COMFORT, COUNSEL FOR LIFE'S LAST CHAPTER.Byline: Ann-Marie Sanchez Daily News Staff Writer Sitting back in her rocking chair surrounded by her family, 99-year-old Angie Herman met her new friend Kathryn D'Ambrosio on Thursday evening. Family photos, the chatter of grandchildren GRANDCHILDREN, domestic relations. The children of one's children. Sometimes these may claim bequests given in a will to children, though in general they can make no such claim. 6 Co. 16. and familiar fruit trees outside surrounded the two women as they spoke of farm life, family and ``the inevitable journey.'' ``What do you think heaven will be like, Angie?'' asked D'Ambrosio, kneeling beside her new hospice patient. ``I think it's like being an angel,'' said Herman, holding D'Ambrosio's hand. D'Ambrosio poses questions like that to her patients as she assesses their spiritual needs and offers guidance. As a chaplain for the Simi Valley-based Tender Loving Care Home Hospice, D'Ambrosio works to bring peace and dignity to terminally ill Terminally Ill When a person is not expected to live more than 12 months. Notes: Any gifts given out by the afflicted person at this time may be considered as a dispersion of the estate rather than a gift. patients and their loved ones loved ones npl → seres mpl queridos loved ones npl → proches mpl et amis chers loved ones love npl . ``Seeing God work in people's lives is the most amazing a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. part of the job,'' said D'Ambrosio, 50. ``The joy comes from realizing how precious today is.'' With Herman, a warm smile, a friendly nod and an exchange of hugs marks the beginning of their journey together to life's final experience. An experience that D'Ambrosio believes brings greater meaning to everyday living. As a hospice chaplain Hospice chaplains or geriatrics chaplains are, simply, chaplains often assigned by or working with hospitals, seminaries or volunteer organisations, that specialise in providing long-term spiritual care, especially to geriatric patients and those suffering from terminal , D'Ambrosio works with people suffering from afflictions such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (ăls`hī'mərz, ôls–), degenerative disease of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex that leads to atrophy of the brain and senile dementia. and heart problems. For eight years she has looked to the spiritual needs and customs of her patients who range from atheists to devout Christians. ``Sometimes a person is raised in a certain faith and you try to get them reconnected,'' said D'Ambrosio, who lives in Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. . ``Others might have a need to reconcile with family members and I help them with that.'' Through her work with Tender Loving Care Home Hospice in Simi Valley, D'Ambrosio can have anywhere from five to seven patients at one time. The hospice offers state-licensed care in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. , Ventura and Orange counties that includes spiritual, emotional, physical and social support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services that allow the patient to remain at home. Kathy Rico, director of patient care services at TLC TLC total lung capacity; thin-layer chromatography. TLC abbr. 1. thin-layer chromatography 2. Hospice, said D'Ambrosio brings a special compassion to her work. ``She's very open and patients just fall in love with her right away. She has such a calming influence,'' said Rico. ``Kathryn is absolutely wonderful. She's always running around trying to find the appropriate minister, rabbi, priest, etc. Whatever they might need.'' Teaching the family to care for an terminally ill family member isn't always easy, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Rico, who says modern medicine has changed the tradition of dying at home. ``In the old days, people always died at home,'' said Rico. ``Now we don't see how peaceful it can be.'' Pastor John MacIntosh of Grace Brethren Church says some of his member families have become involved with the hospice organization that opened its corporate office at 2139 Tapo St. in October 1994. ``We've had several families in our church that have been affected in a positive way by the hospice ministry,'' he said. ``They take responsibility and give direction to families when a loved one is sick and dying; and when the funeral is over, those touched by hospice, remember it in a very positive light.'' And it's family members who pull together and appreciate the help the most, said MacIntosh. ``It's a big emotional relief,'' said Rita Stewart, Herman's daughter. ``It fell on my shoulders and I felt completely overwhelmed. I knew I had to have some help.'' CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: (color) Home Hospice Chaplain Kathryn D'Ambrosio, ri ght, comforts 99-year-old Angie Herman during a discussion about death and the next life. Andy Holzman/Special to the Daily News |
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