Daughter says at-home care a ‘godsend’ for Lemont parents with dementia
Nicole Hartley, lead nurse practitioner for Lightways’ serious illness care program, checks the vitals of Bob Jolly at his home on Wednesday March 6, 2024, in Lemont. (Gary Middendorf/[email protected])
The couple receives services from Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet
By Denise M. Baran-Unland
A Lemont resident is considering changing careers one day, thanks to the wonderful care a Joliet hospice is giving her parents.
Kathy Jenner cares for her parents in her home – and both have dementia. Jenner said her dad, Robert Jolly, 87, entered the serious illness care program at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet two years ago.
Jenner said her mother, Carole Jolly, 84, entered the program several months ago.
Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, formerly known as Joliet Area Community Hospice, offers serious illness care program for people experiencing advanced, chronic, or life-limiting illnesses, including dementia.
Services may include managing cancer-related pain, symptom management, understanding goals of care and medication choices and care coordination, said Lisa Heiy, director of Lightways’ serious illness care program.
“A lot of times his behavior was extremely concerning and distressing, even for him, let alone us living with him. And I think that, without that support, I would have gone to the ER at times.”
— Kathy Jenner of Lemont, whose father with dementia receives care from Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet
Jenner said when a doctor recommended she seek either hospice or palliative care for her father, she researched her options and asked friends and colleagues — Jenner works in health care — for recommendations. Lightways was the top recommendation, so Jenner reached out.
COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 UpdatesAs our communities address and manage the COVID-19 risk, please know that Joliet Area Community Hospice continues to provide hospice care, palliative care and bereavement services at the Hospice Home, at patient residences or in care facilities. We are...
COVID-19 Statement from Joliet Area Community Hospice
As our communities address and manage the COVID-19 risk, please know that Joliet Area Community Hospice continues to provide hospice care, palliative care and bereavement services at the Hospice Home, at patient residences or in care facilities.
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration
Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) will be celebrating and honoring Vietnam Era Veterans at their inaugural Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration to take place at American Legion Post 18, 15052 Archer Ave., Lockport, on Saturday evening, March 21, 2020.