 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Testimonials
"The care my mother received in her 40 days w/Hospice was exceptional. First let me say that The Poppen facility is fabulous; from the beautiful furniture, flat screen TV's, the quality of care givers and the beautiful setting back in the woods. The accommodations they made for her immediate family and friends was amazing. There was always coffee, cookies and a crock pot of soup in the family room and they didn't even flinch when my brother asked that her dog "Moxie" stay with them in her room (the workers actually enjoyed letting him out for his business and watching him sleep on his doggie bed in her room). The people you employ as caregivers at Poppen are special people and have Ellen's family's utter respect, for their thoughtfulness (bringing her orange juice in her shaved ice because they know she liked it that way or bringing extra pillows & blankets when two of her children wanted to spend the night in her room), their patience (when she said her toast was overcooked and she wanted new toast or some other Mom Bailey gripe), tenderness (Maddie was one of her favorites and she was always willing to talk w/her, hold her hand or whatever she needed -and Maddie seemed to have a sixth sense about what my Mom needed). As you know it's a very tough time for her family and friends now but when her children tell the heartfelt stories of her care it truly makes people smile and feel OK about her being in a "hospice facility". Words cannot express our thanks or gratitude for all you did for our mother. Thank you all." - Laura E. Burke, CIC, LIC
"Recently, our family was faced with deciding on long term care for our terminally ill father. Having promised him that a traditional nursing home would never be a consideration, we sought other options.
We became aware of hospice options in the Muskegon County area and chose the Poppen Residence in Fruitport Township, near the Lakes Mall. This newly opened hospice is a beautiful facility and well run under the auspices of its clinical manager, Karen Panazzo. With the help of Karen and the Poppen Hospice staff, we were guided with compassion and understanding of what it means to allow a loved one to die with dignity and grace.
Thank you Poppen staff for all that you did for our family, as well as our father during this most difficult time." - The James and Leona Stone Family Ravenna, MI
"OUR FATHER WAS A REMARKABLE MAN. On Nov.3, Gary DeKoning passed on after almost 94 wonderful years. On that day we lost one of the most likeable and lovable persons one could ever hope to know. For all those who knew Gary, his honesty, humbleness, modesty, sense of humor and love of family, friends and life was appreciated and will be greatly missed. He loved sports and watching the local high school teams, his grand children’s basketball and soccer games and especially his Chicago Cubs. Gary was a man who found great joy in the simple things in life, never requiring materials possessions or riches to find happiness. Although he lived on a very modest income, Gary was a generous man who never forgot those in need. Even in the last few days of his life, he was giving instructions to his daughter to make sure she dropped off donations to the various help agencies in Muskegon. And, he always wanted to remain anonymous because it wasn’t about him. He was indeed an inspiration and a role model to those who grew up under his charge and for the friends that knew him. We were certainly blessed to have Gary with us for so long.
We would like to thank all our dear friends who remembered the family during the difficult days before and following our father’s death. For all those who visited, sent cards, brought over delicious food and offered kind words, we thank you. Thanks too for the generous memorial gifts that were given in his honor. A special thanks also that caring and professional staff at the new Poppen House Residence in Fruitport Township. The facility is beautiful and the dedicated staff made the last couple of days of Gary’s life as dignified and comfortable as was possible. The staff was great help to the family too.
Now that our father has finally gone home to be with his Lord, maybe he can convince the Lord to let Gary’s beloved Cubbies win a World Series. Then he can truly rest in peace." - Nan and Dan Joslyn, Judy Schutter, Karla and Pete Hitchcock, Ruth and Bob Buitendrop, Joan and Bob Jansma, Joe and Kate DeKoning.
"ANGELS MADE MOM’S LAST DAYS A BLESSING. Angels do exist here on earth. We call them the Poppen Angels but they call themselves employees. We would like to thank all staff working at the Poppen Hospice House for the excellent care and compassion they gave to our mother during her final journey of life.
