Understanding Advanced Directives: Why They Matter

Understanding Advanced Directives: Why They Matter

May 8, 2025 | Light the Way Blog, Lightways News

Understanding Advanced Directives: Why They Matter

Nurse walking with elderly women outdoors on a beautiful sunny day.

When it comes to healthcare, we often think we have all the time in the world to make decisions about our future. But what happens if we are suddenly unable to voice our wishes? This is where advanced directives come into play. If you’ve never heard of them, or you’re not sure what they entail, don’t worry. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Are Advanced Directives?

Advanced directives are legal documents that allow you to express your preferences about medical treatment if you cannot communicate those wishes yourself. They are like a roadmap for your healthcare, helping you navigate some of life’s toughest decisions. Think of it to make your voice heard — even when you cannot speak.

There are a couple of main types of advanced directives:

  1. Living Will: This document outlines your wishes concerning medical treatments — like whether you want life-sustaining measures if you’re terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state. This document is not legally binding, but it directs your team about your wishes.
  2. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This one is slightly different. It allows you to appoint someone you trust (your agent) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so. This person can advocate for your wishes and ensure your preferences are honored. This is a legally binding document.
  3. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: If you do not want CPR or other life-saving measures used in case of cardiac arrest, a DNR order clearly communicates that wish to medical personnel. In Illinois, this is often called a POLST (Physicians Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) in the home or facility setting.

Why Should You Care About Advanced Directives?

You might be thinking, “I’m young and healthy. Why should I worry about this?” Life is unpredictable, and having an advanced directive can provide peace of mind — not just for you, but for your loved ones too.

You might also be thinking, “I don’t want to scare my spouse or my children with these conversations.” Please believe us when we tell you that this is one of the greatest gifts you can give them: a calm, open, and reasonable discussion before a crisis happens. When the crisis happens, your spouse or children have so many other things to deal with, including their sadness and fear. It is such a comfort to know they understand your wishes.

You get to decide what medical treatment you do or do not want. It’s your body, your life, and your choices.

What Happens Without an Advanced Directive in Illinois?

In Illinois, if you become incapacitated and can’t communicate your wishes, decisions about your care will fall to a hierarchy of individuals:

  1. Your Spouse: Your spouse usually has the first say in your medical decisions if you’re married.
  2. Adult Children: If you don’t have a spouse, your adult children will step in next in order of their birth.
  3. Parents: If you don’t have a spouse or children, your parents will be consulted.
  4. Adult Siblings: If your parents are unavailable, your adult siblings will have a say.
  5. Finally, if no one else is available, other relatives may be consulted.

While this may seem straightforward, it can lead to complications. Family members might disagree on what you would have wanted, which can create stress and conflict during a vulnerable time. In some cases, the matter might even end up in court, where a judge will make the final decision — not the outcome you would have preferred.

How to Create Your Advanced Directive

Ready to take control? Here is a simple step-by-step guide to creating your advanced directive:

  1. Think It Through: Reflect on your values and what is important to you regarding healthcare. What treatments would you want or not want?
  2. Choose Your Agent: If you’re creating a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, think about who you trust to make decisions on your behalf. This should be someone who knows you well and can advocate for your wishes. Choose someone who can stand up to pressure from the family and communicate well with your health care team if possible.
  3. Get the Right Forms: You can find advanced directive forms online or through your healthcare provider. Make sure you get the Illinois-specific forms to ensure they’re valid in your state. For more information and links to resources, please visit our website at https://lightways.org/advanced-directives/.
  4. Fill It Out: Be clear and specific about your wishes. Don’t hesitate to think things through carefully; this document is about you and your preferences.
  5. Talk About It: Share your advanced directive with your chosen agent, family members, and your healthcare provider. Open communication is key!
  6. Keep Copies Handy: Store copies of your advanced directive safely and give copies to your healthcare provider (physicians, consultants, home health, hospice, and facilities) and family members.

Creating an advanced directive is a powerful way to take charge of your healthcare decisions and ensure your wishes are respected, no matter what happens. It is a gift to yourself and your loved ones — a way to navigate the unpredictable waters of life with confidence. So, why not take the time to create one? You will be glad you did.

