A Good Death: The inside story of a hospice 

My mom used to be Director of Nursing in an Hospice center for the elderly. She cared so much for her job. She loved her residents and she saw so many pass away. I don’t know how she did it for so long. She was my hero. She lived 7 years after she retired.

Hospice workers are angels on earth. 🤲🏻😢🕊🙏🏻

My dad is on day 2 of hospice he has stage 4 bile duct cancer. It’s so hard especially that he completely stopped talking but I know he can hear. It’s like he has already drifted into another dimension. This is so hard. I have so much respect for those in this industry.

My aunt started hospice and is actively dying right now and they are so helpful and kind. They care for her and offer her the spiritual comfort she needs to most. I said goodbye today as she has a max of 3 days left and they have done nothing but care for her, pray with her and treat her pain. Hospice is truly an amazing thing and I’m glad it exists,

My dad was 45 when he lost the battle with cancer i was 23 it broke my heart in a whole different way than ever before!! My dad had 2mnths in the Rotherham hospice i take my hat off to the nurses,staff and volunteers they cared for my dad and helped me beyond their duty of care even after he passed. They truly are Angels

I'm an in home caregiver for the elderly. Sometimes I care for people who are nearing the end. Most of them are blissfully accepting of it and it's taught me a lot.

Dude i work as a caregiver we had this young boy on hospice for muscular dystrophy i never understood what hospice was until i saw him take his last breath rest in peace matthew i was never the same after that day they say dont get too attached to ur clients but gah dam dude i will never b the same

My late dad lived with us for over 11 years, then at 87 was diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer,I did palliative care in our home until I could no longer move him.. We went to hospice where I stayed with him holding his hand for 5 days 24/7 I remember how peaceful my dad was when the angels of nurses gave him a bubble bath for the first time in weeks wow... Hospice was wonderful and made me be a daughter to my dad instead of a caregiver and what a journey it was for both of us.. I was always afraid of death but being with my dad, and in hospice was a beautiful journey back home for him❤️

I took a CNA course 2yrs ago, unfortunately i was unable to do my clinicals. This video and others alike have inspired me to go back. I have every book, all my notes and every exam. It would fill my heart to be able to show people compassion and companionship during such difficult times. Wish me luck🤞🏾

Clive Smith is my grandad i couldn't thank St Luke's enough for everything they have done for my grandad he was very proud of the place and really did appreciate everything they did for him xx

My best friend just died of lung cancer. She drove herself to the hospital on Sept 1st and passed away 13 days later. I didn't think cancer killed that fast. It took her so fast that none of us had enouph time to say everything we needed to say. I still can't grasp what has happened.

My dad has Parkinson’s, dementia and dysphasia. My sister called me today to tell me they’re transporting my dad to hospice for comfort measures. I saw my dad about one week ago and told him how much I love him and asked for forgiveness for being a terrible teen. Today, I was able to FaceTime my dad and tell him how much I love him. 😭

As a CNA, I've worked a lot of hospice in my years and have seen some amazing people pass.I'm 65 years old and still learning!

I'm about to become a hospice care nurse and I hope that I make each and every one of my patients as comfortable as can be in their transition. I hope their families think of me as someone who did everything she could for her patients ❤️

My grandmother died from cancer years ago and we could not have done it without hospice care. They made it so easy to help make her last days the way she wanted. She was at home with family.

My husband stayed at home and Hospice came to him during his last week. Until that time, I was his sole caregiver for several years. He had several medical issues, one being Parkinson's, which wasn't his biggest problem but affected his balance so he was confined to a wheel chair. His greatest pleasure besides eating, was showering. SHOWERING. I put his commode in the shower, without the pot, and then would roll him into bathroom where we managed to get him to sit under the shower. He loved it. He forgot everything and relished every little droplet that kissed his body.

This makes my heart smile! I am so proud to be a hospice volunteer!

My husband was only 45 years old when he passed with cancer in 2018 a gentle soul he suffered so so much and just wanted to go he had no quality of life and still had pain in hospice sometimes its not enough. i will keep fighting to get laws changed for our choice at the end.

my mother died in a hospice facility she received wonderful care my father had hospice home care again wonderful care

My mother just died at home 2 weeks ago. It was a peaceful gentle death but I wish I had been more familiar with the process. The palliative care nurses were such a great help. Forever grateful to them.

This is my destiny to make them feel as loved, and cherished as they transition over to the other side. I love the elderly so much.

There needs to be a law to allow for assisted suicide instead of just waiting to die.

My sister passed away peacefully, at The Residence in Darien ,CT, on Jan 28, 2021. I salute all the caregivers, doctors ,nurses, hospice, and the chef, for taking such great care of my sister.

