Project Description

Contact Us

Hospice services are offered at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.

Phone: 717-367-1121, ext. 18449

Email: mvhospice@masonicvillages.org

Open for Everyone

We will provide an initial consultation within four hours of you contacting us. Visits to existing patients will be made within two hours of receiving the request.

We offer in-home or on-site service within a 30 mile radius of our location, indicated by the circle on the map below.

hospice service map

Hospice Care with Compassion

Since 2009, Masonic Village’s trained, compassionate hospice staff have cared for more than 700 patients, as well as their family members and friends, yielding extremely high satisfaction results. We’re pleased to offer hospice services in patients’ homes throughout Masonic Village’s campus and Lancaster County, Dauphin County and surrounding areas (within a 30 mile radius.)

Based in Elizabethtown, we care for patients with a wide range of illnesses including cancer, advanced cardiac, pulmonary, kidney or neurological disorders and advanced dementia, at the end stages of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Masonic Village Hospice is a part of the continuum of care offered at the Masonic Village, as well as to those in the community who receive care at home. We believe in the philosophy of “aging in place;” therefore, we try our best to keep patients in their home as long as possible, as long as it is safe to do so. We can work as a team with home care agencies to help provide extra support in a patient’s home, in an assisted living/personal care setting or in a nursing home facility to provide the best care possible. Hospice services are provided by well-trained physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, counselors and volunteers. Hospice staff do not replace the physician already a part of the patient’s care, and we do not replace the staff of a long-term care residence. The Hospice team acts as a partner to augment the care of a patient.

Masonic Village Hospice focuses on quality of life for the patient and the family. We are always looking for ways to enhance the last weeks or days of someone’s life. Whether it is something as extravagant as arranging for one last airplane ride for a former pilot, to a motorcycle cavalcade, to a party celebrating all of our patients, or an intimate dinner for two… to something more personal like videotaping someone’s life story, planting favorite flowers, or holding vigil at the bedside…. All of these moments add something special to a patient’s life, so we work with caring neighbors in the community to try to make them happen. Most people do not realize how many smiles occur during the days, weeks and months of hospice care.

Masonic Village Hospice is a proud member of the National “We Honor Veterans” Hospice program, which seeks to enhance services provided to veterans at the end of their lives.

No. The Masonic Village Hospice Care team works with your physician to provide hospice care for you and your family.

Hospice care is provided for patients in their residential homes, nursing homes, retirement communities or skilled facilities.

Hospice is available for patients with a limited life expectancy, right in the comfort of their home. The sooner we start providing care, the more effectively we can enhance the quality of life for both the patient and the family. Many times, patients’ families tell us they wish they had known about hospice sooner. Some signs which could indicate your loved one may benefit from hospice care include:

• Decreased appetite with a notable weight loss
• Increased emergency room or physician visits
• Continued pain or shortness of breath which is difficult to manage
• Rapidly progressing disease with all curative measures exhausted

Once the patient, family and physician agree that care should focus on pain control and symptom management rather than aggressive curative care and the patients primary care physician authorizes hospice care, hospice services can begin.

Call us when you feel hospice services may be needed. We are also happy to meet in person to discuss whether hospice is the appropriate choice or recommend services which may be a better fit. We will coordinate care with the patient’s physician who supervises all services.

Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans. There are certain eligibility requirements that need to be met before these plans will authorize care. Our staff will work with the patient’s insurance company to coordinate benefits. As a not-for-profit organization, Masonic Village Hospice is committed to providing care regardless of a patient’s financial circumstances.

Hospice Services

Hospice focuses on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones. Our hospice staff promote comfort and self determination, enabling patients to participate in making decisions about care at the end of their lives.

• Complimentary informational evaluation
• Patient/Caregiver-directed plan of care
• Visits by specially-trained nurses with expertise in pain control and symptom management at least weekly, more per patient need/caregiver request
• Registered nurse supervision of care
• Physician-directed care/hospice medical director
• Medication management and monitoring
• 24-hour support with visits as needed, no matter what time of day or night
• Dietary consultation
• Medical social work services
• Personal care assistance by certified home health aides
• Spiritual counseling and support by inter-faith chaplains
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Alternative therapies: music, massage, aromatherapy, essential oils, pet therapy, Compassionate Touch® and Healing Touch
• Volunteers
• Bereavement support and counseling for patients’ families and friends
• Community education and assistance

For more information and meeting dates and times, please call 717-367-1121, ext. 18449.