Advanced Directive Information

If you have additional questions, please contact Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care at 815.740.4104.

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

For more information on Advanced Directives, please contact us directly at 815.740.4104.

Call 815.740.4104

Common Hospice Care Myths: What You Really Need to Know

Common Hospice Care Myths: What You Really Need to Know

Apr 24, 2025 | Hospice Care, Light the Way Blog

Common Hospice Care Myths: What You Really Need to Know

Nurse walking with elderly women outdoors on a beautiful sunny day.

Let’s dive into a topic many people find daunting or confusing: hospice care.

There are so many myths floating around that it’s easy to misunderstand what hospice is about. Whether you’re considering hospice for a loved one or want to expand your knowledge, let’s clear up some common misconceptions together!

Myth 1: Hospice is Only for the Last Days of Life

One of the biggest myths is that hospice care is only for those who are in their final days of life. Hospice can be initiated at any point when a patient has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has decided to stop curative treatment.

This means individuals can benefit from hospice services weeks and months before death. The Medicare Hospice Benefit is a six-month benefit. Medicare and Medicaid are intended for patients to receive at least six months of hospice care. The goal is to enhance the quality of life, manage symptoms, and support the patient and their family.

There are several studies that show patients can live LONGER with hospice care because of increased care, decreased unnecessary and toxic medications and treatments, and more comfort. Lightways can come to you, and talk in the comfort of your home, and discuss how we can help navigate your journey. Hospice care can be provided to a patient wherever they call home – skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, home, hospital, or the Lightways Inpatient Hospice Unit located in Joliet, Illinois.

Myth 2: Choosing Hospice Means Giving Up

Many people think that opting for hospice means they are giving up on themselves or their loved one. On the contrary, choosing hospice is often a proactive decision to focus on comfort and quality of life, rather than curative treatments that may not improve the patient’s condition.

Hospice care is all about providing support, managing symptoms, and ensuring that the patient’s wishes are respected, not giving up! Hospice is about hope! Hope for comfort, an important event like a birth or wedding, a milestone like an anniversary, or that trip to Italy. Lightways understands this is your journey, and we encourage patients and families to be involved in the patient’s care plan.

Myth 3: Hospice Care is Just for Cancer Patients

While it’s true that many hospice patients have cancer, hospice is not limited to just cancer diagnoses. Hospice care is available for anyone facing a terminal illness, whether that’s heart disease, lung disease (COPD), Alzheimer’s and dementia, kidney disease, ALS, or any other life-limiting condition.

Every individual deserves compassionate end-of-life care, regardless of their diagnosis. Hospice can also be provided to a patient of any age. If you are unsure if you or your loved one is eligible for hospice, Lightways can provide you with an evaluation of what services are available.

Myth 4: You Can’t Have Hospice Care and Continue Seeing Your Doctor

Some people believe that once they enter hospice care, they can no longer see their primary care physician or specialists. This is not the case! While hospice does involve a team of healthcare professionals who coordinate care, patients can still maintain a relationship with any of their doctors and any of their doctors can continue to bill Medicare or insurance.

In fact, many primary care physicians support the hospice process and work in tandem with the hospice team to provide the best care possible. When consenting to services, every patient has the right to choose an attending physician of their choice.

Myth 5: Hospice is Only for Patients

Many people think that hospice care is solely for the patient, but it is really about the whole family. The Lightways hospice team provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support for family members as well. Lightways understands caregiving can be incredibly challenging, so we offer counseling, respite care, and other resources to help families navigate this difficult journey together.

One of the greatest gifts of hospice is that we teach you what to expect next and how to take care of your loved one. No one has done this before; this is hard. Lightways also offers a remarkable grief support team available to you at any stage of your grieving process. In fact, some families may experience anticipatory grief right from the start, and having the right support can make all the difference.

Myth 6: Hospice Care is Expensive

There is a common misconception that hospice care is paid out of pocket by the patient and their family. However, hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. This means that families pay nothing out of pocket for the services provided for anything related to the hospice diagnosis.

