How Serious Illness (Palliative) Care Empowers Those Living with Breast Cancer

How Serious Illness (Palliative) Care Empowers Those Living with Breast Cancer

Oct 16, 2025 | Serious Illness Care

Supporting the Journey: How Serious Illness (Palliative) Care Empowers Those Living with Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer support ribbon

Every October, the world turns pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to celebrate survivors, remember those we have lost, and renew our commitment to early detection and comprehensive care. Yet behind the ribbons and fundraising walks lies another essential part of the breast cancer journey — one that deserves more attention: Serious Illness Care, also known as palliative care.

What Is Serious Illness Care?

Serious Illness Care is a specialized approach focused on improving the quality of life for individuals living with serious illnesses like breast cancer. It is not limited to end-of-life support — in fact, it can begin at diagnosis and continue alongside active treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

At its heart, Serious Illness Care provides an extra layer of support from a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurse practitioners, social workers, and other professionals who partner with a patient’s oncology team. Together, they manage symptoms, ease emotional distress, and help patients and families navigate complex medical decisions with clarity and compassion.

For those living with breast cancer, this care may include:

  • Relief from pain and symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, breathlessness, or neuropathy
  • Emotional and spiritual support helps cope with anxiety, depression, and uncertainty.
  • Guidance to make treatment decisions aligned with personal goals and values.
  • Support for families and caregivers who face their own emotional and practical challenges.

Palliative care complements — not replaces — oncology treatments. Patients can receive this support at any stage of their illness, helping them live as fully and comfortably as possible.

Why Serious Illness Care Matters

A breast cancer diagnosis changes everything. Treatment can bring physical exhaustion, emotional strain, and countless unknowns. Serious Illness Care steps in to ease that burden and restore balance — addressing the person, not just the disease.

  1. Managing Pain and Side Effects
    Expert symptom management and integrative therapies such as massage or relaxation techniques reduce discomfort, allowing patients to focus on healing and living well.
  2. Emotional Healing and Resilience
    Serious Illness Care teams support patients and families through fear, grief, and uncertainty — ensuring no one walks this path alone.
  3. Clarity and Communication
    Specialists help patients understand their options and make informed choices that reflect their wishes, values, and quality-of-life goals.
  4. Family Support
    Loved ones often shoulder heavy caregiving and emotional responsibilities. Serious Illness Care provides them with guidance, respite, and counseling to sustain their strength and hope.

Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month — and Expanding the Conversation

October is more than a symbol of awareness — it is a call to action. Beyond early detection, we must also champion care that nurtures comfort, dignity, and connection at every stage of the journey.

By embracing Serious Illness Care, we ensure that those living with breast cancer receive not only expert medical treatment but also the emotional and spiritual care that makes each day more meaningful.

At Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, we bring light into life’s most challenging times — offering relief, understanding, and hope to patients and families across our community.

This October, as we wear our pink ribbons, let us also raise our voices for Serious Illness Care — an essential part of treatment, healing, and living better through breast cancer.

Information

For more information, contact Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care at 815.740.4104.

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

Call 815.740.4104

The Heart of Hospice: How Volunteers Make the Difference

The Heart of Hospice: How Volunteers Make the Difference

Sep 25, 2025 | Light the Way Blog

The Heart of Hospice: How Volunteers Make the Difference

Lightways Hospice integrative music therapy

Volunteering with a nonprofit hospice organization is not just about giving your time—it’s about making a profound difference in someone’s life.

At Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, our volunteers are an essential part of the care team, bringing comfort, dignity, and connection to patients and families during one of life’s most tender chapters.

Unlike other healthcare settings, hospice care is not only about medical support—it’s about creating moments of peace, compassion, and humanity. Volunteers make that possible. As a nonprofit hospice, Lightways relies on volunteers to extend the reach of our care and add the extra touches of kindness that clinical teams alone cannot provide.

The Impact of a Hospice Volunteer

  • Volunteers hold a hand so patients don’t feel alone.
  • They give family caregivers a chance to rest, knowing someone compassionate is present.
  • They create memorial bears from loved ones’ clothing, giving families a tangible way to remember.
  • They answer phones, make check-in calls, and assist with projects that keep services running smoothly.
  • Each act—big or small—ripples out to provide comfort, reassurance, and dignity at a time when families need it most.

Do Hospice Volunteers Need Special Training?

No prior experience is necessary. Lightways provides training to ensure volunteers feel confident and supported. Many volunteers share that they not only gain new skills but also experience personal growth, perspective, and a deeper sense of purpose.

