Holzer Hospice - Sharing the Journey

No effort of ours could explain the spirit of Holzer Hospice better than this personal experience, shared with us by Linda Jeffers Lester.

“On August 30, 2002, my mother, Ruth Delores Jeffers, was diagnosed with cancer and given three to six months to live. My mother and I were always close, and after my father passed away eight years ago, we became even closer. I had often thought about how I would deal with receiving such a diagnosis and how I would care for her. Normalcy and quality of life were most important to me. She loved her home, her pets and I felt that was where she should spend her last days. Even though I have 15 years of experience in healthcare, I am not a nurse, so when we received her diagnosis, I immediately made plans to contact Holzer Hospice. For many years, I had heard of their good works and the wonderful support given to families caring for a loved one who was dying.

Mother’s physician made the initial referral to Holzer Hospice and after an in-home assessment we became part of the Hospice family. Through their efforts, I was able to give my mother a wonderful gift, the ability to spend her last days where she was most comfortable…at home. She enjoyed sleeping in her own bedroom, watching the leaves change from her porch and spending time with her beloved cats, Fancy and Tommy. Her nurses, the “girls” as she fondly called the Hospice staff, filled her prescriptions, delivered them, reviewed how they should be administered, coordinated delivery of medical equipment, and provided personal care. As the decision maker and caregiver, the Hospice staff also offered emotional support and encouragement for me. Mother and I met with their wonderful social worker to review other non-medical issues and she referred us to the Caregiver Support program of the Area Agency on Aging as well as Holzer Extra Care, which offered respite care for me and provided other support unrelated to my mothers direct medical care.

Through the dedicated efforts of these organizations, my mother’s last days were spent in her home surrounded by all the things she loved. My every wish for her was fulfilled thanks to the dedicated Hospice staff. She passed away at home on November 4, eight years to the day after my father died. When you, a friend, or a family member are faced with a terminal illness, contact Holzer Hospice. They work with your physician and services are billed to Medicare. Your loved one will receive wonderful care and you will have piece of mind and many precious memories.”

Linda Jeffers Lester

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