COLUMN: Hospice epitomizes generosity of Las Vegans

It was my pleasure to meet Judith Hantin, vice president of Nathan Adelson Hospice Foundation/Fund Development of Nathan Adelson Hospice.

Hantin is a hard-working promoter of the hospice, one of the finest illustrations of the charity that is performed in Las Vegas, a town known for its generosity.

The hospice was founded in 1978 by the family and friends of Nathan Adelson after his death. It was one of the first hospice programs in the United States. In 1980, Nathan Adelson Hospice began serving patients through its home-care program; in 1983, it opened a 20-bed free-standing inpatient facility, which at the time was only the third of its kind in the nation.

The facility's mission statement, "We provide dignified and compassionate care and support to the terminally ill and their loved ones" guides the staff, volunteers and supporters as they strive to ensure no one is turned away because of a lack of funds. It is because of this commitment that the Nathan Adelson Hospice Foundation was founded. Established in 1984, its sole purpose is to serve as the fund-raising arm of the hospice.

The philosophy of hospice care is to provide support and care in the last phases of incurable disease so people may live as fully and as comfortably as possible. Hospice care seeks to enable patients to carry on an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality at home or in a home-like setting.

Hospice considers the entire family, not just the patient, to be the unit of care. Patients and their families are included in the decision-making process, and bereavement counseling is provided after the death of the loved one.

Care is provided by a team made up of nurses, certified nursing aides, homemakers, social workers, chaplains and trained volunteers. This team meets weekly and works together under the supervision of a physician to design and implement a specific plan for the patient and family's special needs, whether at home or in the hospice.

The in-patient facility doesn't look like a hospital nor does it operate like one. The suites have a home-like decor, living rooms and parlors, comfortable furnishings, and private patios. There are no visiting hour restrictions, patients have a choice of meals, and facilities are available for families to cook their favorite foods and even stay overnight. Patients and families can also spend time in the courtyard or enjoy the aviary.

It's Hantin's duty to raise the funds so all services can be provided to patients and their families, regardless of their ability to pay.

One of the hospice's main services to families is Camp Mariposa, a bereavement facility for children who have experienced the death of a family member. As well as typical camp activities, professionals help children explore the grief process.

Hantin said the death of board member Bonnie Schreck opened a new avenue to enhancing the patient's experience.

"So much money was coming to the hospice in Bonnie's memory that I called her husband and suggested we do something special," Hantin recalled.

The Bonnie Schreck Comfort Care Program offers a variety of complementary therapies such as pet therapy, therapeutic touch, water therapy, reminiscence therapy, relaxation RX, and massage and aromatic therapy.

"Most of our money comes in the form of memorial gifts," Hantin said. "But we do have a very active fund-raising program that includes an annual fashion show."

Another fund-raising effort is the Unique Boutique & Resale Shop, open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, at 4700 S. Maryland Parkway.

The shop sells "new or gently used clothes, jewelry, furniture, etc.," according to Hantin, who said store manager Duane Martinez is conducting a half-price sale through the month of July.

Stop by. You just might find a treasure and you'll be helping a wonderful cause.

Carmel Hopkins, real estate product manager for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun, can be reached at 380-4574. Her e-mail address is Carmel_Hopkins@ lasvegasnewspapers.com. Snail mail is P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125.

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