Thirty-three hospice providers progress through NHPCO’s innovative quality improvement program

(Alexandria, Va) – The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is proud to share the organizations that have earned at least one ring in the first quarter of the Quality Connections (QC) program. QC a new program from NHPCO designed to enhance the knowledge base, skills, and competency of hospice and palliative care professionals and providers for continuous quality improvement. QC is structured around four fundamental pillars which are represented by four QC rings: Education, Application, Measurement, and Innovation.

Quality Connections is a national program designed to support hospice and palliative care provider delivery of high-quality, person centered care.   The program goals are to enhance the knowledge base, skills, and competency of hospice and palliative care staff through education, tools, resources, and opportunities for engagement and interaction among hospice and palliative care quality professionals.

As of April 15, 2021, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice has earned their Education Ring. Each Ring has specific activities incorporating practical resources to progressively track and improve both clinical and organizational quality. Activities such as quarterly data reporting and benchmarking, NHPCO’s E-Online courses, peer case studies, and engagement will be part of an organization’s quality journey. Additionally, participants will find activities that are focused on promoting diversity, access and inclusion within your organization and with the communities you serve.

“These providers are demonstrating their commitment to quality patient- and family-centered care. It is not enough to simply say that one is interested in quality; one must step up to demonstrate it. These providers have taken an important step in improving their quality of care. This matters to patients, families, payers and providers,” said NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice maintains strict compliance with the CDC and New Jersey State Mandates regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. Effective immediately the following visitation policy will be in place at the Home for Hospice.

The number of visitors allowed at one time has increased from 2 visitors to 5 visitors.

The policy also includes the following requirements for visitors:

• All visitors must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Bandanas, gaiters, or masks with exhalation valves are not permitted because they don’t provide sufficient protection.
• All guests must undergo a symptom check and sign in at the front desk leaving their phone number for contact tracing if needed.
• All visitors must perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient. Once in the facility, visitors must remain in the patient’s room throughout the visit, except when directed otherwise by staff.  If they need to use the bathroom, they are to use the one in the patient’s room.
• Visitors will ring the doorbell and if there are already five people in the room those visitors will not be permitted in.  They must wait outside until the family comes out, the visitor is not allowed in to retrieve the other visitors.
• Visitors can be out on the patio but at no time are they to enter the building if there are already 5 visitors in the room.  If this happens, we will be forced to ask everyone to leave.

Please note all common areas remain closed currently.  We also are NOT providing tours.  If you would like to see the building please click here for a virtual tour.

Thanks for your patience and understanding as we strive to keep our families and staff safe during this time. If you need any further assistance please call 973-300-0669.

As your local not-for-profit hospice with over 40 years of experience, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is committed to providing our community with the education and tools needed to make one some of the hardest decisions of a lifetime.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is proud to present two FREE outreach programs designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of hospice and palliative care.

The first program offers one FREE CME/CE credit via the Quality-of-Life newsletter. The newsletter is published quarterly and offers an instant CME/CE certificate upon completion. Those completing the course receive an acknowledgment certificate after completing a brief online evaluation. Upon registering and successfully completing the activity evaluation your certificate will be made available immediately. The estimated time to complete the activity is one hour. You can earn up to four CME/CE credits a year by completing the evaluation in each newsletter. The newsletter is available either printed or digitally.

The second offering is a FREE electronic subscription to the Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey, Transitions newsletter. This weekly newsletter contains timely and relevant information regarding hospice and palliative care. The Transitions program is currently only available to those who practice in New Jersey.

To receive one or both of these publications please visit: https://www.karenannwquinlanhospice.org/newsletter to sign up. You may also contact Anthony Grigal, at agrigal@karenannquinlanhospice.org or by calling 973-383-0115 ext. 123 for more information.

Click here to preview a copy of the Quality of Life Newsletter

Click here to preview a copy of the Transitions Newsletter

The Honorable Judge Paul Armstrong

The New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law recently awarded it most prestigious award, The Lighthouse Award to the Honorable Judge Paul Armstrong.

The award honors individuals who uphold the professions highest ideals and who have accomplished significant career achievement.

The Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards are presented in cooperation with the bar associations across the state, to lawyers who are respected by colleagues for their character, competence and exemplary professional behavior.

Judge Armstrong is a founding member of the Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation and has served on the Governing Board for more than 40 years.

Please join us on congratulating Judge Armstrong for the exceptional accomplishment.

Please click here to view Judge Paul Armstrong’s acceptance speech.

Please click here to read Judge Paul Armstrong’s acceptance speech.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MEREDITH ROBERTS OF SUSSEX, NJ

Winning ticket #:              360
Winner:                                Meredith Roberts of Sussex, NJ

Total Collected:                 $16,240.00
Winner Received:            $  8,120.00

LEFT TO RIGHT: Marlina Schetting, Chief Operating Officer and Administrator at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice presents the check to Meredith Roberts, while her son and mother Eileen Diehl look on. It was quite a surprise for Meredith as the ticket was purchased for her and she didn’t know about it until she received the phone call from our Special Events Manager, Jennifer Smith. Stay tuned for the 2021 Half for Hospice tickets to go on sale soon – win up to $10,000!

If you are thinking about make a donation to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice – here’s another good reason to do it today!

COVID Tax Tip 2020-153, November 12, 2020

Whether taxpayers are supporting natural disaster recovery, COVID-19 pandemic aid or another cause that’s personally meaningful to them, their charitable donations may be tax deductible. These deductions basically reduce the amount of their taxable income.

Here’s how the CARES Act changes deducting charitable contributions made in 2020:

Previously, charitable contributions could only be deducted if taxpayers itemized their deductions.

However, taxpayers who don’t itemize deductions may take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made in 2020 to qualifying organizations. For the purposes of this deduction, qualifying organizations are those that are religious, charitable, educational, scientific or literary in purpose. The law changed in this area due to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

The CARES Act also temporarily suspends limits on charitable contributions and temporarily increases limits on contributions of food inventory. More information about these changes is available on IRS.gov.

Click the button to make a donation to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice today! Thank you!

KEY POINTS:

• The CARES Act, which went into effect this spring, established a new above-the-line deduction for charitable giving.
• You can write off up to $300 in cash donations on your 2020 income tax return, which you’ll be filing next spring.
• Normally, you’d have to itemize deductions to write off charitable giving when you file your taxes. About 14.8 million households took a tax break for donating to charity in 2018, according to the IRS.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is not giving tax advice. Each situation is different. Please contact your accountant to see if you qualify for this tax deduction.

Listen to Diana Sebzda, Director of Bereavement at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center and she talks about the importance of National Children’s Grief Awareness Day.

Listen here:

Or watch here:

Newton, NJ.  – Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice recently honored Vietnam Veterans at a We Honor Veterans pinning ceremony held at the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1002 meeting. The pinning ceremony was part of the commemoration for Veterans Day & Hospice Month. The ceremony was held at Saint Francis de Sales Church, in Vernon Township on Sunday, October 25, 2020.

At the ceremony, representatives of Karen Ann Quinlan presented a commemorative pin to members of the VVA who served on active duty in the Vietnam War at any time between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975. Regardless of theater.

VVA Chapter 1002 members are encouraged to attend and receive the appreciation from Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and the support of their brothers who served in the Vietnam Period.

We Honor Veterans (www.WeHonorVeterans.org) is a national hospice provider awareness campaign conducted by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). NHPCO is actively supporting the campaign and providing resources for hospices to participate because: Of 2.4 million deaths in the United States each year, approximately 680,000 are Veterans A vast majority of Veterans are not enrolled in VA and may not be aware of end-of-life services and benefits available to them, including the Medicare Hospice Benefit and VA-paid hospice care Community hospices can join other hospice providers across the country in honoring our Nation’s Veterans.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is dedicated to providing hospice care for the terminally ill and bereavement for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Northwest NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800 882 1117 to reach any of our services. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ 07860 and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 200 Third Street, Milford, PA 18337

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice held an Open House on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10 at the new location of their Milford Office, 200 Third Street.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice has served the community since 1980. Julia and Joseph Quinlan, pioneers of the Hospice movement opened the first hospice in Sussex County on April 15, 1980, the fifth anniversary of their daughter Karen Ann tragically slipping into a coma. The Hospice started with money donated by the Quinlans from proceeds of a book and television film documenting their experience.

