Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is a  Level 5 Partner with We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Level 5 is the highest level WHV partners can attain and includes several new required activities and yearly recertification.

As a partner, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is providing specialized care to Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness. Aside from existing partner requirements, Level 5 partners place a greater emphasis on staff education and caring for Vietnam-era and combat Veterans. Additionally, Level 5 partners take on the role of regional mentor to other WHV partners working to enhance their programs.

“When we set out to create the Level 5 program we knew that it had to be different to truly showcase the efforts needed to go above and beyond. Not only Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice demonstrated commitment, but your organization has helped shape the program and continue as an example of what all hospice partners should strive to be,” said NHPCO President & CEO Edo Banach.

It is our mission at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice to provide diligent care that displays the gratitude, respect, and honor that everyone deserves at the end-of-life. Being a champion for Veterans means more than just shaking hands and saying “thank you” on Veterans Day. Our efforts relay a message not only to the Veterans under our care but to the family, caregivers, and community that we strive to provide the best to our nation’s heroes.

For more information on how Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice can help your family, or help you care for a Veteran facing a life limiting illness please call us at 973-383-0115 or send us a message by clicking here.

Facing and/or experiencing the death of a loved one can be one of the heaviest weights we bear. The current COVID-19 pandemic may be one creating an even heavier burden as we navigate this unprecedented situation. It is our hope that you find something here which will resonate with you and be helpful as you supportyourself and your loved ones during this difficult time. Please read this in small doses or all at once, as you feel able. This is your time to do what’s best for you. Please know that you don’t have to walk this road alone.

Click here to download the COVID-19 GPS

We would like to thank Sandra Polizzo from FEED THE FLOOR & Patrick Duffy and Claudia Bellino both of SKYVIEW GOLF and BANQUETS for donating 75 meals for our staff at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice and the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center! Thank you it was a perfect way to kick off National Nurses Week! We are very appreciative! #kaqstrong

The ATHLETES and COACHES of the Kittatinny Softball Team look for ways to give back to the community.  Last season, they participated in softball games and/or tournaments that directly benefited Pediatric Cancer.

As a team last season, they were able to get all of the spring teams at Kittatinny to buy into the community imitative and participate in the Lace Up for Pediatric Cancer.  Not only did the Kittatinny Teams participate but their opponents did as well.  For these charity games, each player purchased  a set of GOLD laces and wore the laces in their cleats for their designated game(s).  The proceeds raised from these games went to benefit a local family in NJ.  They also played in a Strike Out Cancer benefit game for St. Judes Pediatric Cancer for our final game of the season.

As they went into the 2020 softball season their team was set to play in more charity games, but COVID threw them a curveball.  With the spring seasons currently on hold, they wanted to find other ways in which they could make a difference.  As a team they created and posted a “Thank You Video To those on the Frontlines,” to let them know that their efforts and passion to help others was truly appreciated This video can be found on Twitter at @HMateSoftball and on Instagram at heather.mate.

Their next team inspired initiative was a “Thinking Of You Box.”  The team expressed that while the current situation has been tough everyone, they knew that it was extremely difficult for others.  They delivered letters and cards from the “Thinking Of You Box,” to the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice with the hopes that their small gesture will bring smiles and let everyone know that even though they can’t be there with us, they are thinking of us everyday.

Kittatinny Softball Team Members include:

Yesterday the entire staff of the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice was provided meals by our friends at Perona Farms.  This is in keeping with the decades long tradition of the Avondoglio family’s deep commitment and support of our community and our nonprofits.   For generations the Avondoglio family has been a standard bearer, setting the bar for local philanthropy.

In a delicious irony the meals will be prepared in the Mark Avondoglio, Janice Stevens, Perona Farms Dietary room at the Home for Hospice.  Mark and Janice generously purchased the naming rights to this important part of the Home in 2019.  Janice is a valuable member of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice’s Governing Board.

Julia Quinlan
Chief Executive Officer
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice

This is such a difficult time for everyone in the community, especially those in the field of health care. Our mission at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, since its beginning, has been to not turn anyone away based on their ability to pay. Though never verbalized but understood is the philosophy that we, as a hospice, accept anyone facing a life-limiting illness, including those with COVID-19.

Hospice care by its very definition is caring for patients and families at the end of life. Providing those entrusted to our care with the dignity, love, and support that all deserve and have a right to, is paramount during one’s final days. As a long-standing, quality health care agency our patient safety standards have always been at high.  That said, and before the government mandated stay-at-home, social distancing and use of personal protection equipment, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice was executing its emergency plan. The plan has included limiting exposure to patients at the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice, educating and evaluating patients and families in our in-home program, as well as counseling clients at the Joseph T Quinlan Bereavement Center.

