The Rev. Ernst receives referrals daily from other members of the hospice team who keep him updated on patients' status. He tries to visit each patient at least every other week and makes his own reports and observations. Olga Wheeler, whose husband is a hospice patient, is comfortable with the program. They are wonderful. When the Rev. Ernst visits a patient in his or her home, he said he's there to listen, provide spiritual help and pray.
Patients often talk about the past, hobbies, family or religion as a source of their strength.
Always, the Rev. Ernst asks about the patient's own church affiliation and then coordinates a care plan with that minister to make sure the patient has enough attention. It is wonderful that they have a person like him to visit. If you have a Freeze Frame story idea, please call Photo Editor Eric Keith at 271-8562. A portrait of Jesus hangs near a nursing station as the Rev. Ernst fills out one of several forms after visiting a patient in a nursing home. The Rev. Ernst visits with Forest Higdon while Rose Mary Leffler-Smith, licensed practical nurse, puts eye drops into Illa Higdon's eyes.