Patched Up! As Service grows, Roper Hospice Journals Play Host To Memories

By Jessica Graham, director, Roper Hospice

The photographs Judy Dykema has collected go back decades. They detail her mother and father’s courtship, tell the story of sisters spending summers at a family-built lakeside cottage and more.

These days, Dykema uses the photos to connect with her 89-year-old mother who now suffers from dementia. “Mom had a huge number of pictures,” Dykema says. “And I thought, maybe I’ll start with some old ones of her and dad.”

With just that sort of situation in mind, Roper Hospice began distributing special leather-bound Memory Journals in November. The idea is that patients and families can use the journals to collect and chronicle their thoughts, write down feelings and memories, organize photos and mementos, and leave behind something tangible.

“For us,” Dykema says, “these pictures have been a great way to reconnect.”

Expanding services
The journals also serve to mark the continued growth of Roper Hospice, one of several programs offered by Roper St. Francis Home Care Services.

The Roper Hospice program opened this spring and was certified by both The Joint Commission and Medicare just months after accepting its first patients. It is also the only hospital-based service of its kind in the Lowcountry.

Hospice, in the general sense, is not a place you go, but instead is a concept of care.  At Roper Hospice, we provide comfort and support for patients faced with life-limiting illness, helping them maintain dignity and understanding throughout a challenging time.

Most importantly, we strive to enrich the final moments between patients and loved ones.

Individuals in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties struggling with life-limiting injury and illnesses – everything from cancer and AIDs to head trauma and more – could possibly benefit from Roper Hospice services. Because we’re part of Roper St. Francis Healthcare, we have more access the resources to make sure that our hospice patients get the care they need. Our interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors and more is here to ensure patients and families are actively involved in the care planning process – and we are here to assist with healthcare needs wherever “home” is.

This is especially important in Berkeley and Dorchester counties, portions of our state that are underserved.

Contact us
At Roper Hospice, we know that patients and families face uncertainties when considering hospice care. We are here to answer any of your questions and provide additional information. Our staff is also happy at anytime to assist with verifying eligibility and insurance coverage. Please give us a call at (843) 402-7000 or visit us online www.rsfh.com/hospice.

Have questions, comments or ideas for Patched Up!? Contact us here.