At the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice, visiting hours are limited for the safety of all patients, visitors and staff.  For this reason, we advise calling ahead.  All visitors are screened prior to entry and are required to complete and sign a questionnaire regarding their exposure and have their temperatures taken. We have asked visitors who have any type of respiratory illness to reconsider visits.  Families are encouraged to use technology to keep in touch with their loved ones. People understand this and the support from families has been tremendous. The staff at the Home for Hospice follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines regarding temperature charting, enhanced use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), strict social distancing, and stay-at-home procedures when not at work.

The Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center has continued to counsel those in grief due to the loss of a loved one by holding individual counseling sessions via phone and face-to-face, with video conferencing. Counselors have successfully launched group support meetings via video conferencing that are secure and HIPAA compliant. The complete schedule of group support meetings can be found on our website at KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org. The Bereavement Center can also be reached by calling (973)-948-2283 to schedule individual counseling.

At our Administration headquarters only essential personnel report to the office, again limiting exposure to keep our staff healthy and safe. There are daily video conferencing meetings to stay up to date with our patients’ needs. Our medical and support staff, nurses, aides, social workers and chaplains continue their work in the field, caring for patients in their homes while strictly adhering to CDC guidelines.

Our community education and outreach programs are being held via livestream video conferencing and there is a virtual “How to Prepare your Advance Directive” using the Five Wishes workbook planned on April 16, National Health Care Decisions Day.  During these uncertain times, the need to have your healthcare wishes known by your family and doctors, cannot be overstated, especially if you become unable to speak for yourself.  Information on registering for the workshop, which includes a FREE copy of the “Five Wishes,” workbook (value $5) is available on our website or by calling (973)-383-0115.

Although there’s an element of fear in contracting the coronavirus, it is with education and strict adherence to the CDC guidelines that we continue our mission to care for our patients and families.  If you know of someone facing a life-limiting illness, please reach out to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice to see how we can help. We have served the community for 40-years and we are poised to continue serving through this pandemic and for many years to come.

How to Talk to Your Children About COVID-19

Starting the Conversation:

If you have not talked to your children about COVID-19 yet, now is the time to do so. Given how global this pandemic has gotten, it is likely that they have some knowledge already about the virus. The first step in talking to your children is asking them what they already know and what they have heard about the virus. Then, ask them how they are feeling and if they have any questions. It is important to answer these questions with basic information and not too much detail. Let their questions guide the conversation and don’t try to cover everything in one conversation. Keep the door open for them to ask questions as they think of them.

Handling Misinformation/Misinterpretation:

It is hard for children, and even adults, to fully understand the medical side of the illness. Children may have received misinformation (they were told incorrect information) or have misconceptions (they were told correct information but have interpreted it incorrectly.) To identify these, when asking your children what they have learned to be sure to ask your children to explain what it means. This will help you determine what they truly understand and what additional information they may need. 

Handling Fear:

Avoid using fear to get your children to follow your recommendations. This will only cause more anxiety. Also, be cautious of using examples in the past or trying to reassure them that this situation could be worse. This will likely make them think it will get worse. Be sure to ask your children’s fears and skepticism’s, children often have different fears and worries than adults. You can’t reassure your children if you do not know what they are afraid of. Otherwise, you are not reassuring them, but telling them why you aren’t worried. 

Be Honest:

Do not pretend that everything is okay. Children can pick up when adults are not genuine and honest. Be sure to provide appropriate assurance but don’t provide false reassurance. Rather than telling them to “Don’t be worried,” instead, help them learn to deal with the uncertainty and fear. 

Tell them What’s Being Done to Keep Them Safe:

This lockdown and the inability to participate in their old activities can be very stressful on children. I addition if they see their friends not following social distancing rules they may become jealous or see it as unfair and ask questions. It is important to stand firm in your rules and tell them why it is important.

Establish a Routine:

Establish a routine to restore a sense of predictability. For children on the autism spectrum, this is particularly important, as well as children who were anxious or depressed before this pandemic. Reach out to your mental health/pediatric health providers for advice and assistance. 

