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October 19, 2011 Perspectives Quirky Quartzsite's Contributed by Violet Kiss In the previous "Perspectives" I spoke from the first person experiencing the pain of losing a close relative. My husband's Mother was put into ICU for 6 days un- til it was determined that there nothing more that the doctors could do and "Hospice Care" was the best solu- tion. She, Leah, had been in hospice until early morn- ing October 14, 2011. We had the honor of sharing the last days of her 91st year of life in a comfortable and peaceful setting alongside her doting husband, Dad, of 69 years! What a life of celebration and awe of a couple who had 5 children. Those of you who have a loving spouse, an aging parent, a close sibling, or any relative or friend you care about SWEET DARLENE'S RESTAURANT & BAKERY NOW OPEN! Watch for the return of our Famous WINTER Breakfast and Dinner SPECIALS! Open Daily 7am-7pm • Coffee only 50¢ 776 E. MAIN ST., QUARTZSITE (at the I-10 Exit 19 off ramp) 928-927-9338 La Casa Del Rancho MEXICAN & AMERICAN FOOD NOW OPEN! SOMBRERO! Orders to go! TACO TUESDAY IS BACK! $1 TACOS! BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER 7AM -7PM 70 N. Central, Quartzsite (one block north of Shell, Hwy. 95) 928-927-6610 Full Service Bar www.Desert Messenger.com may sense what I am speaking of. Many of the elderly today grew up in a time without phones, television, or the use of cars. These were practical people who would say, "Why Hospice? What is Hospice"? Programs like hospice didn't exist in their world of actual experience and family always took care of their own. I, (VK) had the privilege of interviewing Staralee "Star" Baird, LMSW, (SB) of the Creekside Home Health and Hospice, who is their Social Worker and Bereavement Coordinator, and a good friend of the family. VK: Tell me about yourself. SB: I am a Hospice Social Worker and I know the ben- efits of Hospice. I received my Master's at Idaho State University. I facilitate a Community Grief Group and a Community Grief Camp/groups for children. VK: I know you are having first -hand experience with hospice just as we have had. SB: On one of my visits to see my father, I sat with him and explained "why hospice". I must admit that some of my motives are a little selfish because I am a day's drive away. Since he is so private unless in person, I knew that hospice updates would help me understand Famous Gourmet Pizza Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials! HALLOWEEN PARTY Oct. 31 • 7pm Cash prizes for best costume. Palm Reader, DJ and appetizers 10am-noon & 3:30pm-5:30pm Kitchen Open 10am-10pm 2 HAPPY HOURS: $1 DRAFT 175 E. Main St. 928-927-5585 Serving Quartsite at Same Location for over 20 years! Page 15 how to plan and wanted all the benefits for him and my step-mother that I knew hospice could provide. After we talked, he reluctantly signed up for hospice. Since that day he has thanked me many times and tells me he is glad he made the decision. VK: So, why hospice? SB: Hospice is a holistic team approach designed to manage a person's symptoms, thus enhancing their quality of life. VK: Why had you changed from a typical Home Health Care situation to Hospice? SB: My father's pain was not being well managed. Con- sequently, he slept most of the time and was bedridden before he really had to be. Since starting hospice, his pain symptom has been taken care of and so he is up and out enjoying life as long as he can. That is what hospice is designed to do. VK: Tell me about the Hospice 'Team'. SB: The hospice team consists of a Medical Director, and a nurse (RN) who acts as the team case manager. The nurse is flexible and able to see the patient accord- SEE PERSPECTIVES ON PAGE 22 Palo Verde Cafe & Lounge NOW OPEN! 11AM-7PM DAILY Great American Food Lunch Special Mon-Fri 12-2 $ Friday Fish $ 599 799 Prime Rib Sat. 4-close Happy Hour 2pm-5pm 305 N. Central (Hwy. 95) 928-927-7676 MOUNTAIN QUAIL CAFE FOR THE SEASON! NOW OPEN Open Tuesday-Sunday 7 a.m.-7p.m. (closed Mondays) 490 N. Moon Mt. Rd., Quartzsite (corner of Moon Mt. & Quail Trail) N CALL IN FOR TAKE OUT! 928-927-8890 Credit Cards Accepted! B-10, Main St. Quail Trail X 56250 Hwy 60 Vicksburg area 928-859-3057 Take a short drive... you'll be happy you did ! Moon Mountain Rd. Hwy. 95, N. Central the Famous Home of Check out our new look!