Bereavement Support

Masonic Village Hospice offers bereavement support to family members of a deceased clients on our Hospice Program. Hospice Medicare regulations require that these services be offered for family members during a 13 month period after the date of death.

Bereavement services include personal phone calls, mailing of a grief support packet with information about grieving, a description of the stages of grief, the bereavement coordinator’s business card with contact information, and a schedule of the Bereavement Support Group that meets monthly on campus. Over the year, six wonderful bereavement newsletters that address the stages of grief are mailed to the family members . Phone calls are made initially to all admitted individuals and throughout the 13-month period, as necessary. Personal counseling is also offered as needed with personal visits to the bereaved as needed. Follow up calls are made to each person admitted at approximately a three-month period. After 13 months, a final letter is mailed, however, the client can continue to receive support as needed, and many people continue coming to the Bereavement Support Group.

Community members are also admitted to the Bereavement Program as needed. There are a number of people that benefit from these Hospice Bereavement services outside of our Hospice Program. Anyone on campus and off campus can be referred and offered the support. On average, 20 people attend the Bereavement Support Group. In any given year, over 700 people are served by this program. Twice a year the Hospice Program in collaboration with Pastoral Care department offers a Remembrance Service on campus for the friends and relatives of loved ones who have died.

For more information and meeting dates and times, please call 717-367-1121, ext. 33576.

Our Programs

Testimonials

Masonic Village Hospice staff go to great lengths to fulfill requests of patients in the final stages of life so they may complete their lives joyfully. Some requests are simple, yet fulfilling; others require some creativity and help from friends in the community.

Cliff Romberger Last Ride

Cliff Romberger

On Nov. 20, 2014, with the assistance of his two children, Colt and Honesta, Masonic Village staff and Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association owners Shirley and Ben Nolt, Cliff had the chance to once again saddle up and ride a horse.

Born and raised on a farm, Cliff Romberger trained his first pony for a local carnival at age 12. He continued to work with them throughout his life, including during military re-enactments. In 1999, Cliff and his son, Colt, were participating in a re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg when a casting representative spotted Colt and asked if he’d like to audition for the film “The Patriot.” Cliff agreed it was a great opportunity. They were both selected to be in the militia unit that rode with actor Mel Gibson.

“The experience totally changed Dad,” Colt said. “He dedicated his life to wrangling horses, which he became very successful at doing.”

A few years ago, health issues led Cliff to stop his work with horses. In 2013, he moved to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, where staff learned of his love for horses and all animals.

“I promised him I would find a way to get him back in the saddle again, even if I had to duct tape him to a horse,” Colt said. “He believed me and has held me to my word, asking me every time I’m home [from Los Angeles] if I’ve figured it out yet. Tim [Nickel], Masonic Village chaplain, found this location and made my promise a reality. I’m forever grateful.”

“You really put your faith and trust in these people to care for someone you love in ways you can’t do yourself,” Honesta said. “And staff really have been wonderful. I know whenever we have any questions or concerns, there’s a whole host of people ready and willing to answer any questions.”

Bob Marvel Flight

Bob Marvel

Robert “Bob” Marvel, who had a lifelong passion for flying, took to the sky one more time thanks to Masonic Village Hospice.

Bob, who was facing a life-limiting illness, enjoyed a 40-minute airplane ride that departed from Donegal Springs Airpark and flew along the Susquehanna River. During a detour to Lancaster Airport, he was able to recall his youth.

A native of Lancaster County, Bob rode his bike to the Lancaster Airport almost daily as a young boy, observing the taking off and landing of planes. Until he was old enough to accomplish his dream of becoming a licensed pilot, Bob took time heating up the planes, changing bulbs and doing other small favors for the pilots, whom he looked up to.

Once he earned his pilot’s license, though it wasn’t his full-time career, Bob did some business flying and took plenty of flights for pleasure. At one point, he even owned his own plane.

Bob enjoyed reflecting on the past by looking at his old flying logs, reading books on the history of flying, attending Pilot’s Club meetings on campus and hearing his wife recall stories from their dating days.

“He would take me up all the time since he needed to have so many take-offs and landings to keep his license current,” Fay, Bob’s wife, said. “We would call those ‘dates.’”

The flight was organized by Masonic Village Hospice staff in coordination with volunteer Masons.

“Anytime he gave directions, he would somehow relate the destination’s location in relevance to an airport,” Fay said. “He wouldn’t have cared where we took him on this flight, he just enjoys being up in a plane.”

Bonnie Carroll Ride

Bonnie Carroll

On a beautiful and quiet spring day, the thunderous sound of motorcycles echoed through the campus of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. About two dozen motorcyclists rounded the bend past the Masonic Health Care Center where staff and residents waved balloons and signs, chanting “Yay, Bonnie!”

The leader of the pack, Bonnie Carroll, sat on the back of a three-wheeled motorcycle with a wide grin, repeating “It was wonderful,” over and over. “To ride with other people and children – it’s wonderful,” Bonnie said. “I can’t put it into words.”

For Bonnie, it was much more than a scenic trip around the place she had called home for more than a year. It was the fulfilment of a wish – a last wish – to feel the wind in her hair and to let her spirit free.

Her fairy godmother of sorts, Sue Schur, had only met Bonnie the day before the ride. The two formed an instant bond. Bonnie has always enjoyed bikes, from her first bicycle to each Honda and Harley motorcycle she owned. After Bonnie was diagnosed with a life-limiting illness in mid-March, Masonic Village Hospice staff wanted to give her one last ride on a motorcycle. They knew she didn’t have the strength to ride one herself, so they sought out someone with a motorcycle and a sidecar.

Nutrition Services staff heard of the request and immediately thought of Sue, who works in the Masonic Health Care Center’s Village Café. Sue didn’t hesitate to offer the trike (three-wheel) motorcycle belonging to her husband, Rick, and she didn’t stop there. She spent the next four days inviting fellow riders; finding a helmet, jacket and chaps for Bonnie; making signs; coordinating a videographer; having a T-shirt, truck and flowers donated for the event; and arranging for residents and staff to line the route with signs and balloons.

“A simple idea was bounced toward us from some folks in Nutrition Services. We talked to Sue, and before we knew it, everything was in place. I think she thought of every possible aspect to cover …” Timothy Nickel, hospice chaplain, said.

About two dozen riders, Bonnie’s family including her newborn great-granddaughter, and staff gathered on Sunday, April 21. Led by Security staff and Sue, who rode with her neighbor, Mark Garber, the entourage traversed Masonic Village’s campus for 20 minutes.

“It was my honor and my pleasure with the help of God and my family, friends, co-workers and community to come together to make Bonnie’s ride come true,” Sue said.

Clyde Jordan Flight

Clyde Jordan

93-year-old Clyde Jordan, resident, Army veteran and former avid flier, took to the skies for one more flight with the help of Masonic Village Hospice staff and volunteer Masons.

It was a beautiful spring day, almost 70 degrees and sunny. Even before it began, Clyde Jordan knew it would be a day he would never forget. He was prepped with a packed lunch, wind jacket and finger-less gloves. On March 8, 93-year-old Clyde, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown resident and Army veteran, took to the skies for one more flight.

As he took off from Donegal Springs Airpark and flew over the Gettysburg battlefield, enjoying the scenery, Clyde thought of his beautiful wife of 70 years, Eva, who he knew was back at the airport smiling up at the sky. Both Clyde and Eva are facing life-limiting illnesses and receiving care from Masonic Village Hospice.

While raising his family in a small town called Butler, Clyde enjoyed watching planes land and take off at the Butler County Airport. “He always wanted to fly,” Eva said, “but we didn’t always have the money. We raised our children first, then, I said, ‘now is your time.’”

As a licensed private pilot, Clyde took plenty of flights for fun, sometimes accompanied by his sons, who were then old enough to appreciate the once-in-a-lifetime trips.

“When he heard about the flight, boy, he was so excited. It just made me happy to see him so happy,” Eva said. “We made it 70 years, and that’s pretty good.”

Timothy Nickel, Masonic Village Hospice chaplain, teamed up to arrange the flight with volunteer Masons Larry Derr, Rick Hamm and Wayne Laughner, who have now formed project Brother Flight. The group will help fund, gather volunteers and pilot future flights for Masonic Village Hospice patients.

As Clyde climbed out of the cockpit, while Eva watched him with a look of concern, he wore an unforgettable smile. “I’ll never forget this as long as I live,” Clyde said. “I never thought I’d get to go up in a plane again. If I never get out of my chair again, I’d be a happy man.”

Jo Snyder Party

Jo Snyder

Jo Snyder was one of Peyton Manning’s biggest fans. When her 100th birthday rolled around, Masonic Village Hospice staff knew they needed to do something special.

