Emmanuel Hospice patient Marcia Hammerslag and CNA Cheri Beck in the tropical conservatory of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park for the Fred & Dorothy Fichter “Butterflies Are Blooming” exhibit.
Photo credit Emmanuel Hospice
Photo credit Emmanuel Hospice
Emmanuel Hospice
Hospice is often called in at the last minute, but it’s not meant to be that way.
The misconception that hospice care is only for a person’s final days or hours continues to shape how and when families seek support. According to Elizabeth Mangiapane, a patient access specialist with Emmanuel Hospice, that delay can mean missing out on care designed to improve quality of life much earlier.
“For many families, hospice is still associated with the final hours of life or the idea of giving up,” Mangiapane said. “But hospice care is more about changing paths when the risks of treatment start to outweigh the benefits. It’s choosing quality of life over quantity.”
Hospice care is intended for individuals with a prognosis of six months or less if their disease follows its natural course without any intervention. Even so, that timeline is not exact and patients may receive care for weeks or months beyond that.
“We are constantly evaluating patients and as long as they continue to meet eligibility guidelines set by Medicare, they can stay on hospice services,” Mangiapane said.
Eligibility for hospice is also broader than most people realize, Mangiapane added. It is not limited to cancer patients or older adults, but instead applies to anyone with a qualifying life-limiting condition.
“There is a vast array of qualifying diagnoses,” she said, noting that conditions such as ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, heart disease and various pulmonary diseases are common in the patient population Emmanuel Hospice serves.
Another myth Mangiapane would like to debunk is that hospice patients are always confined to a bed. Some patients continue to live relatively active lives after choosing to stop curative treatment and focus instead on comfort and time with loved ones.
“You could go to the grocery store and walk past someone on hospice and never know,” she adds.
Hospice also creates space for important conversations, helping patients share how they want to spend their remaining time. The goal is to help patients live as fully and comfortably as possible, often in their own home, surrounded by the people who matter most.
For families, starting hospice earlier can ease the growing demands of caregiving on both practical and emotional levels. Mangiapane and her team are constantly working behind the scenes to coordinate care, navigate insurance requirements and ensure patients have all the medications and supplies they need.
“We handle all those details that allow families to relax and just be with their loved one and enjoy whatever time they have left,” she said.
Mangiapane wants families to know a call to learn more doesn’t equate to a commitment, and you can always change your mind.
Understanding that hospice is not just for the final hours but for the final chapter can open the door to care that makes that time more comfortable, more supported and more meaningful. In many cases, that decision – made sooner rather than later – can make all the difference.
Zeeland native Sara Torrey Lowe founded Emmanuel Hospice in 2013 with Sr. Gabriela Hilke in collaboration with St. Ann’s Home, Clark Retirement, Porter Hills and Sunset Retirement Community. Lowe is now the chief executive officer of Emmanuel Hospice.
For more information, call (616) 719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.
Hospice is often called in at the last minute, but it’s not meant to be that way.
The misconception that hospice care is only for a person’s final days or hours continues to shape how and when families seek support. According to Elizabeth Mangiapane, a patient access specialist with Emmanuel Hospice, that delay can mean missing out on care designed to improve quality of life much earlier.
“For many families, hospice is still associated with the final hours of life or the idea of giving up,” Mangiapane said. “But hospice care is more about changing paths when the risks of treatment start to outweigh the benefits. It’s choosing quality of life over quantity.”
Hospice care is intended for individuals with a prognosis of six months or less if their disease follows its natural course without any intervention. Even so, that timeline is not exact and patients may receive care for weeks or months beyond that.
“We are constantly evaluating patients and as long as they continue to meet eligibility guidelines set by Medicare, they can stay on hospice services,” Mangiapane said.
Eligibility for hospice is also broader than most people realize, Mangiapane added. It is not limited to cancer patients or older adults, but instead applies to anyone with a qualifying life-limiting condition.
