Lightways: Educating The Public About Serious Illness Care
Many people are familiar with hospice, but some do not know the meaning of serious illness care or palliative care. Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care is committed to educating the public about the importance of serious illness care.
Serious Illness Care, also known as palliative care, is offered to people who are experiencing advanced, chronic, or life-limiting illnesses, including cardiac serious illnesses. Services include pain related to malignancy and symptom management, care coordination, and support for family members.
“When Lightways changed its name to reflect our regional service area, we also changed the name of our palliative care program,” said Lisa Heiy, director. “We learned most people did not know what palliative care meant and we wanted to adopt a name that better described our program and its services.”
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.
How Hospice and Palliative Care Can Help Patients with Cardiac Disease
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting millions of individuals and their families. For patients living with severe heart disease, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life are paramount.
Lightways Hospice in Joliet dedicates street to former CEO Duane Krieger
Lightways CEO Mary Kay Sheehan speaks at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet for the dedication of Honorary Duane Krieger Drive on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. (Denise Unland)