April 9, 2020
Through a project called "Baskets of Blessings," HSHS Home Care & Hospice Southern Illinois and HSHS Home Care Central Illinois staffers are preparing and delivering buckets and bags of amusements and essentials to patients through Easter.
Wendy Robinson, a certified nursing assistant with HSHS Home Care Central Illinois, holds two of the "Baskets of Blessings" that she are other staff members assembled and are distributing to patients and their families.
The ministries, part of the Hospital Sisters Health System, will provide the baskets to more than 1,000 of their home care and hospice patients. The hope is that the gift will lift spirits and help soften the impact that COVID-19 social distancing restrictions have had on the patients and their families.
The baskets contain games, puzzles, coloring books, candy, snacks and fresh fruit; along with essentials like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and hygiene items.
Shawna O'Dell, executive director of post-acute care at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, noted in a press release about the project that most of the patients are homebound and dependent on others to care for them.
"Caregivers typically assist them in their daily living tasks and provide them with a link to the community for their basic needs, such as food, hygiene products, and socialization, all of which has been limited during this time," O'Dell said. "These baskets are our way to share acts of kindness, care, and compassion as an extension of our mission to reveal and embody Christ's healing love for all people."
The collections of goodies being distributed by HSHS Home Care & Hospice Southern Illinois and HSHS Home Care Central Illinois staffers contain a variety of items, including puzzle books, treats and hygiene essentials.
Ann Derrick, executive director of post-acute care strategy for HSHS Central Illinois, called the project "a great way for us share a little joy from our heart to those we serve."
Deliveries of the baskets started March 31 and will continue until Easter. HSHS said several community partners including stores, dental offices and hotels contributed items for the baskets.
HSHS Home Care and Hospice Southern Illinois, based in Belleville, is a collaboration with HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon, HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese, HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville and HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland.
HSHS Home Care Central Illinois is based in Springfield and works closely with HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur and HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.