Part of our mission is to educate the community about hospice care. Recently, NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care was proud to sponsor the Gloucester County Networking Connections breakfast, and our own Tim Bretschneider was the guest speaker. Tim is one of our amazing music therapists. Music Therapy is a key part of our hospice care program as it helps to reduce pain and anxiety. It is particularly helpful for patients with a cognitive decline such as dementia or Alzheim

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

Learning that there will be no early spring is not the news we were hoping for here at NJHealth. The hospice and palliative care teams are not thrilled to be out and about in this cold and icy weather. But their dedication to the care of our patients always comes first. Not even the Groundhog Day prediction of more winter weather will stop them. Did you know that Groundhog Day is celebrated throughout the county with a range of animals. Beyond the traditional groundhog, other

Love it or hate it; winter is upon us.  Snow and ice make for beautiful yet dangerous conditions and outdoor activities. Even getting in and out of your vehicle can cause a tumble.   The NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care teams are on the road in these conditions caring for our patients. We offer a few tips learned along the way to reduce your risk of slip and falls.  Safe Winter Walking Tips Use caution when shifting your weight while exiting your vehicle. Maintain three p

Y ou are mourning a loss that hasn’t happened yet.   You feel anxiety, sadness, fear and the emotional pain of bereavement. Anticipatory grief, also known as preparatory grief, comes when you foresee the loss before it occurs.  This is a complex reaction to any significant life change including the loss of a job, marriage, or an impending death. It is particularly common among caregivers of terminally ill family members, and the patient themselves, and it can be debilitating.

Kelly Fazzino, RN/ Case Manager with the NJHealth Hospice Team and the NJHealth Education Center was the guest speaker on hospice and palliative care presenting to clinical staff and medical residents at a local hospital. The NJ Health Education Center provides customized training resulting in better health outcomes, improved health care quality and enhanced patient experience.    The center's goal is to equip program participants with a foundation that allows them to perform

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...

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. ·  

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

The holidays are particularly challenging after the death of a loved one. You may not feel up to ringing in a new year if you are facing it with a loss. Although they are no longer with you physically, fond memories of your time together will help bring them into this new year spiritually.  These are the people who helped make the holiday joyful and missing them can be profoundly challenging. Those memories may bring a tear, but some may also make you smile, even laugh. It'

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,

It was a time to celebrate the season at the December CVAC meeting and Christmas party. Great food and conversation were had by all. But most importantly it will most certainly be a Merry Christmas for Summer Hesse and her children this year thanks to the generosity of the community and CVAC (Citizens/Veterans Advisory Committee). "I am so very grateful, Hesse said to the group clearly overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity. CVAC, the only one of its kind in NJ, serves C

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

Holiday Wishes From our family to yours, sending you warm wishes for a joyful holiday season and a wonderful 2026. Happy Holidays from all of us at NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care.

Making Music Magic Music is magical. It has a way of making us feel better. Those favorite songs will bring a smile to our faces as we sing along or tap our toes. For hospice patients, music therapy is pure gold, especially if the patient is like 93-year-old Carole Ford of Mays Landing. A former church organist, making music brightens her mood. "She has a musical ear," said Karen Melita, music therapist for NJHealth Hospice, to that Carole responds with a huge smile and a hit

CVAC member NJ Health's Director of Public Relations and Volunteer Services Margie Barham, is shown here placing wreaths on veterans' graves.   NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care joined other members of CVAC (Community/ Veterans Advisory Committee) at Cape May County Veterans Cemetery this past Saturday for the annual Wreaths Across America.  CVAC member NJ Health's Director of Public Relations and Volunteer Services Margie Barham, is shown here placing wreaths on veterans

Congratulations to Barbara Ponticello of Mays Landing who won the $50 Wawa gift card in the NJHealth Team Thanksgiving Trivia Drawing.   Enjoy a treat on us Barbara.  Just in case you were curious, the answers are: Philadelphia has the oldest Thanksgiving parade The first Thanksgiving football game was played in 1876 There were no Macy's Thanksgiving Parades in 1942,1943 and 1944 because of WWII Detroit has a Thanksgiving Day Parade that ends with Santa Claus getting a key to