Hospice Tribute

Hospice has been beneficial to my family through the years. Three of my parents have been put on hospice in their declining months. The services that were provided not only assisted in the care of my parents, but to the entire family during the tough times. 

We were first blessed with hospice care after cancer treatment no longer made a difference in my mother-in-law’s health. The hospice doctor made his initial visit and evaluation soon after signing on with hospice. Then Nurse Shelly came on as Mom’s main caregiver during her final months. Shelly was there to make sure Mom was comfortable and to make sure the weekly caregivers checked on Mom and to care for her hygiene needs. Shelly laughed with us, listened to us, shed tears with us, and loved on us all. I know that she was unique, but it was very evident she cared. 

After Mom passed, the chaplain stepped up and helped us plan her service and to minister to us spiritually and emotionally. Without hospice, our end-of-life journey with my mother-in-law would have been severely derailed. 

Years later my dear mother and stepfather were blessed with hospice care. This journey was much longer, and more people came alongside us on this road. We had assistance from nurses, social workers, caregivers, chaplains, and counselors. We needed them all on this rough road of declining health, dementia, and end of life. They attempted to give us a ‘timeline’ of their declining health (which proved to be pretty accurate). They were all kind, empathetic, loving, understanding, and professional. The direct caregivers checked on my parents regularly and cared for them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In the end, the chaplain participated in the end-of-life celebration. And a few months later, I took advantage of the grief counseling and received invaluable support. 

Regardless of the hospice company being used, I have found that most hospice caregivers were professional, caring, understanding, and empathetic. As with everyone, no one is perfect. But, I certainly would have struggled much more without hospice by my side, supporting me and my family. 

-Margaret