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. 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

Hospice workers are often the quiet heroes of healthcare—traveling long distances, in every season and every type of weather, to ensure that patients facing life‑limiting illnesses receive compassion, comfort, and dignity. Even in this heavy snow and icy winds, the NJHeath Team has a remarkable dedication to the patients we serve.  Despite weather challenges, the NJHealth Team continues to show up because they understand that consistent, compassionate care is essential. Their

We’re thrilled to spotlight our compassionate hospice services on Nancy Adler Nutrition Live on WOND 1400 Radio this Saturday, February 21 from 11 am to 1 pm. with members of the team from NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care . On this week’s show is a frequent guest our own Margie Barham, director of public relations and volunteer services. And joining her is Tim Bretschneider, music therapist, who brings comfort and connection to patients through the healing of music. Tim

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.

Spending time with colleagues outside the usual work setting can bring fresh energy and build stronger connections. Recently, members of the NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care team joined our healthcare colleagues at a Valentine-themed Sip and Paint event at Caroline's in Somers Point.  The event was hosted by our friends at Griswold Home Care and Our Ladies Nursing and Rehabilitation, organizations that understand the value of community and support among healthcare worker

Caring for hospice patients is a calling rooted deeply in compassion. It means stepping into some of the most tender moments of a person’s life and offering comfort, dignity, and presence. Loving this work isn’t about the ease of it—because hospice care can be emotionally heavy. It’s about the profound meaning found in being there for someone when every moment truly matters. Honoring patient stories, their history, and their humanity is what drives the NJ Health Hospice Care

With the Super Bowl approaching, we could not help but notice the surprising similarities between a football team and a hospice care team. With each person’s particular role and expertise working together as one unit for a shared purpose, each “team” member contributes their own specialized skill to support the goal.   In football each player is part of the team, and at NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care we refer to our staff as team members. Our website njhealthteam.com

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