The Hospice expanded into Warren County, NJ on 1988 and in 2008 opened an office in Milford PA located on 315 West Harford Street. After several years the office relocated to 104 Bennet Avenue and is now housed at 200 Third Street. Hospice isn’t a place. And hospice care is not just about those who are dying. Hospice is a comprehensive kind of care that focuses on living—it’s about living as fully as possible, surrounded by family and friends, up until the end of life.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is proud to be part of the Pike County Community especially the Milford Community. At the larger facility the Hospice, also the home of the Milford area Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center, will host community education seminars, children’s bereavement workshops, group bereavement sessions and more. “We look forward to being a more active and visible member of the community,” said Lee Ellison, director of marketing for the Hospice.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and bereavement counseling for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Sussex and Warren Counties NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800-882-1117 to reach any of our services at either office; Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 200 Third Street, Milford, PA. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and proud to be the preferred hospice provider for Newton Medical Center and area Atlantic Health Care System. The award-winning Home for Hospice is located in Fredon, NJ. The Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center is open to hospice families and the community for bereavement support, counseling and educational opportunities; it is located at 5 Plains Rd. in Augusta with satellite offices in Pike and Warren Counties. For hospice programs, events, and more information at www.karenannquinlanhospice.org.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice invites the community to an Open House on Saturday, October 10 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the new location of their Milford Office, 200 Third Street. All appropriate CDC and state mandated guidelines regarding social distancing will be in effect at this event.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice has served the community since 1980. Julia and Joseph Quinlan, pioneers of the Hospice movement opened the first hospice in Sussex County on April 15, 1980, the fifth anniversary of their daughter Karen Ann tragically slipping into a coma. The Hospice started with money donated by the Quinlans from proceeds of a book and television film documenting their experience.

The Hospice expanded into Warren County, NJ on 1988 and in 2008 opened an office in Milford PA located on 315 West Harford Street. After several years the office relocated to 104 Bennet Avenue and is now housed at 200 Third Street.

At the open house there will be light refreshment, give-away items, virtual tours and information will be provided regarding the services that we offer. Hospice isn’t a place. And hospice care is not just about those who are dying. Hospice is a comprehensive kind of care that focuses on living—it’s about living as fully as possible, surrounded by family and friends, up until the end of life.

Last year, more than 1.6 million dying Americans were served by the nation’s hospice providers, reports the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Yet there are many myths about hospice that keep people from getting this compassionate care when they need it most.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is proud to be part of the Pike County Community especially the Milford Community. At the larger facility the Hospice, also the home of the Milford area Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center, will host community education seminars, children’s bereavement workshops, group bereavement sessions and more. “We look forward to being a more active and visible member of the community,” said Lee Ellison, director of marketing for the Hospice.

“We hope to see everyone on Saturday at the open house,” said Ellison. “We wanted an opportunity to re-introduce ourselves the community and let them know that we are here for them so we decided to host an open house.”

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and bereavement counseling for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Sussex and Warren Counties NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800-882-1117 to reach any of our services at either office; Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ and  Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 200 Third Street, Milford, PA.  Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and proud to be the preferred hospice provider for Newton Medical Center and area Atlantic Health Care System.  The award-winning Home for Hospice is located in Fredon, NJ. The Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center is open to hospice families and the community for bereavement support, counseling and educational opportunities; it is located at 5 Plains Rd. in Augusta with satellite offices in Pike and Warren Counties. For hospice programs, events, and more information at www.karenannquinlanhospice.org or Facebook.com/KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org.

Memorial Service Program – click here

Interfaith Memorial Service 9.15.20

Click on image above to view video. We apologize in advance for the shakiness of the video.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Pet Memorial that was presented by Abbey Glen such a huge success.

Click here for a copy of the Pet Memorial Program Booklet

Robert A. Vandenbergh has been named President of the Karen Ann Quinlan Charitable Foundation Board of Directors.   Recently retired as Chief Operating Officer of Lakeland Bank, Vandenbergh has served on the Charitable Board since its inception in 1999.

