To Me was born! For more information please visit www.maternityleaveittome.com

O

No mosquitoes… GUARANTEED! Our applicators will return every 21 days to remove mosquito habitats and reapply the EPA-registered solution to your outdoor living space, breaking the mosquito lifecycle. By purchasing this package, you enjoy the convenience of auto-billing.

Barrier Spray Program

Great for Kids…Great for Pets…

Bad for Mosquitoes!

No more bug repellent on the kids…

No more citronella torches or candles… just mosquito free outdoor living.

We start by identifying and treating the mosquito habitat around your home, dramatically reducing the population. Then, we locate the areas where mosquitoes hide as they wait for their next victim. We apply a light mist of a very mild insecticide formulated to repel mosquitoes for the next three weeks. We return once every three weeks throughout mosquito season to reapply our Barrier Spray Program solution.

Our barrier spray formula is so specialized that beneficial insects such as honey bees, ladybugs, and butterflies will return and be unaffected.

And just to set your mind at ease … the formula we apply in your yard, is a milder concentration of the active ingredient used in shampoo prescribed by Doctors to treat lice in children’s hair. It is also the active ingredient in flea and tick shampoo most often recommended by veterinarians for use on pets.

Our Guarantee

We are so confident in the effectiveness of Our Barrier Spray Program that we offer a “No Mosquito Guarantee”. If mosquitoes bother you during the three-week interim between treatments we will return and provide an additional treatment Free of Charge.

Misting System

We are proud to offer our customers The Mosquito Authority automatic mosquito control system. When you want to take in the pleasures of your own yard – patio or pool, fun with kids or parties with adults – you deserve to do so in complete comfort. You shouldn’t have to be at the mercy of annoying insects and their painful bites. Fortunately, you won’t be with our proprietary misting system that effectively eliminates mosquitoes and other biting insects from your yard.

Our system automatically sprays a very fine mist of botanical insecticide through a nozzle circuit that is installed on your property. Once installed, our system virtually disappears into your landscape. You won’t even know it’s there. Whatever your requirements, a mosquito misting system can be customized to fit your yard perfectly.

The real value in owning a mosquito misting system is being able to enjoy an evening cookout or send your kids out to play after dinner without even thinking about mosquitoes. . . or your mosquito misting system.

Contact us for more information on our misting system.

Testominials

“Just a quick note to let you know how much Gail and I have enjoyed the service provided by Mosquito Authority. It is so nice to be able to use our yard in the evenings without having to worry about mosquitoes and other pests. I have also found that it has reduced the number of bugs we used to get inside the house and all at a very reasonable price. Thanks again for a wonderful service.” ~Steve and Gail Landreneau

“We are so pleased with the service of Mosquito Authority. We live on a pond and in the past our outdoor time was cut short by the mosquitoes so it was hard to enjoy our yard like we would like to. Now we can relax and throw some steaks on the grill any time we like or just enjoy watching the kids play. This past summer we lost track of time working in the garden and next thing we knew it was dark! We just couldn’t believe there were no mosquitoes! It was great! Mosquito Authority has provided very professional service and we strongly recommend them.” ~Dr. Damon and Tess Cormier

Publisher Notes

I have never made a better investment in my home, than Mosquito Authority. I live near wetlands, and I live in the woods, and in the evening it was impossible to enjoy my yard and pool area. Thanks to Mosquito Authority I now can enjoy all of my property day and night. Thanks, P. Rizzo

Customized Facials

Let our Aesthetician Kelly customize a facial specific to your skincare needs. All of her facials begin with a consultation so your concerns, questions and desired results are met. She will choose exactly the right products to be used during your facial and lastly, she will prescribe a home care regime to go beyond the results you see in the treatment room. With 11 years experience, she is sure to educate you in her craft.

HydraFacial

The HydraFacial is the Cadillac of all facial treatments, providing INSTANT RESULTS and completely non-invasive. It’s one of a kind vortex fusion cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and infuses hydrating serums containing honey, hyaluranic acid, vitamins E and A, white tea extract and horse chestnut seed extract and glycolic acid. Research has shown that the HydraFacial beats IPL Laser and Microdermabrasion as far as better results and rejuvenation. Afraid of needles? Try one of the HydraFacials many add on treatments, DermaBuilder or “Baby BOTOX”, it enhances the skins elasticity, smoothes the skins texture and increases firmness.

i-Lipo

The intelligent alternative to liposuction. Providing no down time and no painful incisions. Completely non-invasive. How it works: low level lasers melt the body fat, flushing it into your lymphatic system, where it is then your job to intensely work out for 30-45 minutes 2-4 hours after the treatment to metabolize the fat and completely flush it from your system. Easily lose a dress size in just 8 treatments.

