Nancy Church Picketting for Kids

During my travels in hospice, I see many faces that immediately strike me as images of hope - hope for brighter tomorrows for others without self promotion and fanfare, just sincere desire. Nancy Church is such a person. In the interview today, Nancy explains the Pickets for a Playground project.

The playground setting in Hiawassee across from the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is a haven for adults and a carefree playing environment for children. The view of the lake, the protection of the mountains, the cleanliness and serenity of this beautiful space are offered to the community at no charge. Many people would give a month's wages to enjoy this site when there is no access in there own community to such pleasures. Here we just have to call the commissioners and reserve a day of partying or just show up to let the kids play while parents enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by breathtaking beauty.

Maybe I make this sound too good to be true, however seeing is believing. So I guess you will have to make the trip to Hiawassee and see for yourself. If you want to do a little "pay it forward", purchase a personalized picket and support the new playground while honoring a loved one with their name being displayed for all ages to enjoy and view while relaxing in the bliss of the mountains. Donations made to the project are tax deductible. Checks may be made out to the Towns County Beach Project and in the memo put Playground Picket Fundraiser.

If you would like a form e-mailed to you, please contact me at rwatts@regencyhospice.com
and request the Pickets for a Playground form.

Laurie Parker, Ga Alzheimer's Association

Today's guest, Laurie Parker who is the Director of Programs for the North Georgia Chapter of Alzheimer's Association
joined me today with an announcement about an upcoming event in Blue Ridge, Georgia on October 23rd, 2007. This is a free lunch and learn for Alzheimer's caregivers and it will be held at the Cabin Grille in Blue Ridge. Call Laurie at 1-800-272-3900 Monday through Friday during regular working hours to speak directly to Laurie.

I am so grateful for people like Laurie who are looking and researching constantly for the resources that can lend a hand to our Alzheimer's families. She is also an advocate of introducing hospice and advanced directives into the conversations with her patients and their loved ones early in the disease process. This accomplishes two main tasks. The patient will be allowed to make decisions for end of life care based on individual goals and the ones left behind are given the gift of resolution. Resolution to following their loved ones wishes and that not so many things are left undone or need to be done.

On Wednesday, Nancy Church will join me for a discussion about the new playground in Hiawassee, Ga. Nancy is an amazing lady and is a homeschooling mother of beautiful children and the wife of local physician, Le Church.

Please join us for the call Wednesday.

If you are aware of any needs for patients and families treading the darkness of Alzheimer's - don't tread alone. Call Laurie Parker at 1-800-272-3900 and let her shed some light on the valuable resources available in our community.

Virtual Memorials

I thoroughly enjoyed today's show. The topic was filled with bereavement and grief, but thoroughly defined by celebration of life. My guest, Sharon Mnich, gave background information on the intent and vision of her online memorial service. Janice Grissett, Nana of Lakyn Rodgers who passed away on her 13th birthday from unexpected complications, gave a moving testimonial about the integrity and healing properties of the Virtual Memorials. Please take a moment to honor the life of this beautiful young girl by viewing her page on virtual memorials at:
http://Lakyn-Rodgers.virtual-memorials.com
This page has been visited 24934 times as of today. I would hope that such an honor could be given to the lives of those you may have lost. I set up my own free memorial this past weekend on Virtual Memorials honoring my dear mother-in-law "Granny Watts". For a few moments, I missed her as deeply as the day we lost her. After making my entry, I felt more like I was a guest in a holy place. The place where we cherish memories and hold them as close to our heart as we can without breaking either - the memory or heart. I applaud the work of Sharon Mnich and wish her the best life has to offer as she gives of herself to mend the world's souls who have lost a loved one and want a place to remember.

Visit Virtual Memorials at:
http://www.virtual-memorials.com

Sharon Mnich from Virtual Memorials on NGCR

On Wednesday, September 12th, my guest on the North Georgia Community Resources show will be Sharon Mnich from Virtual Memorials - memories to cherish and share.

Virtual Memorials, Inc. was incorporated and launched as the first online memorial website in 1996. The company was founded on the belief that the Internet can provide a unique and meaningful way to celebrate the lives of those we have loved and lost. The original memorials were created in honor of Sharon's beloved grandparents Robert Peace and Joy Peace and best friend Kelly Bradley.

Over the years Virtual Memorials has become a place where thousands of lives are celebrated, documented and shared. It has become a place that aims to provide comfort during the difficult times of grief. It is Sharon's hope that you too will find comfort and healing through the process of creating and having a Virtual Memorial.

I look forward to this show and encourage everyone to call in with questions. The show airs live at 4pm EST. To talk to Sharon, please call 1-724-444-7444, when prompted enter show ID 44351 then 1#. If you miss the show, it can be listened to from the player on this page or you can go to www.talkshoe.com and search for show ID 44351 and download this episode to your computer, put on an mp3 player or burn to a cd.

I have great hopes for bereaved families to utilize this service to express their commitment of love for their lost loved ones.

Robin Watts
Hospice Care Consultant
Regency Hospice

Appalachian Home Health Interview

Today's guest on the North Georgia Community Resources health care podcast was Fran Kelly, RN with Appalachian Home Health Care in Blairsville, Georgia.

Home Health is a valuable resource covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance, VA Champus and Worker's Comp. The services include skilled nursing, personal care assistance, physical therapy, diet/nutrition counseling, disease management and wound care.

We also reviewed services that bridge home health and hospice when curative therapies become comfort care.

Fran talked about the beginning of Appalachian Home Health and how Dr. and Mrs. Gowder wanted to establish a family business for themselves and their children.

The Appalachian Home Health group serves Towns and Union Counties and is proud to be a hometown agency with professional, Medicare certified services.

For more information, please call Fran at Appalachian Home Health Care at 706-745-5101.

Listen to the interview in the player at the right of the screen. Just click on Appalachian Home Health, press play.