Page 46 - Jo Dee C Jacob Girl Scouts CEO

If they sat on a couch that had a favorite afghan, make sure the over, these specialized programs enhance peace of mind, dignity
afghan comes with them. If they spent time in their bedroom, try and comfort during otherwise difficult moments.
to arrange the bedside table and lamp on the same side they are LightBridge has been a leader in developing specialized programs
accustomed to it. for families experiencing their end of life journey. The dementia
You can spray their pillow and room with their favorite cologne or program is just one example. Jill Mendlen, LightBridge President/
perfume for a familiar scent. The less change in environment the CEO commented, “Our clinical teams are committed to making the
dementia patient experiences, the higher they will function” said journey as gentle and peaceful as possible for all hospice patients”.
Cindy. The LightBridge Hospice Community Foundation continues to fulfill
Often as people age you will see a change in eating habits. As we its mission with the support of donors; individuals, corporations and
age we lose, our sense of taste and foods taste, bland so more foundations. On Sunday, October 20, the LightBridge Foundation
spicy items may be preferred. Bitter is the last taste sense we lose Walk will take place at NTC Park in Liberty Station in San Diego.
so things that normally tasted good may taste bitter. Sweet is the This year’s theme will be focused on Veterans and will have dis-
least prominent taste so they frequently need more sweeteners for tinctive displays and demonstrations. Proceeds from the walk will
food to taste sweet to them. A large plate with too much food may contribute to specialized programs for those facing their end of life
be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Cindy shared that a journey.
person’s “vision may be impaired and they are unable to see food For more information about LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care
directly in front of them. To find their best field of vision you can of- please call (858) 458-2992 or visit their website www.lightbridge-
fer their favorite food in a brightly colored bowl and move it around hospice.com. For more information on the LightBridge Walk
until they reach for it”. Some people forget what utensils are or, or the LightBridge Hospice Community Foundation, please call
have difficulty using them, so finger foods are a good option. 858.500.7545, email contact@lbhcf.org, or visit the website at
Another component of the extensive dementia training LightBridge www.lbhcf.org.
Hospice staff receives involves the use of a variety of tools to
enhance care. These tools include music
therapy, relaxation techniques, healing
touch, aromatherapy, therapeutic mas-
sage, and behavioral management/re-
sponse techniques. Payment for hospice
services is covered by Medicare, MediCal
and most insurance plans, however, the
costs of many of the therapeutic tools
such as aromatherapy and healing touch
are not covered. This is where Light-
Bridge Hospice Community Foundation
steps in.
46 LightBridge Hospice Community Founda-
tion is a non-profit organization founded
with the thoughtful support of those
touched by the care they have received
at LightBridge Hospice. The Foundation
funds exceptional programs that enhance
the end of life journey for all hospice
patients. These programs include integra-
tive therapies such as Aromatherapy, Pet
Therapy, Healing Touch™ and Simple
Gifts, grants for end of life wishes and
unfulfilled dreams.
The LightBridge Foundation also pro-
vides music therapy through the Norma
Sluizer Music Therapy Fund which sup-
ports purchasing CD’s and CD players as
well as a certified harp therapist. Certi-
fied from the International Harp Therapy
Program in San Diego, LightBridge’s harp
therapist is trained to find the “resonant
tone of individuals and then use an
improvisational method of attending to a
person based on their resonance”. Their
harpist has attended specialized training
for interacting with patients with demen-
tia. Patients consistently experience
positive results from the music therapy
program. The LightBridge Hospice clini-
cal teams consistently witness positive,
measureable results including lowered
blood pressure, decreased heart rate,
reduced anxiety, and increased mood
elevation from music therapy and the
other programs supported by LightBridge
Hospice Community Foundation. More-