Waxing

We offer a full selection of body waxing and several wax types to provide you with the smooth skin you are looking for, exactly for your skin type and waxing needs.

Infinity Sun Custom Airbrush Tanning

Perfect for any special occasion or just an every day tan. Choose between three levels of bronzer-light, medium and dark applications. Each tan is customized to your personal tanning expectations.

Mission Statement…

Your non-invasive customized skin care treatment begins in our clean, safe and professional spa. We specialize in Body Contouring as well as a variety of other services such as Facial Aesthetics, and even massages. Overseen by dedicated licensed professionals, you’re in good hands as we deliver today’s most sought after, advanced medical technology. You may have seen the amazing breakthrough that was featured on the Dr. Oz and The Doctor’s Show… it’s called the i-lipo Slimming Treatment. We have it…no surgery, just results!

Ever evolving beauty and skin care treatments, always on the cutting edge of Body and Facial Aesthetic technology.

Modern Essentials Med Spa brings you state of the art technology for the highest quality medical aesthetic services available.

We are committed to bringing these medical advances to everyone. We strive to always set affordable prices and give our clients as many treatment options as possible.

While the seasonal changes from winter to spring are often inviting and beautiful; nearly four million allergy sufferers find the changes to be miserable. Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms caused by the body’s reaction to small particles in the air called allergens. The effects of rhinitis are vastly underestimated, and have a significant impact on quality of life and healthcare costs.  In the United States of America nearly twenty percent of people are affected to some degree by allergies. Nearly fifty percent of these patients suffer for greater than four months per year, with twenty percent symptomatic for at least nine months annually. The incidence of allergies has been on the rise over the past fifty years. This translates into allergic rhinitis being one of the main causes of absenteeism at work, and nearly two million school days are also missed annually.

The common presentation of allergic rhinitis is nasal congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing, and a “nasal drip”. Patients may experience puffiness around the eyelids, ear fullness, and a scratchy throat. Those affected may have seasonal symptoms, but others will have symptoms year round. The allergic triggers for seasonal patients are rather straightforward. Tree pollens present in the early spring, followed by grasses that appear in the late spring and early summer.  Late summer and early fall has weed season, while late fall is primarily molds that grow on the fallen leaves. Patients with year round, or perennial, symptoms may also be reacting to what are called the “epithelial” allergens, which are animal based. Dust mite, cat, dog, and other animal based allergens are included in this group.

There are numerous other types of rhinitis that can mimic allergic rhinitis.
It is therefore important that a thorough history and physical examination be performed. After this has been completed, allergy testing can be considered. Skin and blood testing are the two main methods to determine a patient’s allergies. Many offices offer skin testing that does not require needles. Once the causative triggers have been identified, various treatment regimens are available. Avoidance of allergens is the first line of defense. For instance, a key element for dust mite control is hot washing of bed linen every few weeks.

Various treatments for allergic rhinitis are available. Nasal irrigation with saline can be effective. This treatment can be purchased “over the counter” and has very few side effects. Many antihistamines are available without a prescription and control itchy eyes and sneezing. The older generation antihistamines (Benadryl) while effective can create drowsiness. The newer generation antihistamines (Claritin, Allegra) are similarly effective and are “non-drowsy”. Prescription treatments including nasal steroid sprays are regarded as the first line and best treatment for nasal congestion and postnasal drip.

If medical therapy fails or is not tolerated, allergy immunotherapy is considered. By changing how the immune system responds to an allergen, immunotherapy treats the primary cause of the problem. This method of treatment can be administered through weekly shots or daily drops under the tongue and can markedly improve symptoms, while decreasing the use of other anti-allergy medicines. Recent studies have also shown that immunotherapy in childhood can decrease the development
of asthma.

Allergic rhinitis is a significant disease affecting millions of adults and pediatric patients. A thorough history, physical exam, and an accurate diagnosis are critical. Numerous treatment regimens exist and different patients require different
treatment strategies.

Joan Coker, MD is a practicing, board certified Otolaryngologist in private practice in Delaware since 2007. She is one of the physicians at ENT & Allergy of Delaware, which has four locations throughout New Castle County.