Our mother, Betty Karchinkski, was a resident at the Poppen House. From the first day she arrived there until her last day, Mom was shown the utmost respect, compassion and loving care from all the staff. Before moving into the Poppen House, we were told that Mom had about two months to live. Mom lived almost four months and we attribute this to the excellent loving care that she received from all the staff.
Mom told us on many occasions while there that she felt just like she was at home. We can’t thank them enough for all that they did not only for her, but for the rest of our family as well. Having to deal with the realization that a loved one’s life is about to come to an abrupt end is a hard enough ordeal but with the help and compassion that the Poppen staff embraced us with, they made that transition a little easier to handle.
We truly miss Mom, but knowing that she had the best possible care anyone could have asked for while at the Poppen House has made it a little easier. Whoever said angles don’t exist here on earth has not met the Poppen House staff. Thank you again, Poppen Angels, from the bottom of our hearts." - Debbie Wolfe
"We couldn’t have cared for our Mom in her last months here on earth without you. Thank you for your loving care. I know Mom loved each and every one of (the Harbor Hospice employees and volunteers) and that goes for my sister and myself. Again, thank you and bless you all."
"(The) Hospice staff was so great…from the management team to line staff. I was able to be the daughter and for that I am very grateful. But more than that, I believe in what Hospice can do for others at this time in one’s life."
"We have not been in the area for too many years and never having had any serious illnesses in the sixty-five years of our married life, this (illness) was hard to take. Thanks to Hospice prayers and good friends, his is still with us. I will recommend (Harbor) Hospice to everyone who needs it."
"Because of the Hospice team, the care given to my mother was wonderful. Someone was always with her or checking in on her when I went home and I never had to worry about her. Many times she would say to me, “can I really afford all of this…the room, the view and all the attention…” Thanks to each and every one of you!"
"Everything you did to help my father was appreciated. He died with dignity and without pain. Thank you."
"I believe in my heart that the Hospice team is angels sent from heaven. They are a “team” of very special human beings. The kindness, gentleness and the overall caring of the patients and their family members are a blessing. God bless all of you."
"I can’t say enough about the Hospice team. They were all so wonderful. Always a smiling face and so kind and thoughtful to (us). Very polite and professional at the same time. I always looked forward to a hug. Our family is so grateful."
"Hospice support team definitely helped my husband and I through his death. They knew what to do and when and took that burden from us. I never knew intimately what a help Hospice was until now. Thank you!"
"Excellent, compassionate, profession care provided in a beautiful facility."
"The staff at Poppen House talked with Mom took her outside for fresh air and to let her get out. They had fun with her: bubble baths, dancing in the room. The staff went by her schedule: letting her sleep late, get up early, eat whenever and whatever she wanted. Putting the angel pin on her outfit and changing her (music) CD’s were extra. When I didn’t know how to deal with her dementia, (they) met with me within hours of my call. (They) were there for me when I was having a difficult time."
"The care and love given my mother allowed her to have a peaceful passing and her family a contentment that she left us surrounded by calm and love and for that I am forever grateful."
"I wish I would have taken (my mother) there earlier. The family was exhausted from around the clock care at home, which wouldn’t have been necessary. The doctor should have suggested that at least one month earlier. I would and have recommended Poppen House to my friends. I felt complete peace in leaving my mother in their care when I wasn’t there. The staff engulfed our family and showed emotion right along with us. My mom felt she was staying in a 4 star hotel…"
"They took real good care of her. They made her feel special."
"We were very pleased with the care given and the equipment provided. Everyone was always very friendly – in person and on the phone. Every need was taken care of quickly and efficiently. My father also expressed his feelings about the care he received and he was very pleased with all of it. Thank you!"
"From cook to caregiver, you should be proud. The kindness and respect given to my father and family was unbelievable. Thank you."
|
1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441 | Formerly Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana | |