Optimal Hospice Care Grief Support Group

Add a Comment

4 Comments

Comment by Michelle on October 30, 2009 at 10:19pm

This just crushes me! this was my sister andI just can't believe that she is gone.

Natalie A. Hodack Well Know Erie Celebrity Natalie Smith Blakeslee Natalie A. Hodack, age 50, of Girard, died Wednesday October 28, 2009 at her residence, surrounded by her family following an extended battle with lung cancer. She was born March 11, 1959 in Erie, a daughter of Eileen Tate Wolf Agostini of Erie and the late Chester A. Wolf. Natalie graduated from Tech Memorial High School in 1977. Always in service to others, Natalie's nursing degree, hospice training and certification, and psychological studies at Penn State Behrend helped her in understanding the spirits. As a young woman,she knew her calling was to help others; so her career path took her to work in nursing homes, children's homes, and was certified to work in nursery and day care, as a protection advocate for Domestic Abuse. In addition to her father she was preceded in death by a daughter, Carrie Ann Smith in 2005. She will be sadly missed by her family which includes her husband Stephen A. Hodack, whom she married September 22, 2007; also by two daughters, Alexa Julianne Blakeslee of Girard, Ashley Diane Smith of Girard; a step daughter, Lydia N. Hodack; a step son, Andrew S. Hodack both of Lake City; a sister Laurie A.Godel of Girard, Colleen A. Peters and her husband Dennis of Girard, Michelle A. Cavicchio and her husband Aldo of Erie; her grandchildren, Ryan John Ellsworth and Morgen Myria Parrett; her step father, John Agostini of Erie and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Friday from 12 noon until the time of the service at 3 p.m. at Daniel R. Edder Funeral Home, 309 Main St. East, Girard. Private burial will be in Girard Cemetery. Memorials may be made to any Northwest Savings Bank C/O Natalie Hodack Cancer Fund. To send condolences visit edderfuneralhome.com Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits

Comment by Jennifer on October 24, 2009 at 8:12pm

Hi, I too, am sorry that you had a bad experience. However, I believe that everything happens for a reason. Perhaps in some way, as honoring your loved one(s) you could start a group or web site etc. with such support and concerns that you had in your community. I live in Upstate NY and had a ,well, if it had to be good, ..a great experience w/ Hospice all the way to Admin. So, it can be done. Perhaps call around or I could give you names here and I know they'd help?? Just a thought??God Bless!!

Comment by Dianna Bates on October 13, 2009 at 11:11am

Dear Paula,
I am sorry you had a difficult time with your hospice experience. You asked about how other hospices do things, I am proud to say that we have a wonderful video on our website that explains our hospice care program. If you'd like to check it out you can find it at: www.optimalcares.com

I sure be happy to chat with you about your concerns or questions if you'd like.

Take care,

Comment by (white dove) on October 3, 2009 at 11:14am

Hello all! I am so glad to see this site come. There are some of us who are grieving- that took care of our loved ones all the way "through". so much happened, that if one hasn't gone through this themselves they would never believe! I live in WI and the Hospice "company" had their own ways..... the nurse and shower gal were wonderful... however, the administration was less than. I have many gripes. It would be so nice to know other Hospice areas do things differently! But i can start with: I sure wish this company would have had a booklet of "things" that could come up while caring for a loved one at home. For TOO Many things were horrible shocks! Would anyone else care to join in here? Thank u!