“There is a vast array of qualifying diagnoses,” she said, noting that conditions such as ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, heart disease and various pulmonary diseases are common in the patient population Emmanuel Hospice serves.
Another myth Mangiapane would like to debunk is that hospice patients are always confined to a bed. Some patients continue to live relatively active lives after choosing to stop curative treatment and focus instead on comfort and time with loved ones.
“You could go to the grocery store and walk past someone on hospice and never know,” she adds.
Hospice also creates space for important conversations, helping patients share how they want to spend their remaining time. The goal is to help patients live as fully and comfortably as possible, often in their own home, surrounded by the people who matter most.
For families, starting hospice earlier can ease the growing demands of caregiving on both practical and emotional levels. Mangiapane and her team are constantly working behind the scenes to coordinate care, navigate insurance requirements and ensure patients have all the medications and supplies they need.
“We handle all those details that allow families to relax and just be with their loved one and enjoy whatever time they have left,” she said.
Mangiapane wants families to know a call to learn more doesn’t equate to a commitment, and you can always change your mind.
Understanding that hospice is not just for the final hours but for the final chapter can open the door to care that makes that time more comfortable, more supported and more meaningful. In many cases, that decision – made sooner rather than later – can make all the difference.
Zeeland native Sara Torrey Lowe founded Emmanuel Hospice in 2013 with Sr. Gabriela Hilke in collaboration with St. Ann’s Home, Clark Retirement, Porter Hills and Sunset Retirement Community. Lowe is now the chief executive officer of Emmanuel Hospice.
For more information, call (616) 719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.
Walk For Mental Health Set For Next Wednesday
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Ottawa County Veterans Services is teaming up with Ottawa County Community Mental Health, to host a community walk for mental health next week.
The walk will be held next Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Park Township Historic Airport Hangar, 1269 Ottawa Beach Rd., near the newly-renovated Veterans Park. It’s the first walk of its kind that’s been done in the county, said Caleb Worpel, a community outreach specialist with the Veterans Services department.
There is no charge to participate, and it’s open to everyone, including residents, veterans and families, Worpel said.
Held in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the event is designed to bring people together, encourage open conversations around mental health, and connect individuals and families with local resources.
The event will feature a community walk, opportunities to connect with local organizations, and a guest speaker, former West Michigan radio personality Andy O’Riley.
O’Riley, who is founder of O’Riley Media Group and The Muskegon Channel, will share his personal journey and message of hope, recovery, and resilience.
“I speak openly about my past struggles with addiction and a suicide attempt because isolation affects so many people,” O’Riley said. “My goal is to remind others they’re not alone, that someone has been there too, and that being perfectly imperfect is what makes us human.”
According to a 2024 community assessment, mental health has remained among the top three identified issues in Ottawa?County from key stakeholders in the last six years, with 33% of respondents saying it was a top priority.
In the county’s 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment, 34.5% of adults in the county reported mild to severe psychological distress, nearly double the figure of 19.8% from 2020. About one of every five teens had suicidal ideation in the previous year, and 8.9 percent of adults had similar suicidal thoughts, according to the assessment.
In the meantime, the number of mental health providers in the county are below state and national averages. The study found one mental health provider per 450 residents, compared to state (one per 320) and national (one per 340) averages.
Several local organizations will be in attendance to provide information and engage with attendees, including FOB Ministries, Brain Treatment Center, Inclusive Empowerment Services, The Momentum Center, Holland Area Veterans Council, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Renew Therapeutic Riding Center, which will be bringing a special guest - a therapy horse named Hamlet.
Food trucks will also be on site throughout the event, including Slingin Weenies, Ponchos Tacos, and StrEATs Tacos.
No registration is required for the walk. This is an outdoor event and is weather-dependent.
Zeeland Record
Ottawa County Veterans Services is teaming up with Ottawa County Community Mental Health, to host a community walk for mental health next week.
The walk will be held next Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Park Township Historic Airport Hangar, 1269 Ottawa Beach Rd., near the newly-renovated Veterans Park. It’s the first walk of its kind that’s been done in the county, said Caleb Worpel, a community outreach specialist with the Veterans Services department.
