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HOSPICE
OF THE CONEJO RECEIVES $23,000 GRANT FOR BEREAVEMENT AND COMPANION PROGRAMS
FROM BAXTER INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.,
October 29, 2002 - The Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic
arm of Baxter International Inc., has awarded a two-year, $23,000 grant
to Hospice of the Conejo, which provides in-home hospice support and an
array of bereavement programs. The grant will fund expansion of a support
group for widows and widowers age 60 and over, and a new companion program
for frail and homebound elderly.
The two programs will
improve the quality of life for many seniors, who represent the fastest
growing segment of the population nationwide. In Ventura and western Los
Angeles counties, the 60 and over population is growing at a rate of 15
percent per year. It is projected that the area's 85 and over group will
triple in the next 15 years.
"Losing a spouse
is an excruciating experience, particularly after being married 50 years
or more," said Ed Troupe, executive director, Hospice of the Conejo.
The needs of elderly
widows and widowers are addressed through the Caring Companions Program.
A licensed therapist guides participants through two phases of support:
first, understanding the grieving process and working through the initial
feelings, and second, redefining life without the spouse and dealing with
day-to-day challenges. Three groups of 15 to 20 members meet weekly in
the Conejo Valley. A new group recently formed in Simi Valley, and another
will start soon. In all, about 170 people are served per year.
The Baxter International
Foundation grant will also support Hospice of Conejo's newest service
launched about a year ago, the Pathways Companion Program. It is open
to frail and homebound people of all ages, but most of the clients are
elderly women. Trained volunteers visit clients one to three hours per
week. They offer social contact and practical assistance for people facing
ill health and living alone.
About 25 people are
being served through the program, but the potential need is enormous.
"I'm startled at how many people there are in the community who are
frail and elderly, who need help, and nobody looks after them," Troupe
said.
Before joining the
program, "I felt so insecure and alone. I was very depressed,"
said Bertha Brody, 82, of Thousand Oaks. She lost her husband about five
years ago and now lives alone and suffers advancing Parkinson's disease.
Brody has lots of friends and relatives but no one nearby she can call
on for help with errands, a ride to the doctor or to do minor things around
the house. Her volunteer is "like a daughter" to her, Brody
said. "I can't tell you what it has done for me. It was like the
world opened up to me."
Mary Henley, 82,
said her volunteer is "not only helpful, she is a friend. I can call
on her and she would be here to help me any way she could." Henley,
of Thousand Oaks, lives alone and has back pain and slight emphysema.
The help she gets from Pathways enables her to keep living independently,
which is her strong preference.
"We are pleased
to support Hospice of Conejo's Caring Companions and Pathways programs,
which are addressing quality of life issues for seniors and frail homebound
people. Social support is so important for seniors to remain independent,
maintain their dignity and remain a vital part of the community,"
said Patricia Morgan, executive director, The Baxter International Foundation.
Hospice of the Conejo
was founded in 1977. With a part-time staff of twelve and more than 100
volunteers, the agency provides in-home hospice support, bereavement programs
for people of all ages, a companion program, volunteer training and public
education. Last year, 450 unduplicated clients were served in all hospice
and bereavement programs. For information on Hospice of the Conejo, including
volunteer opportunities, call (805) 495-2145.
As the philanthropic
arm of Baxter International Inc., The Baxter International Foundation
helps to increase access to health care in the United States and other
countries. In 2001, foundation grants totaling $4.8 million improved access
to care for children, the uninsured and the elderly, helped prevent child
abuse and neglect, promoted health education, expanded education opportunities
for health-care providers, and helped victims of global disasters.
Baxter International
Inc. is a global medical products and services company that, through its
subsidiaries, provides critical therapies for people with life-threatening
conditions. Baxter employs more than 2500 people in California at its
facilities in Duarte, Glendale, Hayward, Irvine, Los Angeles, Ontario,
Thousand Oaks, Van Nuys, and Westlake Village.
FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
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- Media Contacts:
- Tanya Tyska, Baxter, 847-948-3256
Ed Troupe, Hospice of the Conejo, (805) 495-2145
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