By Marguerite Janto and Jessica Kelly
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to pause and reflect on those we love and the meaningful moments we share.
Rather than focusing on loss, this month encourages us to appreciate what truly matters: the ways we care for one another and support each other through life’s changes.
When someone we love reaches the end of life, we can find ourselves overwhelmed, uncertain, anxious and flooded with emotion. In these moments, the support of hospice care professionals can be a beacon of light, helping families navigate the path ahead with compassion and expertise.
The True Purpose of Hospice
Hospice centers, like The Leo Center for Caring, part of St. Ann’s Community, are dedicated to making a person’s final days as peaceful and comfortable as possible. The focus goes far beyond managing symptoms or relieving pain — it’s about creating a holistic environment of physical, emotional and spiritual comfort.
This specialized care extends beyond the patient to embrace the entire family, helping them share meaningful experiences during a profoundly difficult time.
While hospice provides end-of-life care, it does not always mean that the end is near. Doctors often recommend hospice when curative treatments are no longer effective and a shift toward comfort care would be more beneficial. This typically occurs when a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less, though many live longer than that initial prognosis.
A Personalized and Human-Centered Approach
Every end-of-life journey is unique. Hospice care honors this individuality by being deeply personal and centered on the needs of each person, rather than following a one-size-fits-all model. Staff work closely with patients and families, managing symptoms and providing medication to relieve pain and distress. Just as importantly, they foster an environment where families can share moments of comfort, connection, and peace.
This commitment to personalized care takes many forms. If it means making breakfast for family members who have stayed overnight, the team is happy to do it. If it means fulfilling a patient’s wish to have his two dogs by his side, they make it happen. There was even an instance when the staff helped organize a full wedding ceremony, complete with a pianist and a professional photographer. These true stories reflect the dedication to providing the care and comfort someone would want if they were in their own home.
As nurses, we often remind ourselves that one day our own grandchildren may find themselves in this situation as our lives come to a close. We would want nothing less than compassion, understanding and sensitivity from those caring for them. That thought inspires us to provide the same level of care to every patient and family we serve.
Creating a Home-Like Environment of Comfort
The physical layout of many hospice centers adds to the feeling of being at home. At The Leo Center, for example, every room is private, offering peace and dignity. Families who choose to stay overnight have access to comfortable lounge areas, a private bathroom with a shower and a fully stocked kitchen open 24 hours a day for preparing meals or enjoying snacks. An outdoor patio offers everyone a chance to step outside and take in a breath of fresh air. Every detail is designed to bring comfort during a challenging time.
Of course, this home-like environment is supported by exceptional medical expertise. Hospice nurses are specially trained in end-of-life care, symptom management, and the complex needs of terminally ill patients. The nursing team is present around the clock – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The full care team also includes doctors, nurse managers, social workers, dietitians, and pastoral care professionals. Together, they ensure that every physical, emotional, and spiritual need is met for both patients and their loved ones.
Building Trust and Lasting Connections
In our many years working in hospice, we’ve been blessed to meet countless amazing people. It’s a joy to hear a family say, “You feel like family to us.” It’s equally touching when someone continues to visit long after their loved one has passed, simply because of the bond that formed between us.
When families recognize that we care for them not just medically but personally, it’s the highest compliment anyone in our field can receive. It’s the reason we do what we do.
Marguerite Janto is a nurse manager, and Jessica Kelly is a licensed practical nurse. They are both on the staff of the Leo Center for Caring at St. Ann’s Community. For more information, call 585-697-6311 or visit https://stannscommunity.com/leo-center-for-caring