For many families, the first year after loss is filled with complex emotions, milestones, and moments of quiet reflection. Hospice care understands this deeply and extends its support well beyond the final days of a patient’s life. In fact, hospice programs often provide grief support for at least 13 months, helping families navigate their first year of loss with compassion and care. In moments when words aren’t enough, love speaks. This truth guides hospice volunteers and ch

Music makes the world go round so how fitting that on this World Music Therapy Week we shine a spotlight on the impact of music therapy makes to our patients and families.  World Music Therapy Week (April 10 to 15) is an annual international initiative led by the World Federation of Music Therapy to raise awareness about the transformative power of music therapy in promoting health, well-being, and social connection. The 2026 theme, Connecting Borders , emphasizes how music t

Hospice and Palliative Care is founded on compassion, dignity, and unwavering support—values that come to life each day through the leadership of our medical directors. Today, we proudly recognize Robert M. Cole, MD; James Lavis, DO; Brendan Kelly, DO; and Jeffrey Gong, DO  for their dedication, expertise, and steadfast commitment to those we serve. “Their guidance strengthens our team,”  said NJHealth Hospice & Palliative Care CEO and Administrator Suzanne Martinell. “They e

We are so grateful for the compassion and comfort our Massage Therapist Danielle Pace brings to our patients every day. Not all hospice providers offer this service, but we do because it is important to quality care. Families consistently share how her presence makes a meaningful difference. Their comments say it all... “My Parkinson’s is like a box of chocolates—I never know what I’m going to get or how I’m going to feel. But just seeing Danielle come in my door makes my day

The NJHealth Team put together a wonderful 104 birthday celebration for Willa Stewart. The morning sun had barely risen over Egg Harbor when excitement began to bubble through the halls of ExelCare. Word had spread quickly—today was a milestone, a marvel, and a moment no one wanted to miss. The NJ Health Team was gathering to celebrate the 104th birthday of the beloved Willa Stewart, a woman who seemed to shine brighter with each passing year. Willa's NJHealth Team celebrated

Joining in the excitement is Suzette Carano, director of clinical excellence, whose enthusiasm shines even brighter with Joanne’s artwork lighting up the workspace Spring is finally peeking around the corner— fingers crossed! —and while the world outside is slowly turning green, the spring vibes at njHealth have already burst into full bloom. At our Landis Avenue office in Vineland, a once‑ordinary conference‑room blackboard has been magically transformed into a cheerful cele

During Social Work Month, we proudly recognize the extraordinary contributions of hospice social workers—in particular the amazing team at njHealth Hospice and Palliative Care. These professionals whose compassion, skill, and advocacy profoundly shape end‑of‑life care. Their work ensures that patients and families are supported emotionally, socially, and practically during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. "Hospice social workers play a crucial role as core members of

This Social Work Month, we honor njHealth's hospice social workers for their unwavering dedication and the meaningful difference they make every single day. Caitlyn Little never imagined her path would lead her into hospice care. In fact, when she began her journey as a social worker, her world looked very different. Fresh out of Widener University, carrying equal parts determination and compassion, she stepped into an internship at a substance use treatment program in Glouce

This Social Work Month, we honor njHealth's hospice social workers for their unwavering dedication and the meaningful difference they make every single day. Kimberly DeChurch has been a social worker for 34 years, including the past 27 years in medical social work within home care and hospice. She earned her social work degree from Rutgers. Her experience ranges from children’s services to women’s trauma, but she has found her calling in supporting older adults. A resident of

This Social Work Month, we honor njHealth's hospice social workers for their unwavering dedication and the meaningful difference they make every single day. From the casino floor to a patient bedside Before Lauree Lapidus ever stepped into the world of hospice work, she spent 23 years in a very different environment—the bustling, high‑energy floors of a casino, where she worked as a dealer and supervisor. It wasn’t until later in life that she discovered the path she was trul

