Never Alone
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
By Mary Carpenter ◆ Photos by Jessica McCafferty
Knowledge is power and it is especially powerful when the time comes to make difficult, end-of-life decisions. To discover what services and support are available in our area, I met recently with Natalie Whitehurst, CEO of Hospice of the North Country (HONC).
Whitehurst, a North Country native, left the area after college, married, spent time in Quantico, VA, and then returned home. She worked at Wyeth at both its Rouses Point and Chazy facilities and then, when it closed, spent three years at a local manufacturing company. “I enjoyed my time there, but I felt something was missing,” she said. “I wanted to find a calling, something that would fulfill me, something that would make a difference.” When a friend recommended Hospice, Whitehurst made the move, at first doing Quality Assurance, Information Technology and Human Resources. She assumed the role of CEO in 2016.
During our conversation I learned HONC is a non-profit, community-based agency serving the residents of Clinton and northern Franklin counties. It is a member of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State where Whitehurst serves as an Officer on the Board. It was formed in 1991 through the merging of two volunteer organizations, Hospice Care of Clinton County and Caring Friends of Malone. The agency operates offices in both Plattsburgh and Malone, with a shared management and interdisciplinary staff that is structured on a community-based, volunteer-intensive model.
What Do We Do?
“Our work is grounded in dignity, comfort and human connection,” Whitehurst began . “Our team has the privilege of walking alongside patients and families during some of their most meaningful moments. We are committed to meeting patients and their families where they are — physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our focus is to deliver care that honors each individual’s wishes, values and journey.’ With every visit, phone call, bedside conversation, and act of kindness, our staff demonstrates extraordinary dedication to ensuring no one faces end-of-life care alone.”
HONC operates with a 46 person staff made up of a four-member physician team, registered nurses, LPNs, Licensed Medical Social Workers (who also serve as Bereavement Coordinators), a chaplain, volunteers, and an office workforce.
Is it Time?
A person qualifies for Hospice care when two physicians certify they have a life-limiting terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs its normal course. The patient must also choose to forgo curative treatments in favor of comfort-care. And there must be documented evidence that the disease is progressing.
“Hospice isn’t about giving up,” Whitehurst explained. “It’s about shifting the goal from curing a disease to managing its symptoms, reducing pain and improving quality of life. The care Hospice provides allows patients and their families to make informed choices, manage symptoms, maximize comfort, and reduce anxiety during the end-of-life transition.”
When You Need Us Most
Hospice care is designed to support everyone involved in a patient’s life, not just the person with the terminal diagnosis. One of the most important support systems a person can have at the end of life is family, caregivers and friends. “There was a time when the average caregiver was in her/his 40s or 50s,” Whitehurst offered. “Now, with people living longer, and families living further apart, we often see older caregivers without children close by to help, that have health issue of their own. That makes the medical and social emotional support offered by Hospice even more valuable.”
People may think Hospice is an option only if they have been told they have a short time to live. “In reality, we can help much earlier,” Whitehurst said. “More time is essential to develop the patient’s end-of-life care goals, keep people at home and allow time for memory making.”
Hospice services provided include professional nurses’ visits, pain and symptom management, medical equipment and supplies, 24-hour nursing support for emergencies, volunteer support including patient visits, housekeeping, errands, and caregiver breaks, as well as bereavement services. “We get to know our patients and their families while we provide, not only medical care, but social and emotional support as well.”
Hospice care can be provided in the home, a nursing home, hospital, or assisted living facilities and is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Benefits and most private insurance plans, but no one is ever turned away if they are unable to pay.
In order to meet the needs of all community members, HONC fundraises throughout the year with events as varied as golf tournaments in each county, Light Up a Life campaign during the holiday season, pickleball tournaments, a Light Up the Lake event, and direct appeals as well as individual donations in memory of Hospice patients. Additional financial support is also provided by United Way of the North Country’s Alice Fund.
Hospice plays a critical role in the cradle-to-grave continuum of care in the North Country. “We work closely with doctors, local hospitals and nursing homes,” Whitehurst emphasized. “Our mission is to ease the death and dying journey for individuals and their families, and then to be there to support survivors with our bereavement services which include one-on-one counseling (in-person and virtually), support groups and remembrance events. We are proud to be making a difference in the lives of patient and families throughout the North Country.”
Hospice of the North Country
358 Tom Miller Road
Plattsburgh, NY 12902
(518) 561-3182
3909 US Route 11
Malone, NY 12953
(518) 483-3200