Catherine Rodriguez and Kathy Sheppard were as close as a mother and daughter could be, they shopped together, spent their free time with each other, and even shared a name, although spelled a bit different. “She was the Cat and I was the Kitten,” explains Kathy.
So when Catherine became ill last summer, Kathy knew she had to provide the best care possible, but struggled a bit with how to care for her mother while working and taking care of her own family, too. She knew that the quality of the clinical care was important, but she was also concerned about the supportive care and dignity provided to her mother. She found both at Shenandoah House, the home-like care facility of Hospice of the Shenandoah.
“A big weight came off of me because I knew my mother would be well-taken care of at Shenandoah House,” says Kathy. “They put our needs up front, and the care she received was wonderful.” Kathy appreciated the concern for her mother that was given by the entire staff: They ordered special bed pads; they had her mother bring items from her house to make her feel at home; they welcomed her friends and family as visitors, making them feel comfortable in the surroundings. Even Catherine’s great-grandchildren felt at home when at the Shenandoah House.
Catherine’s stay at Shenandoah House was partially funded by the Gifted Care program, which helps cover expenses for those in need. “Shenandoah House was a wonderful place for my mother to spend her final days,” adds Kathy. “We’re very grateful for Shenandoah House and for the Gifted Care program because they provided my mother with great comfort and dignity at the end of her life.”
The Auxiliary of Augusta Health’s annual Lights of Love program will be Sunday, December 8 at 4:30 pm in the Augusta Health Atrium Lobby. In addition to the lighting of the memorial tree, entertainment and refreshments will be provided.
Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit patients who are part of the Gifted Care Program at The Shenandoah House. To purchase an ornament in honor or in memory of a loved one, or for more information about the event, please call Volunteer Services at 540.332.4740 or 540.932.4740.
Augusta Health is an independent, nonprofit community hospital whose mission is to promote the health and well-being of our community through access to excellent care. Named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in America by Thomson Reuters in both 2011 and 2012, Augusta Health has also been nationally recognized by HealthGrades for clinical excellence and patient safety and has been named one of America’s 100 Best Hospital by HealthGrades. For more information about Augusta Health, its programs or its services, please contact Public Relations at 540.245.7329 or 540.221.7329, or visit our website, www.augustahealth.com.
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Chris Graham
