Life's Journeys Staff Notebook A message from Dottie Deremo, President/CEO, Hospice of Michigan Celebrating life at the end of the journey $6 million in unreimbursed care. T oday I would like to ask you some questions.Your answers will reflect your knowledge of Hospice of Michigan and our effort to inform the Jewish community about end-of-life issues. The questions are all True or False. Some physicians are reluctant to refer patients to Hospice. A.True. Doctors want to cure their patients. Many are inclined to keep trying, even when there's little hope for recovery. Recently, Michigan doctors received the Michigan Physicians Guide to End of Life Care. This publication is designed to help doctors talk to their patients when there is bad news to report. 1. Hospice of Michigan is one of many hospices in Michigan. A. True. There are more than 100 hospices operating in the state. Among non-profits, we are the largest in Michigan, caring for more than 900 patients a day in 45 Michigan counties. 2. Hospice of Michigan is more than a Hospice. A. True. Last fall, we dedicated the Maggie Allesee Center for Quality of Life in our new headquarters in the heart of Detroit's medical cen- ter.The Center will be a hub for end-of-life research and education projects at local, state and national levels. 3. Hospice of Michigan cares only for the elderly terminally ill. A. False. While elderly patients make up the majority of our patients, we care for patients of all ages. In fact, HOM is one of only a few hospices in Michigan with a dedicated pedi- atric hospice team. 4. Hospice treats patients in hospital settings only. A. False. Hospice cares for patients in hogpitals, residential care cen- ters, long term care facilities and in patints' homes. More and triore, we find that when we are 8. It is best to call Hospice when an illness is in its final stages. called at the time of diagnosis, patients want to find ways to stay in their own homes surrounded by their loved ones. HOM makes that happen. 5. Medicare coverage calls for a doctor to certify a patient has a terminal illness and will probably live six months or less. A. False. A University of Texas study shows the average hospice care is 35 days. In Michigan the average stay is much shorter. We know that families would greatly benefit from earlier referrals .9. Hospice care ends when death occurs. A. False. Our nurses and support staff know the procedures that must be followed, and they also know who should be called and what the family wishes. Often they will suggest bereavement services which are available for at least 13 months following death. A. True. It is hoped that this rule will be changed so that hospice care will be available to more people who can benefit from it. Predicting death is not an exact science. Ideally, patients who require palliative care and counsel- - 10.At Hospice of Michigan the three "B's" are not Bach, ing would be identified and treated Beethoven and Bartok. when the need is evident. A.True. Our "three B's" refer to 6. Hospice of Michigan serves Rabbi Bunny Friedman, Nurse only insured patients. Bonnie Topper and Bobbie Blitz, A.False. Hospice care is covered by our Jewish liaison specialist. More Medicare and most insurance and more, Jewish families rely on companies. However, we do not the care and compassion they turn away the uninsured. Needless offer.To learn more about our to say, we welcome donations. In Jewish Hospice program, call 2001, donations helped pay for Bobbie at 248-253-2580, ext. 4543. ADVERTISEMENT Advertise in the spring issue °f Style Magazine! Issue date: 3/25/02 Deadline: 2/20/02 Call your account executive today at (248) 354-6060 - *Please confirm your previously scheduled advertising. 2/1 2002 26, Judge Grant TEMPORARY ADDRESS: 30301 NORTHWESTERN HWY., SUITE 200, FARMINGTON HILLS 4 8 3 3 4 Worth Watching 0 akland County Circuit Judge Nanci Grant was named by Jewish Women International magazine as one of "Ten Wonien to Watch" in Jewish year 5762. The Washington, D.C.-based mag- azine honored the women "because they care about the world they live in and have the courage to live their values and exercise their convic- tions." First elected to the bench six years ago, Grant told Birmingham author Debra Darvick, who wrote the pro- file of her for the Fall 2001 issue of JWI: "I'm proud when someone says, `I love coming into your courtroom because I know you've read and [given thought to] every word I've written. Even if you decide against me, I know I've been given a fair shot.' I keep that in mind every day from the moment I wake up." Grant, daughter of Oakland County Probate Judge Barry Grant, has spent her term whittling down a significant case backlog. "I bring a completely different view to my job," says Grant. "I don't think every case needs to be tried. I'm willing to talk to the litigants to resolve issues outside court. I'd rather use my court time to try important cases — felonies, rob- beries and assaults." She's a firm believer in placing limits on children. "Kids may act like they don't want boundaries," she said, "but they do. "I tell these 18- and 19-year-olds before me, 'You have a whole life ahead of you. Why are you screwing it up for this?' I can't always have an