If you or your loved one does not have medical insurance, we encourage you to reach out and discuss how we can assist you. At Lightways, we believe that everyone deserves compassionate care, regardless of their ability to pay. Let’s sit down together and explore the options available to ensure you receive the support you need during this crucial time.

Myth 7: Hospice Care is Just About Dying

While hospice does focus on end-of-life care, it’s so much more than just preparing for death. It’s about living fully in the time that remains. Lightways encourages patients to engage in meaningful activities, spend quality time with loved ones, and enjoy life as much as possible. The goal is to create a peaceful, fulfilling environment where patients feel loved and supported.

Navigating the world of hospice care can be overwhelming, but understanding the facts can make a significant difference. By dispelling these myths, our knowledgeable Lightways team can help families make informed decisions about their care options and ensure everyone receives the compassionate support they deserve.

Additional Hospice Information

If you or a loved one is considering hospice care or would like additional information, please reach out to our friendly, compassionate referral staff today at 815.740.4104.

We will provide accurate information, answer your questions, and help you through this crucial process. Help is just a phone call away.

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

For more information on Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care services, please contact us directly at 815.460.3295.

Call 815.740.4104

Understanding Medicare and Insurance Coverage & Benefits for Hospice and Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care)

Understanding Medicare and Insurance Coverage & Benefits for Hospice and Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care)

Apr 10, 2025 | Light the Way Blog

Understanding Medicare, Insurance Coverage & Benefits for Hospice & Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care)

Nurse setting with patient reviewing documents

Navigating Coverage Options

When a loved one faces a serious illness or declining health, understanding hospice and palliative care insurance coverage can seem daunting. Many families worry about the financial aspects of care, questioning what Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance will cover. The good news is that hospice and palliative care services are often fully or partially covered, providing relief to families during an emotionally challenging time.

This guide will lead you through the specifics of Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance coverage for hospice and palliative care – helping you understand your options and enabling you to make informed choices for care of your loved one. It is also important to remember that Lightways is a non-profit organization and cares for patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Medicare Coverage for Hospice Services

The Medicare Hospice Benefit has been in place since 1982 and is a comprehensive benefit. Medicaid typically mimics the Medicare benefit depending on whether you have joined a managed care Medicaid. Please allow us to check your Medicaid coverage.

Eligibility Requirements for Medicare Hospice Coverage:

To be eligible for Medicare’s hospice benefit, a patient needs to:

  • Be enrolled in Medicare Part A.
  • Have a diagnosis of a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or fewer, as confirmed by two physicians.
  • Made the decision to prioritize comfort care and forego curative therapies.Receive hospice from a licensed provider approved by Medicare and Medicaid.

For additional information, visit: Medicare Hospice Benefits

What Medicare and Medicaid Covers:

Medicare provides coverage for almost all services related to hospice and the hospice diagnosis, which can include:

  • Medical care provided by the hospice medical director and nurses who focus on managing your illness as well as your pain and symptom control.
  • Medications related to your care and for alleviating pain and managing symptoms.
  • Medical equipment and supplies including hospital beds, mobility aids, oxygen, and anything to manage to your illness.
  • Physical therapy if you are able to tolerate and have a quality-of-life goal.
  • Respite care for up to five days per stay in a Medicare-certified facility. Lightways can provide this in our inpatient unit or in a contracted long-term care facility.
  • Grief support for a minimum of up to 13 months following the death of a loved one. This can include workshops, groups or one of one counseling.

What Medicare and Medicaid Does Not Cover:

  • Curative care like chemotherapy or radiation aimed at eradicating the disease.
  • Accommodations and meals at home or in a nursing home

Medicare Coverage for Palliative Care

Palliative care, aimed at providing whole person care for patients with a serious, chronic, illness is reimbursed differently than hospice care. Rather than having a specific Medicare benefit, palliative care services are included under standard Medicare benefits in Part A (Hospital Visits) and Part B (Outpatient Care). Every organization that provides palliative care can look different. Medicaid coverage will depend on whether you have a managed care Medicaid plan. Please allow us to check your benefits.

