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The E-Series: Surrogate Decision Making

In this episode, Trent Cockerham, CEO of Hospice of the Piedmont, is joined by Kelly Olmeda, Director of Quality, Compliance and Education for Hospice of the Piedmont and long-time hospice social worker. Together, Trent and Kelly discuss the evolution of caregivers becoming surrogate decision makers as their loved one’s needs increase and the value of this supportive role.

Apr 14, 2022

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Hospice of the Piedmont · The E-Series: Surrogate Decision Making

Guest Bio: Kelly Olmeda received her social work degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has 25 years of experience as a social worker including 12 years of experience as a hospice social worker for Hospice of the Piedmont and Hospice of Randolph. Two years ago, her passion for education led to a transition into her current role as the Director of Quality, Compliance and Education for Hospice of the Piedmont. Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge from both professional and personal experience that created a desire within her to equip and empower others with practical tools for meaningful end-of-life conversations.

The E-Series is an educational webinar and podcast 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 John A. Lusk Fund for Hospice and Palliative Care Education. To listen to previously recorded episodes of 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