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The award was presented to Cyndi Feldhege, director of nursing at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville, during a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

According to Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice, "This award recognizes facilities that provide exceptional care and offer the gift of hospice to their residents. The Koronis Manor understands that hospice care is all about living well and maintaining the highest quality of life possible. This facility deserves to be recognized for their loving care!"

Cyndi Feldhege, director of nursing at the Koronis Manor, accepts the 2005 Hospice Champion award from Sonia Rucks of Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice, a nationwide company, has an office in St. Cloud that serves a 60-mile radius, including Paynesville. They work with about 50 facilities in that service area and gave awards to two nursing homes this year: the Koronis Manor and Pierz Villa.

Feldhege, who accepted the award on behalf of her staff, said hospice is a great way to get additional support at the 63-bed nursing home, part of the Paynesville Area Health Care System. Hospice care can provide extra one-on-one time with residents, and Heartland has been great at giving suggestions and support, said Feldhege.

Staff at the Koronis Manor show great care and concern for their patients, which says a lot for the whole organization, said Sonia Rucks, a licensed social worker and customer service representative for Heartland, who presented the award earlier this month.

Staff at the Koronis Manor have improved in the early identification of hospice-eligible patients, added Rucks. This early identification helps patients and their familes receive the full benefits of hospice - everything from pain management, including massage and music therapy, to addressing spiritual needs and giving bereavement counseling to families a year after the death of a loved one.

Heartland does daily assessments, even on weekends, attends deaths (if requested by the family) to help with funeral arrangements and the family's grief, and offers bereavement care.