What Medicare Includes for Palliative Care:

  • Visits by a palliative care nurse practitioner or physician in the hospital, long term care facility or in your home.
  • Visits by a social worker to help coordinate care and provide support.
  • Referrals to home health or other specialty services.
  • Some programs, such as Lightways, use telehealth for end stage cardiac and lung disease.
  • Some programs, such as Lightways, provide 24 phone support with a nurse practitioner.

As palliative care doesn’t require a terminal diagnosis or discontinuation of curative treatments, patients can access both palliative and curative care at the same time under Medicare.

Private Insurance & Coverage for Hospice/Palliative Care

The majority of private insurance policies, such as those offered by employers and through the Healthcare.gov marketplace, provide coverage for hospice and palliative care, although the extent of coverage can vary.

What to confirm in a Private Insurance Policy:

  • Network providers – certain plans require care from hospice providers within the network.
  • Deductibles and copayments – in contrast to Medicare, private insurance might involve expenses that come from your own pocket.
  • Restrictions on services – some plans might limit coverage for specific treatments or medications.
  • Families should allow us to contact their insurance company to determine their benefits.

Finding the Right Support & Guidance

Understanding insurance coverage for hospice and palliative care can be challenging, yet you don’t have to face it by yourself. Lightways can assist you in navigating eligibility, coverage choices, and subsequent steps, allowing you to concentrate on what is most important—comfort, dignity, and precious moments with your loved one.

For more information, contact Lightways at 815.740.4104.

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

For more information on Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care Grief Support services, please contact us directly at 815.460.3295 or email us directly at [email protected].

Call 815.740.4104

Lightways Grief Support Services

Lightways Grief Support Services

Mar 31, 2025 | Grief Support, Light the Way Blog, Lightways News

Lightways Grief Support Services

Hands holding a heart with the word support

“The loss of a loved one is a common experience shared by all humanity, yet grief can leave us feeling more alone, confused and unsettled than almost any other experience.”

- C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

There is a paradox about grief. Even though it is universal, it can still cause feelings of isolation. Many of our grievers describe the moment after their loved one dies as the moment when “my world stopped, and the rest of the world kept moving.” It can be very disorienting, disruptive, and overwhelming for many. In a world where there is so much discomfort in talking about death and dying, some feel unsupported and unacknowledged in their grief. Lightways is dedicated to ensuring that no one must grieve alone.

One of the main ways that Lightways meets this mission is to offer free grief support to anyone in the community after the death of a loved one. The Grief Support Program provides a variety of grief support services to meet an array of diverse grief support needs. These include grief counseling for individuals and families, grief support group meetings, grief workshops and special memorial events to give families many opportunities to honor their loved one throughout the year. In the summer, Lightways also hosts an annual kid’s camp for children ages 7-13 who have experienced the death of a loved one.

Services are offered both in person and virtually and focus on helping grievers gain a better understanding of their loss, how it has affected them, and how they can best cope.

Grief Support Education

In addition to grief support, the Grief Support Program also educates individuals, families, and the community about grief. This includes:

  • Education to parents/caregivers on how to explain a death to a child, as well as how to support their grieving child.
  • Education for professionals and the community on how to support someone who is grieving.
  • Education to agencies on how to support staff and their community after a death.

Grief support services information

For more information on Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care Grief Support services, please contact us directly at 815.460.3295 or email us directly at [email protected].

Measuring our 2024 Impact in Numbers

The number of people the Lightways Grief Support Program serves each year continues to increase, as more people utilize hospice care, and as more people learn about our services. In 2024…

condolence calls were made to hospice families

people called Lightways for grief support

people received grief counseling

(21% of the clients coping with a traumatic loss such as a sudden, unexpected death, a substance related death, a pediatric death, an accident, a homicide, suicide, or other trauma).

counseling sessions were provided

(28% of these sessions were provided for community members).

people participated in a support group

people participated in a special event

kids attended the Peace of the Heart Kids Camp in 2024

Chart measuring Grief Support

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

For more information on Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care Grief Support services, please contact us directly at 815.460.3295 or email us directly at [email protected].