My late partner died of lung cancer 15 days after we started hospice. Before we brought him home, in the hospital I was crying and completely alone. Once home things were entirely different and hospice, myself and Jeff were in control and the emotional support incredible for both of us. They didn't leave the house after he died and the funeral home claimed his body until they knew I was coping better.

If i'm diagnosed with a terminal disease . I want options and one of them is for me to have the right to say i had enough . I want to be able to take my own life . I want to go in my sleep .

Today it was my dad’s funeral , o lost him due to cancer, he fought so hard. Yet he was so hopeful to live . He was in hospice for the last 2 days, he was so relaxed in hospice . Hospice is just a beautiful thing.

Something about being so close to death seems beautiful. By what I understand, being so close to death is sobering, humbling, eye-opening, and without room for frivolous nonsense-- a lot of raw humanity coming out regularly.

I’m 17 and got my CNA last year and am getting into hospice care. My long term goal is nurse practitioner midwife or mortician, but as someone who deals with death frequently, it warms my heart to hear people discuss it openly and freely

Hospice is such a beautiful thing. I've been a part of hospice care for many years and I always feel so graced that I get to be apart of people's lives in such a glorious way.

Hospice was a Godsend when my father was dying of Cancer, they were so compassionate, loiving and very caring, they walked us through the process and explained to us what was happening and what would happen next. We couldn't have gotten through it without them🙏 God Bless Them 🙏

My Mother had hospice and she died from cancer. She had 11 years with it where she was in and out of remission. I was with her the nite she transition at 11.pm. I went to sleep woke up and she had the most beautiful smile on her face.

My dad just died an hour at a really nice Hospice with my mom, smy sister and me around him. It was very peaceful. I'm going to look into volunteering for them. Everyone was so nice

Hospice is so amazing I have a friend that’s a hospice nurse and she absolutely loves it and I had a friend that had terminal cancer and hospice was so great with her they give their whole heart to their patients I love all of them .

There is nothing worse in life than to have a love one in hospice, knowing that their days are counted.My mother was in hospice for two years before her passing.It was the worst time in my life.

The world needs more places like this.

My father came home on Hospice in February 4, 2020 and went to be with the Lord on February 10, 2020. Optimal Hospice was wonderful.

Marie curie was a amazing at looking after my uncle he had 4 weeks to live and only stayed in the hospice for 5 days and he passed they were a wonderful support to all of us .x

I work in a hospice. We often don't get referrals until just before someone dies. This means unnecessary pain & suffering. We can't provide a quality death or the support people need in the days & weeks beforehand, which just leaves painful memories for those left behind

These workers are like angels comforting someone who is about to enter eternal life. I never knew death is so comforting around people who trully care.

The support groups aspect is incredibly helpful. My sister is stage 4 OC and it’s hard being alone and afraid. A problem shared is a problem cut in half. What an organization St Luke’s is. God bless and keep these workers. ❤

"It is not the length of life, but the depth of life." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

3/16/21: My aunt who is 92 years old is likely going to be starting hospice care sometime soon. It’s really sad though because she’s in another state and I’m going to visit her for likely the last time next week. I’ll give an update when she passes as bad as that sounds but I want others to understand the process and how it unfortunately ends. 3/28/21 Update: I just left from seeing her a few hours ago and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. We both knew it would probably be the last time we saw each other but saying the final goodbye was heartbreaking. She said that she loved me, told me to look out for my family and myself and said to stay with the right crew. I’ll check back in once it’s official but I don’t see myself seeing her again before she’s gone.

Hospice caregivers are absolute Godsends🙏 when we took my Dad home to die per his wish, Hospice was right there guiding us through the death process we couldn't have gotten through it without their help ❤ we will be forever grateful to them 🙏❤

My grandad is in hospice now. I’ve sent him a card and a message on my phone. All I can hope is that he knows how much I love him, even towards the end. Surrounded with love and funny stories

Her strength and resolve is remarkable. God bless her.

We’re facing this with my dad. I just want him to be comfortable and not in pain ❤️

My mother died of cancer over 25 years ago and a woman from Hospice was there. That woman was crude, bossy, and predominate. I will NOT have Hospice in MY home when I die.

My Mum's cousin used to be Matron of our local hospice. She did an amazing job. Sadly, her Dad, husband, sister & herself, all went on to need the care of the hospice that she helped to run. They all passed away from various forms of cancer. But the hospice & McMillan nurses made things so much easier for them all. They're amazing people.

After losing my partner of 45 years recently and having used Hospice what people need to understand about Hospice is this is NOT about curing an illness but making their last moments as comfortable as possible.He lasted 3 days in hospice.