There is no charge to participate, and it’s open to everyone, including residents, veterans and families, Worpel said.
Held in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the event is designed to bring people together, encourage open conversations around mental health, and connect individuals and families with local resources.
The event will feature a community walk, opportunities to connect with local organizations, and a guest speaker, former West Michigan radio personality Andy O’Riley.
O’Riley, who is founder of O’Riley Media Group and The Muskegon Channel, will share his personal journey and message of hope, recovery, and resilience.
“I speak openly about my past struggles with addiction and a suicide attempt because isolation affects so many people,” O’Riley said. “My goal is to remind others they’re not alone, that someone has been there too, and that being perfectly imperfect is what makes us human.”
According to a 2024 community assessment, mental health has remained among the top three identified issues in Ottawa?County from key stakeholders in the last six years, with 33% of respondents saying it was a top priority.
In the county’s 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment, 34.5% of adults in the county reported mild to severe psychological distress, nearly double the figure of 19.8% from 2020. About one of every five teens had suicidal ideation in the previous year, and 8.9 percent of adults had similar suicidal thoughts, according to the assessment.
In the meantime, the number of mental health providers in the county are below state and national averages. The study found one mental health provider per 450 residents, compared to state (one per 320) and national (one per 340) averages.
Several local organizations will be in attendance to provide information and engage with attendees, including FOB Ministries, Brain Treatment Center, Inclusive Empowerment Services, The Momentum Center, Holland Area Veterans Council, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Renew Therapeutic Riding Center, which will be bringing a special guest - a therapy horse named Hamlet.
Food trucks will also be on site throughout the event, including Slingin Weenies, Ponchos Tacos, and StrEATs Tacos.
No registration is required for the walk. This is an outdoor event and is weather-dependent.
Two More Cases of Measles Confirmed
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) has confirmed two more cases of measles in Ottawa County, for a total of three cases.
All three people live in the same household. The two newly confirmed cases were already being monitored after the first case in the household, and they stayed home throughout the time they could have spread measles - so no additional exposures outside the household are expected.
OCDPH and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reached out directly to anyone who may have been exposed to the first case, and no additional public exposure sites have been identified.
Because the cases are linked, this is now considered a measles outbreak. MDHHS will list it as an outbreak on their measles dashboard. This designation is used for monitoring and reporting purposes only; it does not indicate any new or increased risk to the community.
OCDPH will continue to watch closely for any additional cases and, if no further cases are identified, the outbreak will be declared over by the end of May.
“Since the first case was identified, this has been a team effort,” County Medical Director Dr. Gwendolyn Unzicker said. “We're grateful to this family and to our community partners for the proactive collaboration that made this response possible. The family's commitment to staying home during the monitoring period is one reason we have no public exposure sites to announce today.”
—————
What You Should Do Now
Check your immunity. A person is considered immune if they can provide written proof that:
• They are a child (K-12) or adult who has received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
• They are a preschool-aged child who has received one dose of the MMR vaccine.
• They have had measles at some point in their life.
• They were born before 1957.
Anyone with questions about their immunity should contact their health care provider or OCDPH at (616) 396-5266. You may be eligible for a blood test to check your immunity.
—————
Why Proof of Immunity Is Important
Because measles is so contagious, even before the rash appears, and because it can take up to 21 days for symptoms to appear, people who are exposed to measles without written proof of immunity may need to stay home (and out of work or school) for up to 21 days to monitor for symptoms of measles and to prevent unknowingly spreading it to others.
—————
Symptoms to Watch For
Measles symptoms appear 7-21 days after exposure. Watch for:
• High fever (may spike above 104°F)
• Cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes
• Red blotchy rash beginning on the face and spreading downward, typically 3-5 days after first symptoms
If symptoms develop, call ahead before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room — this allows staff to take precautions and protects other patients from being exposed. Stay away from others until you have spoken with a health care provider.
