Back to Resources

The E-Series: “I have a chronic condition. Now what?”

The CDC estimates that more than 129 million Americans (about 40% of the population) are living with at least one chronic disease. In this conversation, CEO Trent Cockerham and Hospice Physician Dr. Gene Freeman explore the progression of chronic diseases, the impact the conditions can have on an individual's psychological and emotional health, and the importance of self-advocacy and a proactive approach to connecting with helpful resources when managing a chronic condition.

Nov 4, 2024

Click the icon below to listen to this episode!

Hospice of the Piedmont · The E-Series: I have a chronic condition. Now what?

GUEST BIO:
Dr. Gene Freeman – Prior to medical school, Dr. Freeman received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Anatomy at The Ohio State University. He completed his undergraduate medical education and received his Doctor of Medicine degree at the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Washington Health System in Washington, PA and completed a graduate medical fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at the University of Virginia Health System. Dr. Freeman holds current board certifications in both Family Medicine as well as Hospice & Palliative Medicine. Most recently, prior to joining Hospice of the Piedmont in 2023, Dr. Freeman was an integral member of the palliative medicine team at Cone Health. He finds great meaning in the opportunity to sit and learn what someone values most and then working with the individual and their loved ones to determine what is the best way to honor those values.

LINKS:
– CDC Article: click here
– Are you a caregiver? If so, we’d love to hear from you and support you! Click here to learn more!

Presented by Hospice of the Piedmont and Hospice of Randolph, The E-Series is an educational webinar series aimed at engaging our community, exploring relevant topics and educating about ways to connect with our organization. Funding for The E-Series is provided by the Dr. John A. Lusk Fund for Hospice and Palliative Care Education. For more information about the E-Series, click here.

Your entire team was amazing. They are very professional in their work but also have big hearts and it comes through in how they do their work and in their positive attitudes.

- Daughter of patient

Thank you for making your home like her home, warm and comfortable.

- Sister of a patient (in reference to Hospice Home)

Your kindness and efforts go far beyond the patients and extend to their families and friends.

- Family of a patient

Everyone who cared for my wife was, without exception, caring, kind, and exceptionally capable individuals who seemed to truly care about her well-being and care.

- Husband of a patient

Your staff (at Hospice Home) was confident, thoughtful, kind and very loving to my mom. When we couldn’t be there or take care of her needs, you took care of her.

- Son of a patient

My mother spent her last days in your facility. I want to thank you for the gifts you gave to her and our family. The dignity, caring, professionalism, and kindness will remain a bright part of our saying goodbye to our mother.

- Daughter of a patient

My family and I would not have made it without Hospice.

- Daughter of a patient

For many veterans, military service is the most important thing that they have done in their lives. As part of We Honor Veterans, those patients are now paired with a volunteer who also served in the military and share a common bond.

- Joe Lyons, Hospice volunteer

Thank you for all of your care, concern, education and kindness during Mom’s last year. My grief journey has had a lighter backpack because of Hospice.

- A patient’s daughter

Their touch, their time, their words were the comfort of a lifetime.

- A patient’s family

We were privileged to have the support of (Hospice)…They nurtured and cared for my husband as if he was their only patient.

- Wife of a patient

Me consuela saber que mi esposa tuvo los mejores cuidados gracias a Hospice. La ayudaron a ella y a nuestra familia en todas las maneras posibles.

- Marido de un paciente

I thank God for putting good people in the right job for people like me.

- Patient family member

We were so impressed by your staff and your desire to help us. No one wants to need Hospice, but when a person does, it is a tremendous blessing. Thanks again for the care you gave my dad, and ultimately all of us.

- Daughter of a patient

I would like to say that you have a beautiful Hospice Home. It is so nice and serene. I love the “quiet spots” that you can go to and meditate. Thank you so much in helping make my mother’s last days on this earth a little better and comforting.

- Daughter of a patient