Hospice Patient Stories -- Care Dimensions

Patient Stories

Hospice Care

Helping a Son Navigate His Mother’s Journey with Dementia

Russell Grand knew his mother's dementia was worsening, so he turned to Care Dimensions to help, first with palliative care, then specialized hospice care.
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Care Dimensions Supports Artist's Last Sculpture

Dan Browne of Salem was a sculptor who continued with his art while on hospice to produce his last piece, "Smoking Gun." His wife Arlene, his caregiver, is grateful for the support of his hospice team "when we needed them the most."
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Jack Loved Living Life to its Fullest

 

In the fall of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jack, 91, was in the hospital being treated for complications from advanced heart and kidney conditions when his family decided to bring their dad home on hospice with Care Dimensions. Jack loved living life to the fullest, and hospice gave him eight more great weeks living it with family, the people who mattered the most to him.

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Bucket List Trip: Back to the Beach

Hampton Beach, NH, has always meant fun and family to Bonnie Landry. Here's how her Care Dimensions hospice team helped her return to the beach with her family for an "absolutely perfect trip."
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Cardiac Program Support Enables Patient to Fulfill Dream of Family Reunion in Egypt

Close telemonitoring of her health and quick adjustments of her medications helped keep Clair’s heart health in check while allowing her to remain home and out of the hospital. And plan her reunion trip to Egypt.
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Care Dimensions Hospice Team Links Mother and Daughter During COVID

When COVID-19 pandemic precautions and restrictions prevented her from visiting her mom, Bertha, in her memory care unit, the Care Dimensions hospice team provided the communications lifeline Dale needed, serving as her "eyes and ears."
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Then Harry Met Kathryn

Harry decided to stop his chemotherapy in 2020 for a better quality of life, so Kathryn turned to the Care Dimensions hospice team for expert help at home. To better manage his symptoms during two health crises, Harry was transferred to the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln. "Because of the wonderful care from the hospice team, Harry died with dignity with his loved ones by his side," Kathryn said.
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Rosalie's Art of Healing

Since Care Dimensions hospice patient Rosalie Marie Cardoza Cioffi, 85, started drawing and sharing her art on Facebook, her anxiety and stress levels have lessened naturally, so check-in video calls with her RN case manager have been reduced from two video calls a week to only one.

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On Care Dimensions Hospice, 'I Continue to Live My LIfe'

Fiercely independent, Fernando "Frank" Matos, 91, chose hospice at home after two years of treatment for pancreatic cancer, for the continuity of care he wanted. "I want people to know that if you come on hospice early, you can live better days."

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Care Dimensions Helps Young Father Meet End-of-Life Goals

Audias Escobar moved from Guatelmala to Boston to pursue his American Dream in 2005. With his health rapidly declining, he wanted to secure a bright future for his daughter. His Care Dimensions hospice team helped him make arrangements for his daughter's continued care and for a final trip home.
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Care Dimensions Counsels Family Overwhelmed by Toll of Alzheimer's disease

The Care Dimensions hospice team has cared for Jim Wilson, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013, supporting his family with in-person and virtual supports and dealing with their grief.
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Fulfilling Bucket List Dreams is Part of Patient Care

Because of COVID-19 precautions, the visit to the Encore Boston Harbor on John Kelemanik’s bucket list wasn’t possible, so the Care Dimensions team created a special casino night for him and his family at home.
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Hospice Helps Couple Make Memories - One Visit at a Time

For 95-year-old Aaron Wiseman, getting to spend some time each weekday with Roslyn, his wife of 70 years, means a lot. Thanks to his Care Dimensions hospice aide Kenia, he gets to do just that.
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Hospice Gave Our Family 8 More Months with My Father

Brenda Nikas-Hayes recalls how hospice with Care Dimensions gave her father, Ernie, "a really great quality of life" for eight additional months.
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Collaboration is Cornerstone to Increasing Access to Hospice Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Skip was born with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and many health issues. After battling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Skip was suggested to consider hospice care at home. 
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Veteran at Kaplan House Takes Virtual Tour of WWII Memorial

Care Dimensions arranges for a special Virtual Tour of the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. for a veteran patient at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.

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Hospice Helps Couple Enjoy Their Final Weeks Together

Care Dimensions helped create special memories for hospice patients Rose and David Rosenthal, who were able to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary at their long-term care facility with family and friends.
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Till Death Do Us Part

Mary and Alphonse Gokas were inseparable, including during their last days at Kaplan House, where they held hands one last time.

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Patient Thrives on Hospice Care with Veteran Volunteer

Joe MacDonald's health rebounded on hospice care. He especially enjoyed the companionship of his Veteran-to-Veteran volunteer Tom Pendergast.

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Patient Treasures His Volunteer Visits

Frank Medeiros, a 30-year volunteer, brought companionship to a patient by driving him through Nahant or to a Rockport candy store for saltwater taffy.

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Cardiac Patient Finds Help from Specialized Hospice Care Program

The close monitoring from Care Dimensions' Cardiac Program has improved Joe DeSalvo's health and kept him at home and out of the hospital.
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Supporting Patients with Special Needs

Music therapy helps Kat Flynn express herself and provides stress release and comfort while on hospice care.
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Crucial Support Eases Stress on Caregivers

Care Dimensions helped Lynn resident Linda Cloran's experience with hospice for her husband more bearable. 
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Jewish Hospice Program Cares for Patients and Families

After losing his wife Sandy to cancer, Barry Kahn participated in Care Dimensions' Grieving Loss in a Jewish Way program. “It was extremely helpful to process the Jewish aspect of grieving.”
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Pediatric Hospice Allowed Baby Jordan to Live His Life to the Fullest

Jenna and Paul Clapp made the hard decision to opt for hospice care for their infant son, Jordan.
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Music Therapy Helps Patients Connect and Express Themselves

Surrounded by the artwork she created and collected, Marjorie (Pat) Lawrence, 94, was still enamored with the arts, especially music, until her death. Her visits with Care Dimensions' music therapist Li Kynvi became a focal point for Pat.
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Since 1978, Care Dimensions has provided comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. As the non-profit leader in advanced illness care, we offer services in more than 95 communities in Eastern Massachusetts.