What Makes a Great Hospice Volunteer?

Compassion, empathy, and reliability are at the heart of this role. Excellent listening skills, a non-judgmental attitude, and flexibility help volunteers make meaningful connections with patients and families.

Do I Need a Lot of Time to Volunteer?

Not at all. Some volunteers give just one or two hours a week. Others help during specific times of the year or around their schedules. Every moment matters—and every hour volunteered brings light to someone’s day.

Recognizing Our Volunteers

At Lightways, we know that volunteers give from the heart. That’s why we celebrate their contributions in meaningful ways, including an annual recognition event. But more importantly, volunteers see their impact every day—in a patient’s smile, a family’s gratitude, and the peace they help create.

Why It Matters

Many people say, “I don’t think I could do that.” But time and again, new volunteers discover that hospice work is not about sadness—it’s about creating moments of joy, relief, and connection when they are needed most. Volunteers often say they receive far more than they give.

No matter your background, age, skills, or availability, there is a place for you at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care. Your time, your kindness, and your presence can change lives.

Become a Volunteer

Learn more about becoming a volunteer or call us directly at 815.740.4104.

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

Call 815.740.4104

The Positive Benefits of Integrative Therapies in Hospice Care for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients

The Positive Benefits of Integrative Therapies in Hospice Care for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients

Sep 11, 2025 | Hospice Care, Light the Way Blog

Integrative Therapies in Hospice Care for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients

Lightways Hospice integrative music therapy

Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be an emotional journey filled with challenges, uncertainty, and moments of deep tenderness.

As the disease progresses, patients may experience confusion, agitation, restlessness, and a growing sense of isolation. In hospice care, the focus shifts from curing illness to enhancing comfort, dignity, and quality of life. One of the most powerful ways this is achieved is through integrative therapies.

At Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, integrative therapies are an integral part of the comprehensive approach to patient care. These therapies—such as music therapy, massage therapy, and aromatherapy—can bring moments of peace, connection, and comfort to patients, especially those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

1. Music Therapy: Unlocking Memories and Emotions

Music has a unique ability to reach areas of the brain that remain responsive even when other forms of communication are diminished. For dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, familiar songs can spark recognition, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of calm. Often, families witness moments where a loved one hums along or smiles to a cherished melody—gifts of connection that transcend words.

What makes these experiences so special is the guidance of music therapists, who are trained to use music-based interventions thoughtfully. They draw on tools like specific song choices, meaningful lyrics, variations in tempo, and tailored techniques to meet each patient’s needs, helping to ease anxiety, lift mood, and encourage meaningful interactions between patients, families, and caregivers.

2. Massage Therapy: Gentle Moments that Matter

Massage therapy can play an important role in patients that have Alzheimer’s or dementia by easing both physical and emotional symptoms. It may reduce pain, stiffness, and tension, while also calming anxiety and agitation. Gentle techniques support circulation, mobility, and better sleep, helping patients feel more comfortable day to day. Beyond physical benefits, therapeutic touch can foster connection, comfort, and a sense of safety, improving overall quality of life for patients and offering reassurance to their families.

3. Aromatherapy: Engaging the Senses

The use of essential oils can stimulate the parts of the brain connected to memory and emotions, while also supporting the body by easing muscle tension and pain. Calming oils like lavender may help with sleep disturbances, while grounding oils such as cedarwood can reduce agitation and promote relaxation.

The Benefits Go Beyond the Patient

Integrative therapies not only comfort patients—they also provide relief for families. Seeing a loved one calm, peaceful, or even joyful during a therapy session can reduce caregiver stress and create lasting, meaningful memories. These therapies remind families that while the disease may take many things away, moments of connection and dignity are still possible.

Why It Matters

For patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s, integrative therapies provide more than symptom relief—they restore a sense of personhood, peace, and presence. In hospice care, where the goal is comfort and quality of life, these therapies offer moments of light during difficulty.

At Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, we believe that compassion is more than medical care—it is the music that connects, the touch that reassures, and the small moments of joy that carry deep meaning. Integrative therapies allow us to care for the whole person, not just the illness.

Hospice care and Integrative Therapies

Learn more about hospice care and integrative therapies or contact us directly at 815.740.4104.

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

Call 815.740.4104

Finding Comfort and Support for your Veteran

Finding Comfort and Support for your Veteran

Aug 28, 2025 | Hospice Care, Light the Way Blog, Serious Illness Care

Finding Comfort and Support for your Veteran

Lightways is deeply committed to honoring our nation’s heroes and their families.

