True Stories From Hospice Care

The stories of Hospice patients seldom end on happy notes. At best, we can speak of our patients no longer being in pain, while knowing that we provided the best care we could for them, side-by-side with their families and caregivers. But every once in a while, we are able to speak of the good memories created during end of life care.

Football Pride in his Heart

The wife of one of our patients described her husband as having a life that revolves around the football and men's basketball teams at Hampton University in Hampton, VA. She knew he wouldn't be able to attend any more games there, because of how his illness was progressing.

Amy, All-Heart's Volunteer Coordinator, contacted the Athletics Office at Hampton University and asked for some autographs from any of its football players. The Athletics secretary got us in touch with football Head Coach, Donovan Rose, and they went one better... an autographed Pirates t-shirt and poster.

Jean, the hospice team's Nurse Case Manager, said his family was beside themselves with joy over the thoughtfulness of the gift. His wife couldn't believe it. It had come at a perfect time for the family because his wife was in the process of planning his funeral. The presentation of the shirt and poster lightened the mood for everyone there.

When the patient passed away, he did so with his family at his side and with Pirate pride in his heart.

Enjoying the Flowers

A local woman and her sister were splitting the care for their grandmother in her home. One of their grandmother's favorite activities was looking at flower beds and gardens, but because the patient was using a wheelchair, anywhere they took her needed to be easily accessible.

Thanks to the Virginia Zoo, and the free admission passes they provided for the family, the sisters had planned a trip to see their beautiful gardens.However, their grandmother's condition had changed and she had passed away before they could take that trip to the Zoo. Today, they still plan on making that visit together in honor of their grandmother.

Appreciation for Care

Many times, All-Heart's Hospice staff receives thanks for the care they've provided to patients and families. The following letter is from a patient's wife, in appreciation for the care provided to her husband by the All-Heart staff.

“ I want to thank Mary Jane, Vicki, Shari, Pastor Larry and Amy for the love and compassion my family received during my husband's illness and death. You did a great job of care and comfort for us. I'll be eternally grateful. May God bless each of you.”

Later, after sending the card, the patient's wife followed it up with a gift to All-Heart's Hospice program, to help provide care for other patients like her husband.

Appreciation for Care

In some cases, a patient's stay in Hospice is extremely short, mere days, in fact. When that happens, it can be hard to provide anything other than basic care to the patient. In those cases, we try to focus more on the family.

“ Though we were just starting to get to know each other (the patient's family and the Hospice team), you already made a mark in our hearts. My husband's short stay in our home was the happiest it had been since he got sick. The whole staff did their best! You will always be a part of our lives. Please continue to do what you are doing, because you are making a difference. You did it with us. ”

After this patient's passing, the family needed to surround themselves with family. While they were gone, one of All-Heart's volunteers took care of their yard work so they wouldn't come home to an overgrown lawn.