Hospice Care
Lightways Hospice care provides physical, emotional and spiritual support for patients with a terminal illness.
Pediatric Care
Lightways Pediatric Care Team is here to help enhance the quality of life for your child and family.
Serious Illness Care
Lightways helps people with advanced, chronic or life-limiting illnesses with clear-headed, practical and kind counsel to patients and family.
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.

News & Educational Resources
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.
Living with ALS: How Serious Illness Care Enhances Quality of Life
Receiving a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) can be life-altering and deeply overwhelming. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually impairing muscle control. While there is currently no cure, there is hope in the form of compassionate, supportive care. Serious Illness Care or Palliative Care offers an essential layer of support for individuals living with ALS and their families—starting from diagnosis and throughout the journey.
Understanding Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care): A Compassionate Approach to Living Well
When faced with a serious illness, patients and their families often feel overwhelmed by the medical system, symptom burden, and emotional stress. In such moments, Serious Illness Care or palliative care can be a powerful, supportive ally—yet it remains one of the most misunderstood services in healthcare. This blog explores what palliative care truly is, its benefits, why early enrollment matters, and the common myths that surround it.