Patient Stories

For Former Marine Reservist, Longterm Hospice Care Has Improved Quality of Life

Anna Giordano found herself behind the controls of a military transport plane. She wasn’t exactly supposed to be there.

But when she peeked inside the cockpit and saw one of the co-pilots had briefly stepped away, the remaining co-pilot gave her a welcoming smile and asked if she would like to take a seat.

“I didn’t have to think twice,” recalled Anna, years later, with a wide grin on her face. “He even let me steer for a minute, although that’s when the other co-pilot came back. ‘What is she doing here?!’ he shouted. That was my signal to go to the back.” The old story still makes Anna laugh.

It was 1954. Anna was among dozens of new Marine Corp Reserve recruits – all women – traveling from Massachusetts to Parris Island in South Carolina for basic training. Their roles would be clerical – so there was no exhaustive physical training – but they still had to learn how to become Marines.

“The Marines were always a special service for me. My sister served in the Marines during World War II. Years later, I felt a calling to serve and the reserve unit in Boston was a great fit.”

After training, Anna would go to the Seaport area in Boston once a month to work on bookkeeping and other office tasks; her perfectionist nature served her well in the military's structured environment. Her tenure with the Marine Reserves lasted until 1958, when she was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.

After that, she lived a full life: traveling the world, taking up various jobs, and even going back to college in her 50s to earn a degree in Management of Human Services and Gerontology from UMass Boston. While she never married, she was one of seven siblings, and has 26 nieces and nephews, plus another 55 great nieces and nephews.

“My nieces and nephews live all over the country now, but I’m still close to a lot of them. I have a whole family behind me who loves me and comes to visit.”

Health Problems Lead to Hospice

Now in her late 90s, Anna can recall vivid details from decades ago. But physically, she has slowed down. Problems with both her feet have her mostly confined to a wheelchair. Five years ago, doctors were so concerned about an infection that they discussed amputation.

Anna was adamant about keeping both her legs and choosing a less invasive path. In other words, she was prioritizing comfort over curative treatments. Hospice – specifically with Care Dimensions – was an option that made sense to her.

While hospice benefits are eligible for patients who are given a prognosis of six months or less to live, many patients live longer. For Anna, having hospice has improved her quality of life.

“Anna is a fairly rare case in that she’s been on and off hospice multiple times over the past four years,” said Amy Bartlett, Clinical Manager at Care Dimensions. “That’s certainly not a bad thing. Anna understands her right to choose between comfort care and curative treatment. Medicare doesn't allow both simultaneously, so when unexpected health situations arise, Anna can choose to pursue treatment and leave hospice, in her case temporarily. She's always been the decision maker for her health choices."

Anna’s current stay on hospice has lasted a year now, and she couldn’t be happier with the care, and the results.

“The nurses and aides come multiple times during the week to help me. It’s making a difference. My leg (which doctors had talked about amputating) is looking better,” said Anna. “In addition to the physical care, it’s the way they talk with me. They treat me like a person, not a victim.”

“Because our team has been working with Anna for so long, they’ve developed strong relationships with her,” continued Amy. “When she has a question about her care, she can ask someone on the clinical team and get an answer she can trust. In hospice, it’s all about building those types of relationships.”

Prioritizing Relationships and Quality of Life

Among those who have Anna’s trust is nurse Julie Ramsdell.

“Julie is a gem. She really is a gem,” said Anna. “She's warm, she's loving, she's caring and she's wonderful. Every person I've met with Care Dimensions has been lovely.”

“Anna has been able to receive the care she needs in the comfort of her own home,” said Julie. “As part of the interdisciplinary team, we offer education to Anna, allowing her to make her own decisions regarding her care. Anna truly grasps the concept of ‘quality of life’ and chooses to live her best life despite her limitations.”

Julie says her visits go well beyond what many would describe as “traditional” medical care. She talks with Anna about her family and her history of travel, as well as catching up on current events and fashion.

“These visits are so much more than a medical intervention. Over time, a friendship has formed. We both look forward to our visits together. It is a privilege and an honor to care for and get to know Anna.”

For many, the word “hospice” can be scary, but for Anna, it has always been about living life to the fullest.

“In many ways, I think she's a great advocate and spokesperson for hospice," said clinical manager Amy. “She is very aware of her health and how to best take care of herself.”

“Hospice didn’t frighten me at all. In fact, it was something I looked forward to. I knew they were going to help me. And I’ve gotten so much help since I’ve been with Care Dimensions.”