West Michigan Harbor Hospice Muskegon, MI 1-800-497-9559 |
Harbor Hospice Residence Home Care serving Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, and Mason counties |
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“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 |
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