When Michelle Bates, Social Worker for Heartland Hospice serving Tide Water, asked patient Joan Lankford what her one heart’s desire would be, Joan quickly stated a day at the Washington Redskins training camp to meet quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Given this information, Michelle contacted her administrator, Jessica Beauchamp to see how they could fulfill her heart’s desire.

“I knew we had to make this happen for Joan,” said Jessica, “so I quickly made several phone calls and sent some emails to the Redskins.” Jessica received a call from the Manager of Community and Charitable Programs for the Washington Redskins. He guaranteed VIP passes for Joan to attend training camp but he couldn’t promise anything additional.

On the big day, Jessica escorted Joan to the Redskins training camp facility in Richmond, Virginia. A member of the Charitable Team greeted Joan upon arrival then registered her and the group at the VIP tent. The group was then led to the Owner’s Tent on the practice fields where refreshments and cold drinks were waiting for all. They also helped Joan to get comfortable and out of the direct sunlight as it can exacerbate her condition.

The Charitable Team presented Joan with a Redskins duffle bag full of team apparel including t-shirts, blankets, hats, socks and even pajama pants. All enjoyed watching the walk through practice session. After an hour of practice, Kirk Cousins stopped by the tent to meet Joan. He gave her his undivided attention and truly fulfilled her last heart’s desire. He signed a football for Joan as well as her shirt and hat. “We are so thankful to the Redskins for allowing Joan to have this incredible moment,” said Jessica.

At Heartland, we understand that hospice patients with heart disease and their caregivers deserve a specialized level of care.

We believe that the quality of life for our cardiac patients can be enhanced through care designed to meet their physical, psychological and spiritual needs. Our care focuses on providing proactive therapies, as well as experienced pain and symptom management and psychological support. 

Services for patients with heart disease may include but are not limited to:

• Cardio-respiratory assessment
• Medication management
• Pain and symptom management
• Teaching and use of oxygen
• Nutritional management
• Spiritual and psychological support
• Family support
• Advance directive planning

Triggers for eligibility for patients with heart disease may include:

• New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV
• Ejection fraction 20% or less
• Decline in Karnofsky Performance Status Scale from 70% or less
• Body Mass Index less than 22; unintentional weight loss or gain (Weight gain could be from fluid overload, not representing nutritional status)
• Shortness of breath or angina at rest/minimal activity
• Symptoms persist even with optimal doses of diuretics, vasodilators and/or ACE inhibitors
• Increased frequency of ER visits or hospitalizations for symptom control
• Not candidates for or declined surgical procedures
• History of MI or cardiac resuscitation; unexplained syncope
• Current inotropic therapy dose unable to be reduced
• Dependence in 2 or more ADL's
• Co-morbidities likely to contribute to a life expectancy of 6 months or less

For more information about Heartland Hospice services near you, click here.