Loved Ones of North Oaks Hospice Patients Decorate Memory Tree

North Oaks Hospice held its 22nd annual Hospice Memory Tree gathering on Thurs., Dec. 4 in the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center in Hammond. The Memory Tree event is hosted for family members and caregivers of former patients as part of the North Oaks Hospice Bereavement Program.

Guests are invited to hang ornaments on the tree in memory of their loved ones with the support and encouragement of North Oaks Hospice staff members.

Audrey Bodker of Ponchatoula was among Memory Tree guests. Audrey attended the event in memory of her late husband James E. “Buddy” Bodker Sr., who was a Hospice patient for 19 months before his passing on September 23, 2014. Joined by her son Ed Bodker of Ponchatoula, Mrs. Bodker placed a large Christmas bulb on the tree on which she had decoupaged a photograph of her husband and hand-painted his name and sentiments.

“The Hospice staff was always there for us whenever we needed them,” Mrs. Bodker shares. "No matter what time we called, day or night, they always came promptly.”

The Memory Tree will be located in the lobby of the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center, which is located within North Oaks Diagnostic Center, through January 6, 2015.

Hospice is a special kind of care given in the home that provides support in a sensitive manner for patients with a life-limiting, progressive illness. The North Oaks Hospice team focuses on the patient’s emotional, physical and spiritual needs and emphasizes the importance of the patient’s quality of life.

North Oaks Hospice consistently ranks in the top 1 percent nationally for patient and family satisfaction, according to national, independent Press Ganey surveys. North Oaks Hospice offers complimentary evaluations with no obligation. For more information about North Oaks Hospice or to volunteer, call (985) 230-7620.