Chamber News by Artis Stoebener, Executive Director
This wwek'scolumn recognizes another new member, Comfort Care Hospice and Palliative Care.  This is a remarkable business based on caring and compassion at the time when it's desperately needed.  Although Comfort Care Hospice operates independently, they are one of several agencies under the auspices of Cameron Regional Medical Center.  Comfort Care Hospice is located at 1005 W. 3rd Street in suite 3.  That's to the north of the new soccer fields.  This dedicated staff consists of well trained employees and many volunteers.  They are directed by Karen Ogle, who serves as office manager, marketing chair, as well as volunteer coordinator.  Nancy Clemons and Kathy Layton provide clinical care and clinical service.  Bob Regan and David Newkirk act as chaplains while Sarah Munday is the bereavement specialist.  Their task is to assist the family with handling a difficult life-altering situation as well as possible.  I cannot describe the blessings my family received once Hospice was brought in during my mother's fight with cancer.  Her physical suffering lessened immediately and my dad was able to bear her loss through their support.
Their services utilize the "team" approach.  Every employee sees every patient so no family ever faces a situation with a stranger.  In 2005, Comfort Care Hospice served 198 families, offering information and acting as a liason between the client, family, physician, and nursing facility.  The team includes specially trained nurses who provide skilled nursing care, nursing assistants who provide companionship, personal care, massage, reading, and assistance w/light housekeeping.  The staff also includes social workers that provide counseling, assistance w/healthcare directives and coordinate community resources, a chaplain for spiritual support.  Also available are speech, physical, and occupational therapists, dieticians, and volunteers.  Services are a Medicare benefit and are also covered by many private/commercial insurance policies.
Comfort Care Hospice now serves eleven counties.  That's up from four in 2005.  They include Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, Dekalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Livingston, and Ray.  A Hospice can be located no further away than a one hour drive.  During December, they have a "tree of memories" at CRMC.  You may select a porcelain ornament (Hooven & Hooven) for your home and an ornament w/your loved one name inscribed is then placed on the tree in perpetuity. Call 632-4411 for additional information.  Karen Ogle serves as their Chamber rep and is a member of the July 4th and Christmas committees
Chamber membership is open to every business, church, organization or individuals.  Cameron is truly blessed to have so much effort & support from so many folks.  Please continue to patronize all 160+ Chamber businesses that have made a dedicated effort to help Cameron be all it can be.  They appreciate your business.