by Brad Heidrick
What does it mean to have dignity? At Catholic Community Health, it means recognizing that each person truly matters, at every stage of life. When we speak about providing person-centered care, we are acknowledging the God-given dignity with which every patient and resident is endowed.
Person-centered care is not a slogan; it is our commitment to honor and support those entrusted to us. When someone moves into Villa St. Francis in Olathe, is served by Home Care or receives palliative or hospice services, we remind them that we are here to meet their needs just as we would for someone in our own family.
We are here not simply to complete tasks, but to accompany each person in a meaningful way. Volunteers and staff members become extended family. Residents become neighbors and friends.
At Villa St. Francis, dignity is perhaps most visible in what we call the Honor Walk.
When a resident passes away, the entire community is notified. Staff, residents, volunteers and family members gather in the halls. A Villa St. Francis flag — or an American flag for our veterans — is gently draped over the individual as they journey through the building, past Our Lady of Grace Chapel and out the doors for the final time. The halls are lined not only to honor the life that has been lived, but to support the loved ones who remain. There are quiet tears. There are hugs. There is prayer. In those moments, it is clear: This is not an institution. It is a family grieving one of its own.
That same sense of family was evident during the recent heavy snowstorm. When roads became nearly impassable, ensuring uninterrupted care required help from beyond our walls. After reaching out to the KC Off Road Club, cofounder Christina Scanlon responded immediately. Volunteers with off-road vehicles transported caregivers safely to Villa St. Francis, ensuring our residents continued receiving the care they deserved.
Dignity is sustained by community. It is seen in volunteers who assist with activities, meals and liturgies, and in hospice volunteers who sit quietly at the bedside, offering prayer, conversation or simply their presence. It is seen in neighbors who step forward when help is needed.
If you feel called to be part of that community, Villa St. Francis and Catholic Community Health Hospice welcome compassionate volunteers. There are many ways to accompany others with dignity. There is always room for one more member of the family.