Dealing with distress:

• Healthy Distractions: Reading, new or old hobbies, puzzles, board games. 
• Creative Outlets: Writing, art, blogging or music can help express feelings. 
• Physical Activities: Daily walks, exercise, yoga or even learning dances on TikTok!
• Relaxation Activities: Meditation, mindfulness, guided imagery

Remember to take care of yourself:

As adults we will likely have concerns about our health and those of family/friends, don’t feel the need to only focus on your children’s. When children are highly stressed they may become more demanding, regress socially with their friends and peers, act less mature, etc this is because they are overwhelmed with their concerns and have to cope with that before thinking of others. Adults may act this way as well. While the crisis brings out the best in people, it can also bring out a lot of stress, and we likely won’t be at our best all the time. It is important to remember to be patient with children, other adults, and yourself. 

For more information visit:

https://www.schoolcrisiscenter.org/resources/covid-19-pandemic-resources/

https://us.cnn.com/2020/03/05/health/coronavirus-how-to-talk-to-children-trnd/index.html

Update 3.18.20

The Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is working closely with local, state and federal agencies to respond to potential cases of novel Corona Virus or COVID-19.   As you are aware, cases of COVID -19, the disease caused by this coronavirus, have occurred in growing numbers both globally and in the USA.  The situation is evolving, but what we do know is that reducing the spread of this virus and reducing the risk to our employees, volunteers, patients, families and community members is our utmost priority.

We have implemented our Emergency Operations Plan, effective March 12, 2020.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice will continue with its operations, as usual, adhering to CDC guidelines for infection control and visitation.  Direct fieldwork staff will be working remotely and visiting patients to and from their own homes.  The Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center will be closed to in-person sessions and groups meetings, effective March 16, 2020.

Our offices and Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice remain open, with social distancing and revised visitation protocols put into place, per local, state and federal mandates.

Necessary meetings and trainings will be held by telephone conferencing.   Elevated sanitizing procedures have been implemented.

Providing care to our patients and families will continue, as it has for the past 40 years.  These emergency preemptive measures will stay in place as long as deemed necessary.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, staff and volunteers maintain our continued commitment to our mission and the people we are privileged to serve.

Sincerely,

Marlina Schetting, MSW, LCSW, CT
Chief Operating Officer
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice

In an preemptive effort to limit the exposure of our clients and staff to the possible spread of the COVID-19, coronavirus, all in-office individual counseling sessions and support group meetings normally held at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center have been temporarily suspended.

You are not alone and our counselors are available to counsel with you via telephone. They are working now to re-schedule/schedule your session via phone, instead of an office visit.

Please call our main number 973-948-2283 if you have any questions or immediate needs. If we are counseling another client your call will be returned ASAP. Please be sure to leave a message with your name, phone number, and indicate which counselor you would like to return your call.

You may also contact us via email with our concerns using the contact us form below. Thank you for your understanding of these preemptive measures as we strive you keep our clients, staff and the community safe.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is implementing agency wide protocol as advised by the Center for Disease Control and the County of Sussex Department of Health and Human Services. We are taking these precautions to protect our patients, their families, our staff and others in the community from contracting and/or spreading COVID-19.

At the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice we require all incoming visitors to reconsider their visit if they are experiencing even mild symptoms of the virus. All common areas at the facility are restricted.

ALL visitors to the Home for Hospice, the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center and our administrative office, including employees, and board members are required to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their exposure to COVID-19 and or symptoms. ALL visitors may also be subject to further screening, including a temperature scan and may be required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as facemasks.

All in-home hospice patients and their families are required to complete and sign the questionnaire. For hospice patients that reside in assisted living or nursing homes Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice will continue all services and is in working in complete cooperation with the protocols established by those facilities under the protocols established by the CDC.

All Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice staff is following the appropriate CDC guidelines for Transmission Based Precautions, and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) properly.

1. Have you engaged in international travel within the last 14 days to countries with sustained community transmission. (China, Iran, South Korea, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong) __YES  __NO

2. Do you have any signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a fever, cough, and sore throat. __YES  __NO

3. In the last 14 days, have you had contact with someone with or under investigation for COVID19, or are ill with respiratory illness. __YES  __NO

4. Do you reside in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring. __YES  __NO

The official theme for Social Work Month in March 2020 is “Social Workers: Generations Strong.”

Celebrated each March, National Professional Social Work Month is an opportunity for social workers across the country to turn the spotlight on the profession and highlight the important contributions they make to society.

Our nation’s almost 700,000 social workers have amazing tenacity and talent.

They confront some of the most challenging issues facing individuals, families, communities and society and forge solutions that help people reach their full potential and make our nation a better place to live.

The Role of a Social Worker

How Social Workers Help With End-of-Life Care

We celebrate the contributions of all social workers during National Social Work Month in March.