—————
How the MMR Vaccine Helps
Measles is highly contagious, but it's also highly preventable — two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection and help safeguard the neighbors, classmates, and family members around us. Anyone with questions about how to receive the vaccine should contact their health care provider or OCDPH at (616) 396-5266.
For more information, visit miottawa.org/measles.
All three people live in the same household. The two newly confirmed cases were already being monitored after the first case in the household, and they stayed home throughout the time they could have spread measles - so no additional exposures outside the household are expected.
OCDPH and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reached out directly to anyone who may have been exposed to the first case, and no additional public exposure sites have been identified.
Because the cases are linked, this is now considered a measles outbreak. MDHHS will list it as an outbreak on their measles dashboard. This designation is used for monitoring and reporting purposes only; it does not indicate any new or increased risk to the community.
OCDPH will continue to watch closely for any additional cases and, if no further cases are identified, the outbreak will be declared over by the end of May.
“Since the first case was identified, this has been a team effort,” County Medical Director Dr. Gwendolyn Unzicker said. “We're grateful to this family and to our community partners for the proactive collaboration that made this response possible. The family's commitment to staying home during the monitoring period is one reason we have no public exposure sites to announce today.”
—————
What You Should Do Now
Check your immunity. A person is considered immune if they can provide written proof that:
• They are a child (K-12) or adult who has received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
• They are a preschool-aged child who has received one dose of the MMR vaccine.
• They have had measles at some point in their life.
• They were born before 1957.
Anyone with questions about their immunity should contact their health care provider or OCDPH at (616) 396-5266. You may be eligible for a blood test to check your immunity.
—————
Why Proof of Immunity Is Important
Because measles is so contagious, even before the rash appears, and because it can take up to 21 days for symptoms to appear, people who are exposed to measles without written proof of immunity may need to stay home (and out of work or school) for up to 21 days to monitor for symptoms of measles and to prevent unknowingly spreading it to others.
—————
Symptoms to Watch For
Measles symptoms appear 7-21 days after exposure. Watch for:
• High fever (may spike above 104°F)
• Cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes
• Red blotchy rash beginning on the face and spreading downward, typically 3-5 days after first symptoms
If symptoms develop, call ahead before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room — this allows staff to take precautions and protects other patients from being exposed. Stay away from others until you have spoken with a health care provider.
—————
How the MMR Vaccine Helps
Measles is highly contagious, but it's also highly preventable — two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection and help safeguard the neighbors, classmates, and family members around us. Anyone with questions about how to receive the vaccine should contact their health care provider or OCDPH at (616) 396-5266.
For more information, visit miottawa.org/measles.
Harvest Stand Ministries Plant Sale Saturday
The annual plant sale to support Harvest Stand Ministries, presented by Walters Gardens, will take place this Saturday.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Walters Gardens, 1992 96th Ave.
Walters Gardens is offering up to 20 varieties of high-quality bare root plants and plugs to help you cultivate a beautiful, thriving garden. Plant pricing remains budget-friendly, with plugs at $3 each and bare root plants at $5 apiece.
In addition to an incredible selection of perennials, knowledgeable Walters Gardens experts will be on-site to answer questions and share helpful gardening tips to ensure your planting success.
All proceeds from the plant sale will go to support Harvest Stand Ministries and its mission to provide food, clothing, and resource connection assistance to neighbors in need throughout the community.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Walters Gardens, 1992 96th Ave.
Walters Gardens is offering up to 20 varieties of high-quality bare root plants and plugs to help you cultivate a beautiful, thriving garden. Plant pricing remains budget-friendly, with plugs at $3 each and bare root plants at $5 apiece.
In addition to an incredible selection of perennials, knowledgeable Walters Gardens experts will be on-site to answer questions and share helpful gardening tips to ensure your planting success.
All proceeds from the plant sale will go to support Harvest Stand Ministries and its mission to provide food, clothing, and resource connection assistance to neighbors in need throughout the community.
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