At Langelands we hear over and over how our families are blessed by being supported by a hospice worker prior to their loved ones death.  So in 2015 Langelands began the tradition of selecting through your nominations a monthly recipient of the Langeland Hospice Caregiver of the Month.  This special individual is identified as a person who is exceptional in their hospice caregiving role.

Then annually in October Langeland Family Funeral Homes arranges a banquet at the Westside location in honor of the 12 monthly recipients of the Hospice Caregiver Awards. Along with their invitation to this special evening they are encourage to bring several guests with them to share this honor with.

The photos to the right were taken at the most recent Hospice Caregiver Awards Banquet in October 2018.  At this banquet, Roxanne James was selected as our Hospice Caregiver of the year. Unfortunately Roxanne was not able to attend the banquet but in her stead she invited two of her co-workers to come and enjoy the evening. They were delighted to be there to receive the award in her honor.

During the evening’s program each of the Hospice Caregivers were recognized.  Each of the monthly hospice caregiver award recipients were asked questions about their role as a hospice worker. Following are a few of their quotes shared at the 2018 Awards Banquet. They are all very special people, which you can see from these responses: 

“Currently I am the triage nurse at Wings of Hope.  I receive the frantic calls from families when things are not going smoothly and help them through the crisis while waiting for a nurse to get there.  I listen to “the stories” when loved ones call to ask about hospice while trying to make the decision to seek comfort care and stop curative treatments.  My reward is hearing the relief when a crisis is managed or a family member has made an informed decision and feels good about their choice.” 
Colleen Cupani – Wings of Hope

“I am truly blessed to be able to have this opportunity to provide support and comfort to people at the end of their lives. I am privileged to be allowed into their lives and homes when stress is high and provide whatever is needed to relieve their fears and concerns. I am grateful for the amazing team that I have the privilege of working with on a daily basis to ensure the highest level of care and support for our patients and their families.”
 Julie Ortiz – Grace Hospice

“It means a lot to me when people let me into their lives at such crucial times. I don't take it for granted and feel it's a privilege to be with them.” 
Mary Beth Sarhatt – Hospice Care of Southwest MI

“I would say the most gratifying part of my job is knowing that we make it possible for our clients to die with dignity and respect in the comfort of there own home. It's a great feeling knowing that we helped make it possible.”
 Jessica Proctor – Hospice Care of Southwest MI

“The most gratifying part of my job is feeling that I have given support to my patient as well as their family when needed the most.  It is such an honor to be let in and be a part of that.  At the end of the day I go home feeling good about the small things that can make such a difference in someone’s life and I got to be a part of that.”  
Sandy Rapp – Southern Care Hospice

“My gift from my families to is what they have taught me. 
I learned to have:     
A positive attitude
Patience
To be a much better listener
To be more compassionate”  
Roxanne James – Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan; Rose Arbor