These people need to get paid double

I'll never forget the fact that a nurse took my sister to have sushi in the cafeteria the day before she passed since it was her favorite food. Medical workers deserve so much more than what we give them.

My mum died of breast cancer and was totally let down by her palliative nurses on her final day , no1 answered our calls and she was screaming in pain it was horrendous and we now have to live with that

" I am under Hospice care in the USA and your Hospice care is awesome ! "

The money wasted on the Royal Family and all the pomp and pageantry would be better used for these units, the staff and the patients.

It's very sad to hear that the funding for hospice care is being cut. They do an amazing job and they deserve more praise for the jobs that they do! After losing my dad who passed away in a hospice recently I see these amazing people In A different light And they should be recognised alot more than they are.

I wish we had a place like this in every city in America.

My husband a lifelong non smoker was initially told he had a golf injury, by the time they scanned him the cancer had spread to his other lung & his liver. I got absolutely no support.

I tear up watching this. Cause I lost my dad in July 4 2019 it’s been three years he was in hospice and now my mom in home hospice.😢

I am young and terminally ill as well with failing organs. it has been hard but I know that their is something that is after this. this is awesome facility i wish we had something like that here that really cares for people. We are human. We don’t so I am at home with my husband and kitty and we do the best we can I will miss them a lot. I know I will see them again. Everyone’s says put a bright face on and I try but honestly it’s easier for them to say it. it’s been hard struggling to stay alive every moment. I am hoping that when it’s god will to take me it’s in my sleep.. god bless everyone

My mom was in hospice for a week losing her has been the hardest thing ever. We lost her on August 12 2019💔

I belong to dignity in dying - I am in remission from bowel cancer & have made a living will to ensure I die in my own home looking at my beautiful garden - I remember my late father living in a caré home as my mother was not fit enough to look after him -she was almost 90 years old - it was so depressing to see my once vibrant father just sat in a chair dribbling - no stimulation just waiting to die -horrendous & I am not going to through the same thing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My grandmother has just started on hospice, she’s transitioning into the final stages of dementia with lewy bodies. It’s sad seeing the obvious and rapid decline as the days go on, and I can vividly remember her as she was normally, as well as every stage on her downward descent. It sucks, I hope she doesn’t suffer much more. In all honesty I don’t think she’ll live to see the end of the year, the medicine Hospice put her on is obviously killing her. I think it’s probably best though, she’s lived a miserable 86 years with abusive husbands, parents, and fighting poverty. She’s suffered her whole life and I know she doesn’t deserve to suffer anymore.

These people are real life superheroes. Bless the patients and their employees ♥️♥️plus I love that Chef Nicks majestic beard and fabulous moustache!!♥️♥️

Hello from the United States of America. I live here in Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA. As a younger woman I became a Hospice volunteer. What a wonderful experience it was. Getting to meet different people and make some very pleasant memories. As a volunteer, I would spend time with the patient so that their family member could leave the home and spend time with other family and friends in their life. Respite time for the family is so important to their own psyche. To give them a lift to be able to return to their love one with a more peaceful feel to continue to care for the patient. Bless these families and friends who choose to care so deeply for their love ones. 🙏

My mom died in 2001,she had been sent home to die. Hospice came in,set up her bed showed us to do the morphine and left,this was on a Thursday we didn’t see hospice again until Monday when she died. We just hoped we were doing everything right. Hospice wasn’t very helpful,they didn’t even call to check on her.

Beautiful tribute to death. Quantity vs.Quality.I am a transplant patient,59 years old, and even at this age I am an advocate for quality, 100%.

My dad had a stroke, survive 7years, but has he got worst we called hospice, he was around about 1 week after that... At home

So sorry for everyone's loss. Prayers sent 🙏

My father in law was sent to hospital after a cancer diagnosis. 4 weeks from diagnosis til he passed. Hospice care was amazing, staff were great, he does a peaceful death surrounded by all of us

the care people are really wonderful people, just great

Hospice caregivers are Angels on earth and love what they do helping patients and their families even after the end, for as long as is needed.

Hospice care needs to be every where for everyone and their families. Wonderful angels and so helpful and comforting to the patients and the family God bless them all and may His presence and love work through their hands always as he does in our hearts.

A little over a month before my mom died she decided to go into home hospice. On June 14th 7 years ago she passed. two of the best things about it was: 1. They kept her very comfortable with pain management and 2. they gave my dad an earth magnet to use is her defibrillator in her chest start to fire while she was dying. Thank fully that we did not have to use the magnet, she passed on peacefully with her whole family around her.

Take the fear of death away By assisting the dying when they say it's time. I know what I am talking about as I am terminally ill myself.