Call 815.740.4104

Hospice vs. Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care): Understanding the Key Differences

Hospice vs. Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care): Understanding the Key Differences

Mar 18, 2025 | Hospice Care, Light the Way Blog, Serious Illness Care

Hospice vs. Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care): Understanding the Key Differences

CEO Mary Kay Sheehan speaks at Drive dedication for former CEO

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.

What is Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care)?

Serious Illness Care is a specialized form of medical care aimed at improving the quality of life for people living with serious or chronic illnesses. It focuses on symptom management, pain relief related to the illness, and emotional support — all with the goal of making the patient feel as comfortable as possible, regardless of whether the illness is terminal or not.

Key Characteristics of Palliative Care

  • For any stage of illness: Serious Illness Care can begin at any point during an illness, even when a patient is still undergoing curative treatment. It does not require a terminal diagnosis. Patients may continue with their primary treatments for their illness (like chemotherapy or surgery) while receiving palliative care.
  • Symptom management: Serious Illness Care teams focus on alleviating physical symptoms such as pain related to the illness, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, as well as emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression.
  • Skilled, Experienced Care Team: Serious Illness Care is interdisciplinary, meaning it involves a team of nurse practitioners and social workers who address the full spectrum of a patient’s needs. Lightways partners with the patient’s primary physician and/or other healthcare professionals involved in their care to provide another layer of support.
  • Improving quality of life: The primary goal is not to cure illness but to improve the overall quality of life by managing symptoms and supporting the patient and their family.

Who Can Benefit from Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care)?

  • Anyone with a serious illness like cancer, heart failure, COPD, kidney disease, or dementia.
  • People are seeking relief from symptoms, even if their condition is not terminal.
  • Families and caregivers who need emotional and psychological support.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is specifically designed for patients who are nearing the end of life, typically when they are expected to live six months or less. The focus of hospice care shifts to comfort and dignity in the final stages of life, and it is provided when curative treatments are no longer an option or have been chosen to be discontinued.

Key Characteristics of Hospice Care

  • End-of-life care: Hospice is for patients who are no longer pursuing curative treatments and whose illnesses are terminal. It focuses on comfort, pain management, and emotional support.
  • Team-based care: Like palliative care, hospice involves a team of healthcare professionals — including doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, nurses’ aides, integrative therapists, chaplains, and volunteers — who support both the patient and their family. The team works together to ensure patients are able to live life to the fullest possible.
  • Home-based or inpatient options: While most hospice patients receive care at home, some may require inpatient care if their symptoms are more severe and need closer monitoring. Hospice services are provided wherever the patient considers their home, whether that’s their house, in a hospice facility, or in a nursing facility.
  • Family support: Hospice care also provides dedicated support for family members, including education about how to provide care and what to expect, respite care, counseling, and grief support services before and after the patient’s death.

Who Can Benefit from Hospice Care?

  • Patients who have a terminal illness and are expected to live six months or less.
  • Patients who have decided to stop curative treatments and focus on comfort and quality of life.
  • Families who need guidance, emotional support, and respite during a loved one’s final days.

Key Differences Between Hospice and Palliative Care

Hospice Vs. Serious Illness Chart

Which Care is Right for You?

The choice between hospice and serious illness care (palliative care) depends on your loved one’s health status and goals. Serious Illness Care is a great option if you are looking for relief from symptoms but still wish to pursue curative treatment. It can be provided at any time during an illness. On the other hand, hospice care is designed for those whose focus shifts away from curing the illness and toward ensuring comfort and dignity in their final days.

Both forms of care aim to improve the patient’s quality of life, but hospice care is more focused on the end-of-life stage, while palliative care can begin earlier in a person’s illness journey. If you are unsure about which type of care is best, speak with your healthcare provider. They can guide you through your options based on your or your loved one’s specific needs. Or please call us and we can help you talk to your physician.

Understanding the difference between hospice and serious illness care can help you make an informed decision about the type of support you or your loved one needs. Whether you are seeking symptom relief during treatment or focusing on comfort and support during the final stages of life, both hospice and serious illness care are designed to ensure that patients receive the care they deserve — tailored to their individual needs and wishes.

Schedule a consultation

Contact Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care directly at 815.740.4104 for additional information or to schedule a consultation.

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Lightways

Call 815.740.4104