“Reimagining Hope” Podcast Shines A Light On The Conversation Of Serious Illness

As families struggle with serious progressive illnesses among themselves or their loved ones, finding information, resources and support is critical. In response, Hospice of the Chesapeake and Chesapeake Supportive Care are introducing a new informative podcast series, “Reimagining Hope.”

Hosted by Rachel Jordan, Hospice of the Chesapeake’s director of advocacy and legislative affairs, the series will book guests who can provide valuable insight and help listeners reimagine the hope they may be missing. The podcast will provide quick, easy-to-understand information while providing the critical skills and real-time tools needed to navigate advanced illness.

As a nurse practitioner, Jordan sees patients and their families struggling every day to figure out what resources and services are available to them to care for themselves or a loved one. People are living with serious illnesses longer today than ever before in history and whether they are at diagnosis, months into curative treatment or nearing the end of life, each has their own unique experience.

“I love my role at Hospice of the Chesapeake, but most importantly, I’m a daughter, a mom, a caregiver, an Army veteran and a community advocate,” Jordan said. “I have a passion for raising awareness about care available for those living with serious illness and that’s what I hope to share with you.”

Discussions will include important topics like sustaining comfort, grief during the holidays, how to manage the overwhelming number of medications that are prescribed and many more. “We hope these talks will bring you some comfort, skills and peace,” Jordan said.

The podcast debuted on December 4. The first three episodes are as follows:

• “When is it too much? Managing Mom and Dad’s Medications” with guest Dr. Sonja Richmond, Hospice of the Chesapeake’s vice president of medical affairs and hospice medical director.
  
  
• “Navigating Grief During the Holidays,” with guest Jennifer Ward, a Chesapeake Life Center bereavement counselor.
  
  
• “Sustaining Comfort: Hydration and Nutrition at the End of Life” with Richmond as the guest.

The podcast, which can be found at sites.libsyn.com/556806/site, is part of the nonprofit’s community outreach and education programming, which is made possible by the generous support of the John and Cathy Belcher Institute.