When my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer that metastasized to her brain, my family and I were thrust into a world we knew little about. Among the many challenges we faced was understanding hospice and palliative care—concepts I had only heard about in passing.
Through this journey, we discovered how these services not only provided comfort and dignity for my mother but also supported us as her family. I hope that by sharing our story, I can help others navigating similar experiences find the peace of mind that hospice and palliative care gave us.
What is Hospice and Palliative Care?
Both hospice and palliative care focus on comfort and quality of life for patients and their families. However, there are key differences.
- Hospice Care: This service is designed for patients nearing the end of life. The goal is to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort rather than curative treatments. Hospice teams often include doctors, nurses, social workers, and home health aides who work together to ensure dignity and peace during the final stages of life.
- Palliative Care: Unlike hospice, palliative care is available to individuals at any stage of a serious illness. It focuses on symptom relief, comfort, and support while allowing patients to continue treatments for their condition. It complements other medical care and does not necessarily mean end of life.
For families and caregivers, both services provide invaluable emotional and logistical support.
Our Journey with Hospice and Palliative Care
In May 2023, my mother’s oncologist gave us a grim prognosis. At first, she was still able to move on her own and manage daily tasks with some assistance. My brother, Ed, took her into his home and worked tirelessly to care for her. He cooked nutritious meals, managed her medications, ensured she attended appointments, and provided a clean, safe environment.
Despite his extraordinary efforts and the help of a mobile care team, my mother’s condition deteriorated rapidly. Within months, she could no longer care for herself. She resisted moving to a facility or accepting hospice care, making decisions that negatively impacted her quality of life. As her children, we felt overwhelmed and helpless, constantly worried about her well-being.
When I obtained guardianship, we were able to move her into a beautiful assisted living facility of her choice. Shortly after, her mobile physician recommended hospice care. Understanding how much her condition warranted additional support, I immediately agreed.
How Hospice Care Helped Us
Kim from Soter Family Advocates coordinated with insurance and financing, ensuring hospice services were covered by Medicare. The team at Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice and Palliative Care set up a hospital bed and oxygen machine in her apartment. They provided round-the-clock care, lifting the heavy burden of caregiving from our shoulders.
With their help, my brothers and I were finally able to spend quality time with my mother. We laughed, reminisced, watched TV, and enjoyed meals together. Thanksgiving was particularly special, as I got to share a wonderful meal with her prepared by the Glenbrook Assisted Living Facility. Our entire family came together to celebrate Christmas with her in her apartment—a memory I will always cherish.
After Her Passing
One month after Christmas, my mother passed away peacefully in her sleep. Although we were devastated, we found solace in the care she received and the meaningful time we had together during her final months.
Wuesthoff Hospice continued to support us even after her passing. They handled the removal of medical equipment and provided grief counseling services, including a panel discussion on coping with loss during the holidays and even a ballet presentation with refreshments.
Final Thoughts
Hospice and palliative care provided our family with more than just comfort—they gave us the ability to focus on what truly mattered: our time together. If you or a loved one is navigating a serious illness, I encourage you to explore these services. They are invaluable not only for the patient but also for the family, offering peace of mind in the most challenging moments.
References
- What Are Palliative Care and Hospice Care? | National Institute on Aging
- Hospice Care Defined by Cleveland Clinic
Photo Title: Full Rainbow Over Rocks and Water
Photo by Scott Murdoch from Burst
