Blood donors save lives. My late husband lived 18 years with leukemia; that wouldn’t have been possible without donated blood. To return the favor, Raj’s team and our partner, First Wave Financial, invite you to join us for the 10th Raj S Shah Memorial Blood drive on Saturday, August 25th, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 1300 A1A, between Ellwood and Glenwood, Satellite Beach, 32937. About 38 percent of people are eligible to donate but less than 10 percent actually do. Please come donate or send family or friends. It is the blood already on the shelves that saves lives in an emergency. [email protected] 321-427-7459

Submitted by, Joanne Regan

This is a free program created by Brevard Public Schools for members of the Brevard community 55 and older. The program allows free or reduced admission to Sporting and theater events at Brevard Public Schools during the school year. Members also have access to a learning series which includes classes, lectures and special events on subjects such as travel, finances, history as well as how to use a computer or smartphone. Members receive the Legacy Letter newsletter which includes a monthly calendar of events.
For more information or to join, go to www.brevardschool.org or contact Sara Almond at 321/633-1000 x644 or [email protected]

THANK YOU to the many members who have signed up to receive their newsletter via email. If you
have email access, we encourage you to receive your bi-monthly newsletter this way instead of postal mail
reducing the newsletter cost. This would also eliminate the confusion of our many snow birds who may
forward their postal mail when in Florida. The US Postal system does not forward 3rd class mail. Please
contact Louise S. at 321/202-7337 or [email protected] for sign up to receive your newsletter via
email.

By Susan Acocella, VITAS Healthcare General Manager

A main concern for most people faced with terminal illness is whether they’ll be able to die wherever they call “home.” Hospice care helps eliminate that worry, making it possible for people to spend their final moments of life in their preferred surroundings.

By definition, hospice is intended to help terminally ill people remain comfortable during the last six months of their lives. The care can be administered at the patient’s home, hospice inpatient units as well as hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities or residential care facilities.

Hospice is an end-of-life care option tailored to the needs of each patient and family. It includes expert pain management, but also goes beyond medical care, by providing emotional and spiritual support. The care is provided by interdisciplinary teams of palliative care experts, including physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement specialists and volunteers. Routine home care is available in accordance to the patient’s individualized plan of care. Continuous care, during a brief period of crisis, can be available for up to 24 hours a day. Medicare pays for hospice services. Many states have established Medicaid coverage for hospice, and almost all private insurers and managed care plans provide coverage for hospice care as well.