Hospice Inpatient Unit

Our newly-renovated and expanded Hospice Inpatient Unit provides care to hospice patients who are unable to comfortably manage their pain or symptoms at home.

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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 - Icon of a childs hand holding a caregivers hand

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

Understanding Inpatient Hospice Services: A Look Inside Inpatient Hospice Unit and Levels of Care

Understanding Inpatient Hospice Services: A Look Inside Inpatient Hospice Unit and Levels of Care

When a loved one enters hospice care, families are often faced with a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. One of the key considerations is where hospice care will be delivered—and for some patients, a freestanding hospice unit becomes the best option. Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care has a dedicated facility in Joliet, Illinois, which provides specialized, around-the-clock care in a comfortable, homelike setting.

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The Healing Power of Integrative Therapies in Hospice Care

The Healing Power of Integrative Therapies in Hospice Care

When a person enters hospice care, the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort, dignity, and quality of life. At this stage, integrative therapies—such as aromatherapy, massage therapy, and music therapy—play a unique and vital role in supporting not only patients, but also their families and care teams.

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Hospice and Palliative care Nutrition

Hospice and Palliative care Nutrition

A hospice dietitian plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for patients receiving care, whether at home or in a facility. Dietitians can assist in developing individualized nutrition plans tailored to the patient’s specific medical conditions, treatment goals, and personal preferences, particularly addressing symptoms like loss of appetite and nausea.

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Patients and families

Testimonials

“The total care patient/family far exceeded anything I expected. Kori Schmidt, our nurse, was outstanding, she explained everything thoroughly and gave our loved one care with compassion. Vicky, our CNA, arrived cheerfully and delivered exceptional care to my husband, with dignity. Meds, equipment were delivered punctually.”

Lightways is truly the Gold Standard for hospice care. Every person we interacted with was excellent, even the equipment delivery people. At the end, the music therapy was very comforting. Lights of Love event was so wonderful. Kudos to our nurse and CNA. They were both wonderful!

“Every member of your staff brought gentle and peaceful care to my mom. The facility itself is peaceful and provided meals, snacks and drinks for the family. The setting and natural surroundings is beautiful. No questions or concerns seemed unimportant for your staff. Family members and friends, elderly to young children were welcomed. Thank you!”

Thank You to Our 2025 Annual Sponsors