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

The Healing Power of Integrative Therapies in Hospice Care

The Healing Power of Integrative Therapies in Hospice Care

Jul 17, 2025 | Light the Way Blog

Hospice and Palliative care Nutrition

Enhancing comfort, connection, and quality of life.

Nurse with stethoscope listening to childs heart.

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.

These therapies honor the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and help ease the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that may arise at the end of life.

Aromatherapy: Comfort Through Scent

Aromatherapy is non-invasive and easily adaptable—whether through diffusers, roller bottles, or small inhalers. It creates moments of peace and sensory connection when words may no longer be available.

For people receiving hospice care, aromatherapy offers a non-invasive, soothing approach to common symptoms like:

  • Anxiety & Agitation
  • Pain & Tension
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue or Low Mood

Essential oils engage sense, spark memory and comfort, and support relaxation—especially important when words or medications alone aren’t enough.

Massage Therapy: Touch That Heals

Massage therapy in hospice care goes beyond basic physical intervention, supporting symptom management, relaxation, and overall patient comfort. With skilled, compassionate touch, massage therapy can help:

  • Ease muscle tension and pain
  • Alleviate constipation
  • Promote circulation and reduce edema
  • Support relaxation, especially for those experiencing anxiety or restlessness

Therapists use gentle techniques tailored to each patient’s condition, and always with consent and sensitivity. Even a short session can bring relief and a sense of being cared for in a deeply personal way.

Music Therapy: Creating Calm and Connection

Music therapy taps into memory, emotion, and identity. It reaches people even when they are no longer responsive to spoken language. A board-certified music therapist may use techniques using familiar songs, playing instruments, or rhythm and melody to:

  • Ease pain and anxiety
  • Reduce symptoms of agitation and restlessness
  • Support emotional expression and reminiscence
  • Alleviate respiratory distress
  • Offer emotional support and comforting presence for patients and families
  • Create legacy moments—such as recording a personalized song or heartbeat

Music becomes a bridge—connecting people to their past, to loved ones, and to themselves. Through evidenced-based interventions, music therapy provides physical and emotional comfort, helping patients find purpose and calm throughout the end-of-life journey.

Whole-Person Comfort at the End of Life

What makes these therapies so powerful is their ability to bring humanity and dignity to care. Integrative therapies are not separate from medical care; they enhance it, bringing additional layers of comfort, connection, and integrity in ways that traditional medicine alone cannot touch. They help create a sacred, supportive space—whether at home, in a facility, or bedside during a final moment.

Hospice care is not about giving up—it’s about leaning in. With integrative therapies like aromatherapy, massage therapy, and music therapy, we offer more than comfort; we offer presence, individualized care, and a reminder that even at the end of life, meaningful moments can still be created.

More Information

Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness care offers a full array of Integrative Therapies to our adult and pediatric patients in our care.

For more information, please contact us directly at 815.740.4104 or learn more about integrative therapies here.

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

Call 815.740.4104

Hospice and Palliative care Nutrition

Hospice and Palliative care Nutrition

Jul 3, 2025 | Light the Way Blog, Hospice Care, Serious Illness Care

Hospice and Palliative care Nutrition

Nurse with stethoscope listening to childs heart.

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.

With many Americans living with chronic diseases, the demand for such specialized nutrition support is increasing. Preferences are shifting towards home-based care, making the role of dietitians even more critical. Dietitians can focus on improving patients’ well-being by managing their nutritional intake throughout the various stages of chronic illness rather than just at the end of life.

What challenges do patients and families face in dietary management during hospice care?

  • Changes in Appetite: Patients may experience reduced appetite or sudden changes in their taste preferences, making it difficult to maintain proper nutritional intake.
  • Medication Side Effects: Many patients face gastrointestinal issues, like nausea or constipation, due to medications or their illness, further complicating their ability to consume food.
  • Psychological Stress: The emotional toll of end-of-life care can affect willingness to eat, leading families to feel guilty or uncertain about food choices.

Nutritional Preferences

Nutritional preferences at end-of-life should begin early, allowing families to comprehend the implications of these choices.

Having discussions with patients regarding their wants, needs, and preferences will provide an environment that is inviting, supportive, and encouraging around both mealtime and nutrition. Honoring the patient’s cultural and social foods will provide normalcy and comfort in times of both uncertainty and stress. Relaxing some restrictions while preserving the safety of the patient can also be considered to include favorite meals and drinks.

Hydration

Offer frequent care of the mouth and lips to the dying person and include the management of dry mouth in their care plan, if needed.

Offer the person the following, as needed:

  • help with cleaning their teeth or dentures, if they would like
  • frequent sips of fluid

Safety

Safety when eating and drinking should always be at the forefront of the nutrition care plan. Because patients will experience differences in muscle tone, cues, moisture levels of the mouth, this can pose a danger of an activity that was once very innate to the patient. Involving staff to monitor for adequate chewing and swallowing can be beneficial.

Modified diets such as soft, thickened liquids, and oral nutritional supplementation can aid in providing options for adequacy of intake.

For those patients who have friends and family that choose to provide meals and drinks, please encourage them to verify that the food provided is safe for consumption.

Differences in Nutritional Approaches

In care, the primary focus is on improving quality of life and managing symptoms. This involves individualized nutritional support tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Nutrition strategies may include oral Supplements which can enhance calories and protein intake.

What are the ethical considerations regarding nutrition and feeding in end-of-life care?

The ethical considerations regarding nutrition and feeding in end-of-life care focus primarily on balancing adequate nutrition with the overall quality of life for the patient.

In this sensitive phase, adhering to guidelines such as those from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence are used, commonly deferring to basic needs of hydration and tolerance to foods.
Many patients at this stage may not feel hunger, and providing such interventions can sometimes interfere with the comfort-focused goals of palliative care and/or the patient’s safety.

The emphasis should be on enhancing the patient’s well-being rather than just prolonging life. Therefore, individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s wishes and preferences surrounding hydration and nutrition become necessary.

Dietitians are important members of the hospice care team, providing essential nutritional guidance that respects the diverse needs and desires of patients facing the end of life.

Interdisciplinary collaboration, sensitivity to ethical dilemmas, and dedication to enhancing comfort highlight the profound impact dietitians have in these settings, ultimately enriching the journey of patients and their families through compassionate and tailored nutrition care.

About the Author

Elizabeth DeAvilla is a Registered Dietitian based out of the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Northern Illinois University and her master’s in business administration from Dominican University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Performance at Concordia University Chicago. She has worked within the hospice-specific population since June of 2023, following finding a passion for treating and educating families in an inpatient setting. Elizabeth has worked in every facet of nutrition, from critical care medicine to food service and behavioral health to community organizations such as Head Start. Her passions include teaching in the settings of community organizations, schools, hospitals, and anywhere else where the science of nutrition and food is found.

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Elizabeth DeAvilla RDN at 815.740.4104 for more information and assistance with the nutritional needs of your patients.

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

Call 815.740.4104