News from the Noteworthy from Helios Care

Caring for Our Neighbors, Our Community

When I talk to people about Helios Care, I often realize that many people know our name, but they may not really know everything we do. Some know us because we cared for a parent, spouse, friend or neighbor. Others know us because they have attended one of our events. And some people still think of Helios Care simply as “hospice.”

We are hospice, and I am incredibly proud of the care we provide. But we are also so much more.

Helios Care serves individuals and families throughout Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie counties. We care for people in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living communities and wherever they call home. We also provide palliative care, bereavement services, support groups, children’s programs, education, and other support for people and families dealing with serious illness, loss, and grief.

One of the things I wish more people understood is that calling hospice does not mean you are giving up. In fact, I believe it is just the opposite. Hospice is about helping people live as well as possible for as long as possible.

We hear families say all the time, “I wish we had called sooner.” I want to change that.

You do not have to wait until the last days or weeks of someone’s life to talk with us. Sometimes the first step is simply a conversation. You can call us, ask questions, learn what services are available and then decide what is right for you or your family. There is no pressure. We want people to understand their choices before they are in the middle of a crisis.

Being part of Helios Care has also reminded me how fortunate we are to live in the communities we serve. We take care of one another here. Our staff live in these communities. Our children go to school here. We shop in the same stores, support the same local businesses and see each other at community events. When we say we are caring for our neighbors, we truly mean it.

That is also why our fall events are so important to us. Yes, they help support Helios Care, but they are also about bringing people together.

We have a busy and exciting fall ahead.

Our Dine Out for a Cause gives people a chance to support Helios Care while enjoying some of our great local restaurants and supporting local businesses.

Our annual Golf Tournament, September 16 at Cobleskill Country Club, is always a fun day and brings together so many local businesses, sponsors, friends, volunteers, and supporters.

We have a new event this year on September 20—a cornhole tournament and disc golf tournament at Brewery Ommegang, during a Dine Out for a Cause. Fun for all!

On October 9, our Oneonta’s Got Soul concert at Foothills gives us another opportunity to gather, enjoy some great entertainment, and honor the Dr. Matsuo Compassionate Care Award winner and, new this year, the Daisy and Tulip award winners.

As we get closer to the holidays, our Tree of Lights is one of our more meaningful traditions. It gives families and community members a chance to remember and honor people who have been important in their lives. We hold ceremonies in Cobleskill, Oneonta and Delhi. Grief does not follow a timeline, and remembering the people we love is an important part of the work we do.

And then there is our Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, which is simply a great way for families and friends to come together, get outside, have some fun and start Thanksgiving as a community.

Tickets and more information about all of these events can be found on our website, www.helioscare.org

I hope you will join us for one, or several, of these events this fall. Come have fun, bring your family and friends, and say hello to our team.

But I also hope you will get to know Helios Care before you need us.

Ask us questions. Learn about hospice and palliative care. Talk with us about what is important to you and your family. And if you have a friend or neighbor who is struggling with a serious illness, tell them about us.

Helios Care has been part of this community for many years, and we are proud of that history. As we look toward the future, my goal is simple: I want us to continue to be an organization our community knows, trusts, and knows they can turn to.

We are here to care for our neighbors, support families, and walk alongside people through some of the most difficult, and most meaningful times in their lives.

And we are here when you need us.

Dr. Joan MacDonald, DNP, MSN, RN is the president and chief executive officer of Helios Care.