The Role of Women in Hospice Care: Women’s History Month offers an important opportunity to recognize the profound impact women have had on shaping hospice care. From its origins to today’s frontline caregiving workforce, women remain the foundation of the hospice movement. Women have historically taken on caregiving roles, a tradition that continued into the modern hospice model pioneered by Dame Cicely Saunders, whose work transformed end‑of‑life care into a holistic, digni

This Social Work Month, we honor njHealth's hospice social workers for their unwavering dedication and the meaningful difference they make every single day. Suzanne DePasquale, LCSW, has been a social worker for over 35 years, including 27 years specializing in palliative and hospice care. She has been part of NJ Health since its inception and is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered support to individuals and families navigating serious illness and end-of-li

We wish Mr. Denneny a most wonderful 90th birthday, from all your friends at NJ Health. We may not be great singers, but we are very sincere in our wishes. Surrounding the guest of honor to celebrate his special day are members of his hospice care team volunteer Karen Martine; Danielle Pace, massage therapist; Laura Genna, volunteer coordinator; Denise Davis, spiritual care; Mr. Denney; Tim Bretscheiner, music therapist, Carol McKinney, CHHA; and Kim DeChurch, social worker.

Even in hospice care, life gives us joy and new beginnings. On this Valentine's Day we celebrate the love of two special team members.  Daisy Tirado, our lead certified home health aide, has worked with NJ Health Hospice since the company began, and Charlie Pérez is our office maintenance coordinator. Their relationship began when he invited her to attend services at his church. After dating for two years, he proposed. "What attracted me was her kindness and empathy and the

We are so very proud of our founder, CEO, administrator, leader and friend, Suzanne Bogan Martinelli. The NJHealth Team knows first-hand about her exceptional leadership, generosity and kindness, now everyone does as she has been honored in this month's issue of NJbiz magazine featuring the state's Top CEOs and CFOs.  As Founder and CEO of NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care , Martinelli is a trailblazer in the health and beauty industries with a knack for turning bold idea

Julie Buckner has a soft spot for caring for all living things. The Salem County woman spends her days working at an animal hospital and finds volunteering very close to her heart. She became acquainted with hospice when her grandmother was in a healthcare facility receiving hospice care. "During that time, I passed many other patients who looked like they needed someone to talk to," she recalls. "Seeing that broke my heart, and I knew I wanted to be that person for others."

Hospice Volunteers are indeed very special people.  Recently we completed training for these wonderful new hospice volunteers.  Samantha Hunter of Haddon Township, Wanda Livingston of Vineland, Arlene Katsoris of Millville, Joan Rider of Minotola,  Volunteer Coordinator Laura Genna, and Karly Smaniotto of Vineland. We know our patients will love visiting with these wonderful ladies. Interested in learning more about how you can help? Call us today at 856-696-5340, or email...

Janice McMahon wanted to be a hospice nurse. She recalls the days when she found a passion for caring for the elderly while working full-time in a long-term care facility and attending classes to earn her RN degree.  Starting her nursing career as a young LPN working what was then Millville Hospital, she then found a career that would not only shape her profession but also bring her personal contentment.    Although at that time she was not a hospice care provider, many of he

Reconnect with Nature : spend time outdoors to rejuvenate your mind and body, fostering a deeper connection with your surroundings. Many of us are guilty of spending too much time on our phone or computer.   Although technology has given us to ability to stay connected to friends and family from around the world, it also often separates us for those who are across the table from us.    As hospice

Two lovely ladies with ugly sweaters... well not so ugly! Jenna Feldstein, program coordinator and Karen Melita, music therapist at NJ Health Hospice sports their "finest" ugly sweaters to celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day.  Yep, there's a national day to wear ugly sweaters and it's the third Friday in December.  Another holiday tradition to enjoy, celebrate and get a few laughs as well.   Join us in celebrating this fun-focused day and dig into your closet, make your own,