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."

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

Much like the layers of clothing we put on to keep warm in winter, Palliative Care provides the important layers of support for those with serious or chronic illnesses such as cancer, cardiac and pulmonary conditions. ​It's a specialized medical care that aims to alleviate symptoms, pain, and stress associated with a serious illness, regardless of the diagnosis.  The goal is to enhance the quality of life for both the patient and their family. A team of expert healthcare pr

Danielle Pace has a magic touch. Yes, she does, just ask anyone who has had a massage from this licensed massage therapist.  The Vineland resident has 15 years' experience in massage therapy of which she has spent the past seven of those years dedicated specifically to hospice care. She finds the work special because it gives her the opportunity to bring comfort, ease, and meaningful connection to patients and their families during such an important and vulnerable time in the

Many people do not get the support they need and are entitled because they do not understand or fear the word “hospice”.  If you or a loved one struggling with serious illnesses or terminal diagnosis hospice care can provide much-needed support and comfort. “At the end of life, patients and their families are often faced with many challenges - both physical and emotional,” explained Suzanne Martinelli, administrator and CEO at NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care. “They are

Caring for an aging or ill-loved one is a selfless act of love and responsibility.  It can be rewarding to help others, yet it also can be stressful. The demands of caregiving can cause burnout. As a caregiver you may find it difficult to take time to care for yourself, but it is essential. Juggling work and family responsibilities will drain you of energy.  "You can 't pour from an empty cup." is a metaphor that sums up the importance of self-care.    Yes, caring for yoursel

Don't be afraid of hospice. It's a word that causes some to be uncomfortable, but that is because it is misunderstood. Hospice simply is specialized care for people with advanced illnesses. It maintains quality of life through symptom and pain management for those with a terminal diagnosis. It is provided to the patient wherever they may call home. Unfortunately, because of misconceptions about hospice, many do not get the care they need and are entitled to receive. Let's dis

Yes, a visit from a furry friend can make a day extra special for a hospice patient. If you and your pet are therapy certified we'd love to have you on the njHealth Volunteer Team. We are looking for volunteers to share their passions, interest and companionship which means so very much to hospice patients and their loved ones. Volunteer activities often include: · Certified Pet Visitors for pet lovers. · Keeping vigil with patients in their final hours. · Bereavement and gri

Sara and Alicia Offenbacker proudly display a handmade crochet blanket for a 103-year-old WWII veteran. We honor our veterans everyday as they have done so much for our country. Sara is NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care program coordinator and Alicia is a hospice nurse and case manager. Our mission at NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care is to surround ourselves with likeminded team members who share a common bond of passion, a gift of empathy, and a devotion for helping