For further information regarding Dr. Coker and her practice, please go to www.entad.org

Eileen Challenger , BA, RN, CHPN, Care Manager

Eileen Challenger was born and raised in north Wilmington, earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Delaware, and several years later, returned to studies at Cecil County Community College where she completed her Nursing Degree.

She said, “My initial career was working with people with disabilities at Elwyn, and then for the state of Delaware as a Case Manager.  One day, I was reading about the nursing shortage and thought, “Hmm, I can probably do that,” so I decided to go back to school and become a nurse.  Somewhere along the way, perhaps from my multi-disciplinary background, I discovered the field of hospice nursing and knew that it would be a perfect fit for me.

Eileen met a Delaware Hospice representative at an information session in 2007, learned about the organization, contacted Human Resources, and her goal of working for a hospice provider was accomplished!

Mary Jane Schwab, Clinical Supervisor for New Castle County, has worked closely with Eileen since she joined Delaware Hospice and enthusiastically praised her qualifications:  “She is so detail-oriented that she catches things before they even occur.  She’s on top of things, clinically, and knows what needs to be done and how to get it done.  Eileen is great at directing our patients’ plan of care.  She loves the staff, appreciates what they do, and makes it known to them that she appreciates it.  Likewise, our nurses think highly of her.  She is easy to direct, listens to guidance and she has a heart for this work.”

Delaware Hospice provides extensive training for its clinical staff, including assigning preceptors—experienced nurses who mentor new hires.  Eileen said, “I still remember the great advice my preceptor gave me.  I had always been comfortable with people and going into their homes as I had done this type of work in my previous positions.   To be a good Delaware Hospice staff nurse, I had to learn more about the mechanics of end-of-life and found the on-the-job training to be excellent, both in the classroom and through my preceptor.  The book and on-line education is important, but you also have to experience it to really learn.

Eileen’s education didn’t end there.  She joined other members of Delaware Hospice’s clinical staff in voluntarily pursuing professional certification in hospice and palliative care, which she received after a year.  She remembered, “This was quite difficult but definitely worthwhile.”

With Eileen’s attention to detail and expertise as a case manager, she was promoted to Team Leader two years ago, and just recently to Care Manager.

“This is a win-win for me, because I’m excited that I will now be able to be back out in the field to see patients.  This is the aspect of hospice nursing that I love more than anything—being with the families.”

Having served as a hospice nurse for several years now, Eileen is more convinced than ever that this was the right choice for her.  “What I wanted as a nurse was more of a relationship with my patients and their families than you can have in an acute care setting, where most people are there for three days and then gone.  I wanted to learn more about these people than you possibly can working an 8 hour shift in three days.”

“Also I love how hospice involves a team approach, including the physician, nurses, chaplains, social workers, and nursing aides, and the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects are  all intermeshed.  You’re exposed to all of it—you can’t work in this field in a silo.  You can’t just be a nurse, and not be concerned with what other things are going on with the patient, family and environment.  When you become aware that this person is having significant emotional issues, you call a team member.  If you understand that spiritual questions are weighing down this person, you call a team member.

Delaware Hospice staff members and volunteers always claim that their greatest motivation for continuing to serve stems from the patients and families, themselves, and the love and sacrifices witnessed each and every day.

Eileen agrees, and said that there are many people that she will never forget.   “For example, one patient was with us for awhile with the ups and downs of her disease.  I knew her so well and her routine, that with each visit, I would make a cup of tea to leave for her when I was leaving.  This was important to her, as it was for me.   I used to always ask my patients if there was anything they needed me to do before I left—don’t ask me to clean the windows!  But I have made a sandwich or fed a cat on occasion—not what a typical nurse does.”

“Another patient decided she was ready to go, and planned her memorial service so that she could say goodbye and give things away while she was still here.  I attended that memorial service and then left for a two-week vacation.   On my return, she had gone downhill quickly, and hadn’t spoken for days.  When I approached her bedside, she said, “I need you, Eileen.”  That was the last she spoke, and passed away two days later.   This was an incredible and most unforgettable gift to me.”

There are very sad moments in hospice nursing, but they are well balanced by the ability to help a patient and family through those difficult moments.  Eileen said, “End-of-life is something we can’t change, but we can help make that experience the best it can be for our families.  I love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything other than hospice work.”

Another thing she’s learned over the years is good advice for all of us:  “Life is short.  Enjoy what time you have.  Don’t wait to settle things.  If you have something you want to do on your bucket list, don’t wait!”

Photos and story by Beverly Crowl