Lightways Hospice Inpatient Care unit

When a beloved veteran in your family is facing a serious illness, it is natural to be overwhelmed with questions and concerns. You want the very best care, a team that understands their unique experiences, and guidance through what can be a challenging time. At Lightways Hospice as Serious Illness Care, we understand these apprehensions, and we want you to know that you are not alone. We are deeply committed to honoring our nation’s heroes, and that commitment extends to every member of their family.

We Honor Veterans program

Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care is a proud Level 5 partner in the We Honor Veterans program, a national initiative designed to provide specialized, compassionate care for veterans. This is not just a designation; it is a promise of comprehensive support, tailored to the specific needs that often arise from military service.

VA healthcare benefits

One of the most frequent questions families have revolves around VA healthcare benefits. You might be wondering:

  • “Is my veteran eligible for VA hospice care?”
  • “What if they’re not currently using VA benefits, or never have?”
  • “How do we even begin to understand what benefits they might qualify for?”

The good news is your veteran does not need to be currently enrolled in VA healthcare or receive VA benefits to receive exceptional care from Lightways Hospice. Our primary focus is on providing comfort and support to your loved one.

However, as a Level 5 We Honor Veterans partner, our team is specially trained to help you understand and explore potential VA benefits. We will connect you with the resources that can assist your family with important steps like accessing military records, which can be crucial for establishing eligibility for various VA programs. We can also provide information and guidance on VA memorial and burial benefits and supply you with contact information for other applicable VA benefits such as financial aid or pensions. Our goal is to alleviate the burden of navigating these systems during an already difficult time, ensuring you have the information you need to make informed decisions for your loved one.

Beyond understanding benefits, you are seeking assurance about the quality and sensitivity of care your veteran will receive. Our Level 5 We Honor Veterans program ensures that:

  • Our team understands military culture: All Lightways staff members receive training on veteran-specific topics, including the impact of military service on physical and emotional well-being. This helps us approach your loved one’s care with respectful inquiry and compassionate listening.
  • Care is tailored to their unique history: We use specialized assessment tools to identify any service-related challenges and integrate them into a personalized care plan. This means we consider not just their current medical needs, but also their lifetime of experiences.
  • We honor their service: We believe in acknowledging and thanking our veterans. Our program includes heartfelt pinning ceremonies and certificate presentations, offering a profound sense of recognition and closure for both your veteran and your family. We can facilitate opportunities for your veteran to share their stories, should they wish to.
  • Grief support is available for your family: The grieving process can be unique for families of veterans. Our bereavement services include a variety of resources and support groups designed to help your family cope with loss, offering a compassionate space to navigate this journey.
  • Veteran-to-Veteran connection: We encourage veterans to volunteer with us. If available and desired, a fellow veteran volunteer can provide invaluable companionship and understanding, connecting with your loved one on a deeply personal level.

Choosing hospice care is a significant decision. When it is for a veteran, the layers of their service and unique experiences add another dimension to that choice. At Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, we are here to provide unwavering guidance and support for your veteran and your entire family. We offer:

  • Pain and symptom relief: Ensuring your loved one’s comfort is paramount.
  • 24/7 availability: Peace of mind knowing help is always just a phone call away.
  • A holistic approach: Addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through music, massage and even pet therapy.

At Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, our “We Honor Veterans” program is a deep-seated commitment to providing the highest quality, most compassionate care to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. We are honored to walk alongside our veteran patients and their families, ensuring that their final journey is one of comfort, dignity, and profound gratitude.

You do not have to navigate this journey alone. If you have questions about hospice care for your veteran, regardless of their VA benefit status, please reach out to us. We are here to listen, provide guidance, and ensure your loved one receives the respect, comfort, and dignified care they so richly deserve.

You do not have to navigate this journey alone. If you have questions about hospice care for your veteran, regardless of their VA benefit status, please reach out to us. We are here to listen, provide guidance, and ensure your loved one receives the respect, comfort, and dignified care they so richly deserve.

Information

For more information about Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care or our We Honor Veterans Program, please reach out to us directly at 815.740.4104.

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

Call 815.740.4104

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

Aug 14, 2025 | Hospice Care, Light the Way Blog

Understanding Inpatient Hospice Services:

A Look Inside Inpatient Hospice Unit and Levels of Care

Lightways Hospice Inpatient Care unit

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. In this blog, we will explore how inpatient hospice service works and breaks down the different levels of care provided in a freestanding hospice unit.