My dad died1year ago in April he was in hospice at home we had to see him passaway my heart is still 💔 I loved him so much 💔 my heart is very broken the hardest thing I have ever seen know more

My Prayers this hurts my heart God please heal these people..🙏🙏🙌

I was allowed to bring my grandads dog to see him every day while he was in a hospice, he used to save the meat off his sandwiches to give her, when the nurses found out they gave him extra sandwiches! The nurses also used to hang out in his room after hours, he had his marbles just weak with cancer. Two of his favourite nurses came to his funeral, it was a lovely experience if that doesn't sound strange

The staff that do this job are my heroes

My mum was in a hospice I will never forget it the last few days horrible to see your love ones in pain noting worst I miss my mum every single day it's hard:-(

Nobody has mentioned the chef, nutrition is always important even leading up to death. Well done sir!

My Dad was heading towards the end of his life He wasnt hungry but fancied some salad cream on a piece of bread One of the cleaners went home and got the salad cream she had for my Dad I can never thank her enough for such kindness Dad ate two mouthfuls next day at tea time he died cradled in my arms Just me and my little Dad. It was a lovely end of life he had no pain I held him close to me and sang to him and kissed the top of his head then he was gone Jenny

This is what I used when my nephew's condition became very grave. He was able to die at home; though it was my husband, a family friend, and I who were with him. They helped me let my nephew go.

Bless all of them

My mom fell ill xmas day ours lives took a 360 Found out her cancer is now in the brain Was in the hospital till 2 weeks ago when she was sent home through hospice It has all gone so fast & these videos help me learn and go through it She isnt talking or reacting anymore

My fil died on Sunday 3rd April 2016 in the most horrific and terrifying death I've ever seen. His hospice care was due to start the next day as they thought he had a bit longer, but they r all Angel's these people, absolute Angel's.

Sadly, hospices are cost prohibitive for most of us! Why is there nothing in place for the majority of us?

Lost my mom to lung cancer 6 years ago. She fought so hard - when she got to hospice, she was finally able to relax.

God bless to all the people that are in hospice care

I hope to work for Hospice next year leaving a skilled care unit to do so. Had taken care of both of my grandparents. It’s hard but a field that needs helps. Bless everyone

My mum passed away in a hospice, she was at Dr Kershaw Hospice for 15 days before she passed away. the nurses and doctors was amazing at the hospice caring for my mum.

It's so so sad when I watch these videos 😭 my daughter in law was 30when she past away and left and 8 year old daughter it's was so sat to see her like that but she never mornd once in 1 ayear and a half she was told she had breast cancer but it went right through her so let them all rest in peace x

My brother had Hospice, it was terrible

This is amazing. It shows that there is goodness out in the world. Quality of life is a lot more important than quantity.

What a great concept! Other hospice facilities could learn from this, it’s great seeing they offer parents plenty of things to enjoy rather than just sitting in a room thinking about the end all the time.

My partners grandfather went to a hospice last year. I have never met my own grandparents (none of them), and her side of our family has always felt like my own family. He was my grandpa too and treated me as such too. His wife, grandma, passed 6 months earlier. Just old age. After she passed, he did not enjoy life anymore and felt like it was enough. The hospice care was the best place for him and he wanted this and accepted this and his end. It was what he wanted and we accepted it and could prepare for it weeks in advance. It was beautiful. The day after he moved to the hospice, my partners other grandfather would come and visit in the hospice as well. He never showed up. We went to his house to check on him, and found him on the floor with a brain bleed. He was paralyzed and left unable to speak. It came out of nowhere, he was perfectly healthy for all we knew. He could communicate with his eyes and decided that he did not want any further treatment, as the paralysis could not be reverted. He went to the same hospice as the other grandfather where they saw each other one last day. It was beautiful, but two completely different scenarios where in one case we were able to give it a place and accept it for what it was and at the same time a different scenario out of the blue, with at the end the same outcomes. Both passed away within days of each other. It was a hard year for all of us and the two completely different endings in life have taken its toll. The carers in the hospice did everything in their power to accompany us in this unusual event and this has helped us process it a lot.

I wish i could stop death. I wish i could save people.

My dad wanted quantity of life, fought to live till his very end!

I have copd and I'm getting worse my breathing is deteriorating every day I know I'm going to die soon but I'm not scared and looking forward to not going through this anymore it feels like slow suffocation everyday horrible condition that affects me everyday

What a wonderful report - capturing what Hospice does and how it helps those facing End of Life and helps their caregivers as well. Well done and kudos to all the wonderful and compassionate workers and volunteers who make it all possible!

I have a mental illness. These terminally ill patients are more positive about life than I am and I'm not terminally ill.