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!
A personal note from our CEO, Mary Kay Sheehan
A personal note from our CEO, Mary Kay Sheehan
Duane Krieger
As you may know by now, Mr. Duane Krieger died last week. Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness care had the privilege of caring for him and his family in our inpatient unit in Joliet. What you may not know is that Duane was CEO of the organization (Joliet Area Community Hospice at the time),who found the land, raised the money, and put the first shovel in the ground to build that inpatient unit! The first hospice inpatient residence (inpatient unit) in the state of Illinois. Duane made it possible for this state to finally care for dying patients in an inpatient facility staffed 24/7 by nurses, nurses’ aides, social workers, chaplains, physicians, integrative therapists, volunteers, and physical therapists. A sixteen-bed facility that felt like home on a beautiful property surrounded by a pond, a walking path, flowers, trees as well as our administrative building. Hospices from around the state came to see the residence in Joliet, myself included while I worked for another organization also building a residence.
By his side all those years, was his wife Dee, who is still a member of our Hospice Guild. The Guild has raised over $1M to support our mission including the inpatient unit.
Since Duane’s vision became a reality in 2004, we have been able to increase the number of beds to twenty and then to twenty-four thanks to Natalie Manley and the state of Illinois. In 2023 we cared for 753 patients in that hospice unit. The state of Illinois has only eight of these facilities.
I will be forever grateful to Duane for his commitment to this community and the care of hospice patients. He is the definition of grass roots advocacy and doing the right thing. And I will miss him, his stories, and his happy “Cheers” when he said goodbye. Cheers Duane, until I see you again.
Sincerely,
Mary Kay Sheehan
CEO
Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care
Common Hospice Care Myths: What You Really Need to Know
read more
Understanding Medicare and Insurance Coverage & Benefits for Hospice and Serious Illness Care (Palliative Care)
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.
Lightways Grief Support Services
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.
