Grief Support

Grief support is offered to all Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness families and extends to anyone in the community in need of our services.

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Hospice Care

Lightways Hospice care provides physical, emotional and spiritual support for patients with a terminal illness.

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Pediatric Care

Lightways Pediatric Care Team is here to help enhance the quality of life for your child and family.

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Serious Illness Care

Lightways helps people with advanced, chronic or life-limiting illnesses with clear-headed, practical and kind counsel to patients and family.

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Hospice and Serious Illness Care

About Lightways

Founded in 1982 as Joliet Area Community Hospice, Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care is an independent, nonprofit healthcare provider licensed in 11 counties in Illinois. We provide exceptional serious illness care, hospice care and grief support for adults and children.

Lightways Nursing Staff

News & Educational Resources

Hospice vs. Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care): Understanding the Key Differences

Hospice vs. Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care): Understanding the Key Differences

When faced with a chronic illness, patients and their families often encounter terms like hospice and serious illness care (palliative care). While both are forms of care focused on comfort and quality of life, they have distinct purposes, goals, and timing. In this blog, we will dive into the differences between hospice and palliative care to help you understand how each approach can support you or a loved one during a challenging time.

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Patients and families

Testimonials

“We loved the hospice facility. The staff was supportive and caring. we thank you for all the care that was given to our sister and her family.”

“High quality staff visiting the home and the hospice facility. My husband was treated with great respect. our family was very grateful for the care he received. I could not have done it alone.”

“We were very pleased with the care team, nurses and doctor etc. because of the care, and respect given to our loved one by the care team from the beginning of his stay to the end of his journey, we asked in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Lightways.”

Thank You to Our 2025 Annual Sponsors