Much has been written about the well-being and quality of patients in recent years, but little attention has been focused on the well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) who provide comprehensive healthcare to patients. Burnout has reached rampant levels among United States (US) healthcare professionals, with over one-half of physicians and one-third of nurses experiencing symptoms.

“Providing healthcare in the current environment is challenging, to say the least as healthcare workers are burned out and leaving the field,” says Pamela Houser, the Administrator of Hospice at Symponia Hospice. “At Symponia, we have been lucky in getting referrals internally from our staff. This has helped solve some of our deficits and we are grateful.”

Symponia is fortunate to have leaders and staff who are willing to work together to cover the needs of the patients. It is not uncommon for the administrator or clinical director to perform case managers or nursing aide functions such as nursing visits, bed baths, and admissions.

“Symponia means compassion in Greek. We see the dying process as part of our life journey and in caring for our patients and families during this fragile time, we bring the highest level of care and compassion to those we serve,” says Houser.

The founders of Symponia are well-educated and seasoned in hospice, with over 100 years of cumulative experience in the healthcare field of geriatrics and hospice care. The company’s care service is a collaborative effort among the patient, their families and its Interdisciplinary team. They do not dictate what a patient should do but work with the patient and their family to come to the best possible plan of care. Symponia is always open to innovative solutions and go above and beyond to provide patients with what they need to be comfortable in their home.

Symponia thinks outside the box so they do whatever possible to help patients feel comfortable and loved. There was a recent incident where an elderly woman was moving into a facility and had a cat that she loved more than anything else. Unfortunately, the facility said that the cat did not have its vaccinations. The patient’s niece refused to move forward without the cat. As the facility refused to help this patient, Symponia’s marketer bought a cage, picked the cat up, and took the cat to get all of his vaccinations and return him to his owner. Here are a few comments from some grateful families.
“Words cannot express how grateful I am for everything your team did for my Dad. The veterans’ recognition pinning ceremony performed by Chaplain Henderson was such a blessing to him, and I heard him on the phone, sharing his excitement. The expression of kindness and generosity during that ceremony was astounding. The abundance of food and dessert along with the presence of Symponia’s leaders....and don’t forget that beautiful flower arrangement, was more than we could have ever expected,”

By combining the excellence of service with a human-centric approach, Symponia is truly driving change for patients and their families.