Stepping down as President is Julia Quinlan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, who will remain as a Trustee.  “Bob has been an integral part of the success of the Karen Ann Quinlan Charitable Foundation since the start.  His hard work formulating policy, procedures and mission has been invaluable.  It is reassuring to know that Bob’s commitment to assuring the sustainability of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice as an independent, not for profit, patient centric Hospice will continue into the future,” said Julia Quinlan.

“It is an honor to be assuming the role of President of the Charitable Foundation but clearly, I am not replacing Julia as that just isn’t possible,” said Vandenbergh. “I will however work diligently with the other members of the Charitable Board to protect and grow the financial resources of the organization to ensure continued support of the Hospice’s programs, the excellent staff and administration and the strategic mission.”

“Having had first-hand knowledge of the compassion and deep caring provided by Hospice, I am happy to contribute in this way to show my gratitude for that service and to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Julia Quinlan over the years,” continued Vandenbergh.

Vandenbergh lives in Byram Township with his wife of 47 years Barbara. They have one son, Eric and two grandchildren, Holly and Travis. “Everything that I do is focused back to my family,” said Vandenbergh. In his spare time Bob enjoys golfing and relaxing at the couples’ home on Shelter Island.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is a nonprofit organization that serves the public by providing a full continuum of high quality medical, emotional and spiritual services to hospice patients, their family members and the community. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice never refuses anyone based on ability to pay. More information about the services provided to the community can be found online at KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org or by calling 973-383-0115.

AUGUSTA – The fifth annual Celebrate A Life Walk will be held virtually this year. Participants are urged to walk, run, dance, do housework…it all counts as activity and can be converted to miles for this 26.2 mile virtual walk. Unlike a traditional walk/run/bike race, this virtual event uses technology and takes social distancing into account; allowing you to participate on your own, with a friend, work mates or your whole family, showing your support whenever & wherever you are day or night; rain or shine, inside or outside.

“We used Racery to host our virtual race“, said Jennifer Smith, Special event manager. Once registered walkers will be able to either manually enter their daily activity or download the Racery app, log their activity and it will automatically sync to the walk dashboard. As a walker logs activity their walk icon moves along the route. So you can see how you are doing and compete with other walkers for weekly prizes…in addition to the overall event prizes.

“Well this is officially my first marathon! BUT I’m so excited to be a part of this exciting event to help raise awareness and much needed funds for the Bereavement Center,” said Diana Sebzda, MA, LPC, FT, Director of Bereavement. “COVID-19 can’t keep us down! Our doors never closed and we make sure that no one has to walk alone on this path of anticipatory grief and bereavement. I am so very proud of each and every walker, as they walk for a loved one and with purpose!”

The “virtual” walk route starts at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center on 214 Washington Avenue in Hackettstown, meanders past the Karen Ann Quinlan Home from Hospice in Fredon and ends at our Bereavement Center headquarters in Augusta. Remember, this is the “virtual” route, you can walk, run, jog, dance, wherever you want to move your icon along on the walk route. There is a $25 registration fee to join the walk and all funds raised will benefit the programs and services at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center. The walk started as a way to help those dealing with a loss celebrate the life and memory of loved ones who have passed.

The Bereavement Centers offer individual counseling and ongoing support groups for those suffering the loss of a loved one.  Anyone may use the bereavement services; you do not need to be part of our hospice program to participate.

Participants are encouraged to send us a photo of their loved one to place on the memory wall sponsored by Biggs Kids.  A closing celebration with the lighting of a symbolic memorial light, memory wall acknowledgement, virtual vendors and an awards presentation will be held on Saturday, September 26 at 10 a.m. via ZOOM.

Last year Team Dominator led by Dana Noll raised more than $1,500 with a large donation from the BPO Elks #1388. The team walked in memory of Dominick Noll.

Registrants are encouraged to form a team to raise funds. There will be prizes awarded to individuals and teams who raise the most money. All money raised will stay in the community and benefit the Bereavement Center.

Please call 973-383-0115 ext. 145 for more information on how you can get involved. You can download complete instructions on how to join, start a team, ask for donations, and get a pledge sheet online at karenannquinlanhospice.org/Walk.