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A DIFFERENT VIEW: HOSPICE THROUGH JEWISH EYES

By Toby Ehrlich
Stein Hospice, the only Jewish hospice in Central New Jersey and Wedgwood Gardens , a kosher long term care facility in Freehold, have come together to present an important educational opportunity. On Tuesday October 23rd, from 9am to 12 noon they will offer a unique program that will help the general community develop a clearer understanding of the Jewish approach to hospice care and services. Through a variety of experts in the field, program participants will learn how Jewish hospice services can bring comfort and solace with attention to all levels of the patient’s religious observance. 
Dr. Beth Popp, MD FACP, Director of Palliative Medicine at Maimonides Medical Center in New York will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Popp will share a series of stories about Jewish hospice patients and how they were assisted in their final journeys. A panel discussion includes a family member of a hospice patient as well as a hospice chaplain, social worker and nurse. 
When a doctor recommends hospice, how does a family choose the right hospice for them or their loved one? There are a slew of variables but the crux of hospice is comfort care which means keeping the patient pain free and offering dignified support at the end of life. What comfort means to some is a spiritual and cultural atmosphere that feels like home. Join with other Jewish colleagues and develop a clearer understanding of how and when to talk about hospice for those in the end stages of life.
This collaborative educational event will be held at Wedgwood Garden at 3419 Route 9 North, Freehold. For more information and to register please call Joan Leimbach at Wedgwood Gardens, (732) 677-1200, ext. 215. 
For further information about Jewish hospice care and the services of Stein Hospice, please call 732-227-1212 any time day or night.