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2016 Award Recipients

The work of a hospice caregiver often transcends any description of kindness, service and ministry. It takes a very special kind of compassion and dedication. A very special person.

Each month Langeland Family Funeral Homes selects an individual as a recipient of the Hospice Caregiver Award from your nominations. The person chosen as the monthly award winner receives a gift card to be used for whatever they desire. Yearly, Langeland Family Funeral Homes holds a reception to honor the past year's award recipients. During the reception, one of these special people will be selected as “Caregiver of the Year”. The Caregiver of the Year recipient will receive a gift certificate for a very special evening and a night away.

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2016 HOSPICE CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR

PAM INZANO-WESAW OF HEARTLAND HOSPICE OF KALAMAZOO

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Pam Inzano-Wesaw is the Langeland Family Funeral Homes Hospice Caregiver of 2016. She works as a social worker for Heartland Hospice of Kalamazoo and just celebrated her two year anniversary in October 2016. Pam was nominated by the Leadership Team of Heartland Hospice and was originally selected as the May 2016 monthly award recipient. 

When Pam was asked about what this award means to her, she first qualified it by saying that she does what she does not for the recognition, but she is by nature uncomfortable with all of this attention. She did say how hard it is to put this experience into words since hospice means a great deal to her and it is such a big part of who she is. She is honored to be the recipient of the Hospice caregiver award, but is aware that there are so many exceptional caregivers which are deserving of recognition. She shares this award with her entire team!

Pam began working for hospice because of a personal connection with hospice where she saw how it had a positive impact on her and her philosophy of care. After that she made the decision to be involved with hospice, first as a volunteer and later had the privilege of working in the capacity of a social worker. She finds it an honor to meet the patients and the families and give special significance to their stories and experiences. Every day is different with its challenges and new experiences which brings the reward of being able to assist her families in whatever is important to them. She expressed that by working with each of her patients she takes something from the relationship which continues to mold and form her in the role as a social worker.

Working as a hospice worker brings gratification but can also be very stressful. Pam shared how she deals with the stresses of hospice social worker. “I try to direct my emotions in a positive way that honors all of my patients at different stages of their journey. I have an amazing family that supports me without ever having to say a word. I am very active and involved with my kid’s extracurricular activities and enjoy spending time outdoors in many various functions. My coworkers are also an amazing source of support and encouragement. This job would be impossible without the efforts of others.”

Pam lives in Portage with her husband Jeff, and her three children Brendan, Jordan and Mason. They all attended the awards banquet and took special joy in seeing Pam receive this tremendous honor.

Thank you, Pam.

Langeland Family Funeral Homes is delighted to recognize you as the Hospice Caregiver of 2016.

CLICK ON A TAB BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WINNER.

Kay Lynn was nominated by Jody Shephard-Stoner.

My son, Casey Shephard, took care of his father, Jim Shephard, until his death June 6, 2016. Casey didn't want his dad to go into a care facility so we moved him into our home. Casey has never had to handle a situation like this before; I had to work 8-5 so Casey was on his own all day and into the night caring for his dad. Although Casey was doing a wonderfully fantastic job caring for all of his dad's needs I felt he needed some help and a break. He was caring for him 24 hours a day. Borgess sent Reverence Hospice to our home for a visit and that was a blessing because we were blessed to have Kay Lynn enter our lives. Kay Lynn was so wonderful throughout the journey with Jim's death. Kay Lynn came into our home with a huge heart; she was so wonderful with Casey. Not only did Kay Lynn give Casey the tools he needed to care for his dad, she was so caring and compassionate, Casey trusted and respected Kay Lynn and always looked forward to her visit. As it was getting closer to Jim's passing, Kay Lynn took the time to explain the process to our family so we knew what to expect, she always assured us she was only a phone call away. When Jim passed, SHE WAS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY, she arrived at our home professional and warm hearted as she always was, when Kay Lynn left she had everything cleaned up and taken care of and most of all she had Jim dressed in his clothes and he looked so peaceful for the family to say good-bye to. Kay Lynn was our Angel.

Jody Shephard-Stoner

Pictured from left to right: Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Kay Lynn Terpstra, RN, Reverence Home Health & Hospice, & Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes

Thank you Kay Lynn for your commitment to those you serve!

Congratulations to our September Hospice Caregiver recipient Kay Lynn Terpstra.

Each award winner receives a crystal heart award and a gift card to be used for whatever the recipient chooses - the cash gift is being donated in Kay Lynn's name to the Borgess Foundation.

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622 South Burdick St.
| Kalamazoo, MI 49007
|
Tel: 1-269-343-1508
411 East Centre Ave
| Portage, MI 49002
|
Tel: 1-269-343-1508
3926 S. 9th St.
| Kalamazoo, MI 49009
|
Tel: 1-269-343-1508
205 East Maple St.
| Climax, MI 49034
|
Tel: 1-269-746-4206

You are welcome to call us any time of the day, any day of the week, for immediate assistance. Or, visit our funeral home in person at your convenience.

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