What Is a Freestanding Hospice Unit?

A freestanding hospice unit is a specialized facility that operates independently (not attached to a hospital or nursing home) and is designed to provide short-term care for patients in the final stages of life. These units are staffed by a dedicated, multidisciplinary hospice team—including nurses, physicians, nurses’ aides, social workers, chaplains, integrative therapists, and volunteers—who focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

In addition to end-of-life care, the inpatient hospice unit serves a vital role in helping patients transition safely from the hospital to home. Patients may be admitted for a short stay so we can stabilize difficult symptoms, such as pain or breathing problems, before they return home or to their long-term care or assisted living facility. During this time, our team works closely with family members and caregivers to provide hands-on education and support, ensuring they feel confident and prepared to care for their loved one wherever they call home.

For patients already receiving care at home, the unit is also available when symptoms become unmanageable and require 24/7 attention. The goal, whenever possible, is to help patients regain symptom control and return to the comfort of their home environment. Unlike hospital settings, our hospice unit offers a peaceful, home-like atmosphere where patients and families can focus on what matters most.

Levels of Hospice Care in a Freestanding Hospice Unit

Hospice services in the U.S. are regulated by Medicare and provided at distinct levels of care. Each level is tailored to meet the unique and changing needs of patients and families. In a freestanding hospice unit, there are three levels of care provided.

1. General Inpatient Care (GIP)

  • What It Is: The most intensive level of hospice care.
  • How It Works: Patients require 24/7 nursing and medical care to control pain or other symptoms that cannot be managed in any other setting.
  • When It is Used: For symptom management—such as uncontrolled pain, seizures, or severe anxiety—until the patient is stabilized.

GIP care is a primary reason families choose an inpatient hospice unit. It offers peace of mind knowing their loved one is closely monitored and comforted around the clock.

2. Respite Care

  • What It Is: Short-term inpatient care designed to relieve caregivers. The Hospice Medicare Benefit provides 5 days of respite care intermittently throughout your loved one’s hospice care.
  • How It Works: The patient stays in the inpatient hospice unit for up to five consecutive NIGHTS, allowing their primary caregiver to rest or attend to other obligations.
  • When It is Used: When a caregiver needs a break, is traveling, or has a personal emergency.

Respite care in a hospice unit is a vital support service, preventing burnout and ensuring the ongoing well-being of both the patient and their family. This care can also be provided in a long-term care facility contracted with hospice.

3. Routine Home Care

  • What It Is: The most common level of care for a patient at home or at a facility.
  • How It Works: Patients receive visits in their home or facility from the RN, certified nurse’s aide, social worker, chaplain, integrative therapist, and volunteers as they are needed. Families receive support from the social workers and chaplains, and nursing care is on call 24/7.
  • When It is Used: For patients whose symptoms, comfort, and care, are well-managed by the family, facility, or caregivers. Lightways uses this level of care at our inpatient unit for short term periods (beginning at 5 days and then on a case-by case basis up to 3 weeks) and there is a room and board charge of $375.00 per day with a sliding scale for financial consideration available. This level of care is used for patients who do not qualify for the other levels of care and for some reason cannot be cared for at home.

What to Expect Inside Lightways’ Inpatient Hospice Unit

Inpatient hospice units are designed to be as comfortable and home-like as possible. You can typically expect:

  • 24-hour visiting hours with no age restrictions, pets welcome
  • Large patient suites with beautiful décor and natural lighting
  • French doors in every suite that provide fresh air and outdoor access
  • In-room refrigerators and televisions with streaming services
  • Multiple gathering spaces including an expansive living room with a special Aqua flame fireplace
  • A family dining room with round-the-clock access to a pantry filled with snacks, drinks and easy-to-prepare meals
  • An inviting and peaceful Solace Room for quiet moments
  • Dedicated workspaces for family and visitors

The goal is to provide a peaceful, compassionate environment where patients can spend their days with dignity—and where families feel supported every step of the way.

Choosing an inpatient hospice unit can be an important step in honoring a loved one’s end-of-life journey. With the flexibility of multiple levels of care—especially General Inpatient Care and Respite Care—our facility offers both advanced clinical support and the emotional warmth of a true home.

Hospice is not about giving up, it is about embracing the time we have left, with comfort, compassion, and care.

Contact Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care today for more information regarding our inpatient hospice unit located in Joliet, Illinois at 815.740.4104.

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

Call 815.740.4104