Jo Snyder never identified herself as a “fan girl” of any sorts, but had her eye on quarterback Peyton Manning since he began playing for the Colts, as she was native to Indianapolis. When he joined the Denver Broncos in 2012, Jo wasn’t thrilled about transferring her allegiance, but continued her promise to watch every game.

Witnessing her “fandom,” and knowing they wanted to do something special for Jo’s big 100, Masonic Village Hospice staff and a few nurses took a wild chance on obtaining a signed photo of Peyton Manning. After jumping through some hoops and contacting his agent, the deal was sealed and the prized possession came in the mail.

Staff surprised Jo with a framed and autographed photo from the 6-foot-5 athlete himself, and a jersey she could wear while watching him play from her favorite recliner.

Tears and a wide smile appeared on Jo’s face as she graciously accepted her new keepsake. She knew this would be a day she’d never forget.

After Jo passed away, her daughter presented a scrapbook of her mother’s life at Masonic Village to the staff who had such an impact on her life. Jo smiling with her very own piece of Peyton Manning served as the last photo. As staff viewed the page, they realized the impact going above and beyond creates.

70th Anniversary

70 Years of Laughter and Love

70 years of marriage is definitely something worth celebrating, and Masonic Village Hospice staff made it extra special for two couples celebrating this platinum milestone.

Kenneth Curtiss, a young U.S. Navy seaman, was preparing to board his ship in Philadelphia in 1943 when a friend invited him to accompany him on a blind double date. Ken had no expectations of starting a relationship. His friend later asked how he liked the girl, named Lillian, and Ken replied, “That’s the woman I’m going to marry.”

They were married that same year while Ken was on leave. They have three children, four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

On Sunday, July 7, 2013, Ken and Lillian celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family. They were grateful for a surprise visit on the Friday before their anniversary, which included cupcakes made by resident Rosemary Merwin, balloons, a heart made by Hospice staff and a card with messages from more than 30 of Masonic Villages’ Facebook followers.

Winstanleys

Robert and Betty Winstanley met at Temple University and found they had the same interests. She was taking summer classes and he was studying medicine. The highlight of the proposal for Robert was, “She said ‘Yes!’”

The two wed on Sept. 11, 1943. The country was in the middle of a war, so they had a small church wedding and were lucky to have friends to take photos of the occasion. The couple has three children who joined them along with their three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Family and friends joined them for a party to celebrate their 70th anniversary. Hospice staff honored the occasion by surprising the couple with a large heart and balloons. They were joined again by Rosemary Merwin with cupcakes.

We Honor Veterans

Masonic Village Hospice is a proud participant in the We Honor Veterans program.While we are committed to providing the highest quality care and services to all, we recognize that veterans may have unique needs. Those who have offered up their lives in service to our country deserve our respect and appreciation. Comprehensive hospice and palliative care is a covered benefit for all enrolled veterans. Providing comfort, compassion and dignity to veterans at the end of life, as well as support to their families, is one way to show our appreciation for the sacrifices and hardships they have endured for our liberty during their lifetime. Therefore, our staff is trained to recognize the unique needs of our veterans. It is our honor and privilege to provide end-of-life care to these heroes.

The Masonic Village has supported veterans since its founding in 1910.

On campus is a Veterans Grove featuring monuments encouraging the reflection of wars past and the continuing potential for peace and freedom. Walking paths, a picnic area and restroom facilities are provided for family and friends to take time to remember, honor and pray for those currently serving in our Armed Forces and pay respect to all veterans, especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the freedom we enjoy each day.

The eternal flame monument at the Veterans Grove is a symbol of gratitude to all brave service men and women, including those who have given their lives in service to their country.

Leading up to Veterans Day each year, the land around the Veterans Grove is host to the “Massing of the Colors,” a memorial to each soldier who has died in combat since 9/11. Thousands of American flags and a Pennsylvania flag wave in memory of each deceased solider from the Keystone state. Additional flags are on display, which people purchase to help provide service dogs for veterans returning home with combat injuries.

Our MD

dr benner

With more than 37 years of experience, John N. Benner, M.D., oversees the care plan for each patient and provides daily oversight and direction. He earned his doctor of medicine degree from Hahnemann University College of Medicine. He is also a physician with Menno Haven Physicians Services and a volunteer medical director at River of Life Health Center.

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