Hospice & Community Care’s more than 400 employees go above and beyond each day for our patients and families. All of our team members,regardless of their roles and disciplines, make a significant impact in the lives of our patients and their families, and we are shining a spotlight on them. In each edition of Hospice Horizons, you will get to meet a team member who is living out our mission.

“I have been at a job where it was fast paced; going from one patient to the next, only seeing them for a few minutes,” commented Lindsey Beaner, Hospice & Community Care Aide. “At Hospice & Community Care, I am able to take time with each patient and build a trusting relationship with them so that they feel comfortable. I chose end-of-life care, because I enjoy being able to take care of someone, and make them feel comforted before I leave the visit.”

Lindsey is a Hospice Aide at our senior living facilities in Lancaster County. She is responsible for helping patients with their personal care—from bathing to getting dressed to fixing their hair – and preparing a patient’s meals and helping them to eat. During that time, she is also able to spend quality time with each patient — as her visits last approximately one hour. For Lindsey, making those connections with her patients has made all of the difference in their care and comfort, and has been personally rewarding.

“Since I visit regularly with patients, I get to know them pretty well,” commented Lindsey. “I find that they feel comfortable sharing with me their hopes and wishes for their end-of-life care, and I work closely with my team members to fulfill those goals. While I have one-on-one interactions with our patients, it is truly a team support system.”

During her visits, she also offers a listening ear, some encouragement, and reassurance to those who may be suffering emotional and spiritual pain. In addition, she helps assess patients’ physical needs and accommodates their care. “My fellow team members and I work collaboratively to ensure that any signs of discomfort in our patients are communicated effectively and efficiently,” shared Lindsey.

When asked what has been one of her most rewarding experiences working at Hospice & Community Care, Lindsey said that she has too many to share. But, one that stood out involved her very first patient.

In 2011, Lindsey had a patient who was chair bound and sat in her room without music or television playing in the background. Her only visitor was her son, who visited frequently. She was blind and hard of hearing, which made communication between Lindsey and her patient difficult. “I found out that she loved to dance in her younger years,” commented Lindsey. “I took her hands one day and started to dance. She had such a belly laugh and absolutely loved it. From then on, I was known as the ‘Dancer’ and our communication improved.”

Lindsey finds that sometimes her most somber patients have the best sense of humor once she gets to know them and help meet their individual needs. “Not only do I make an impact on my patients, but they have taught me a lot about myself and my work,” smiled Lindsey. “I’m forever grateful for my career.”