November 29, 2023 Issue, Page 17 of 24

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Serving Western Oklahoma Since 1901 Wednesday, November 29, 2023 National Hospice and Palliative Care Month Coming to a Close KS Loved Ones Comforting Hands Hospice staff and Mayor Cory Spieker. Celebrated at the By Sheryl Ponce Community Christmas ‘The month of November has been the national focus on hos- pice and palliative care. Elk City mayor, Cory Spieker, also de- Memorial clared November Elk City’s Hospice and Palliative Care month. Comforting Hands Hospice were behind the declaration that was By Sheryl Ponce designed to recognize the effort of the people who provide end- of-life care, along with helping to raise awareness of the growing The annual Community Christmas Memorial sponsored hospice movement. by Comforting Hands Hospice and the Elk City Chamber of November was recognized in 1978 by then President Jimmy Patient comfort is the primary goal of hospice. Hospice care includes focusing on pain and other distressing symptoms. Man- Commerce will take place Friday, Dec. 1st, at 6 p.m. at Carne- Carter when the observance was first established. Then the num- agement of care includes the physical, cognitive, emotional, psy- ber of hospice patients in the United States were in the thou- chosocial, and spiritual aspects of leaving the physical body. gie Hall, located at 215 W. Broadway in Elk City. The event is sands. Today that number is more than 1.65 million. The sto- Care may include helping a patient maintain a positive out- designed to help family and friends to remember those they ries of hospice employees and the families affected by those in look, along with support for the families of patients for 13 have lost but never forgotten during the holiday season. hospice have been recognized because of the passionate work of months after their death. Personal care concerns mobility issues, ‘There will be a candle lighting ceremony in remembrance hospice caretakers. along with bathing, eating, and dressing. Support that is derived of the loved one(s), and all are invited to place an ornament ‘They work each day to improve the lives of the patients and from hospice care would include maintaining a healthy routine their families. The primary goal of hospice is to provide the pa~ to allow the patient to feel more like themselves. on the memorial tree. The ceremony is one way to bring fam- tient with a life expectancy of six months or less with comfort Respite care for the family or caretakers is important in re- ilies closer together, remembering the one who meant so and support. The services also allow the patient to focus on their lieving the strain that can cause exhaustion. Short-term relief much to them. own goals and to spend more quality time with their family could be up to five days, which allows for the caretaker to decom- ‘There will be light refreshments served, therefore, contact members. press and take care of themselves. Knowing that a loved one is Julie Western at 580-225-1738 to RSVP for the occasion. This Hospice care is a specialized set of services designed for those cared for, helps the care-taker rest. ceremony is a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season with terminal illness or condition. Each patient's needs are dif- When should hospice care step in to help? The answer is in ferent; therefore, no two plans are alike, but the overall objec- by remembering those who have passed. tives remain the same. See Palliative page 2 Elk City FFA Project Auction Happening this Week a0 a Elk City FFA Awarded Three Star Superior Chapter. st hour made a power tool organizer with holes for power strip. By Sheryl Ponce ceeds from this auction will help to fund the many contests and hat racks, fire pits/chimineas, a birdhouse, and many other items. competitions that the chapter attends throughout the year. Everyone is invited to join the FFA members, family, and Elk City FEA chapter will be holding their annual project auc- Some of the featured items include an eight-foot picnic table, friends for the auction and dinner, which will be provided by Blue tion on Thurs, Nov. 30th at 6:30 p.m. in the Elk City Civic Center, a Ramo Buchon rose bouquet, barnwood framed art, holiday dé- Mountain Smoke. The cost of the dinner will be by donation. located on Route 66. The event will feature projects that were ei- cor, themed gift baskets, a saddle rack, Big Elk spirit cowbells, ‘They will also be accepting bids through social media up until the ther donated to the chapter or made by the members. The pro- leather belt and earrings, raised garden boxes, wooden shelves/ See Auction Page 2. 8 IM 13151 Weather tomorrow 42 /28 Vol. 120, No. 97 75 cents, 8 pgs. Mail delivery 580.225.3000 View online elkcityoknews.com