Light the Way Blog
At Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, we understand that navigating end-of-life care can be challenging, both for patients and their families. That’s why we’ve created this blog series—to provide valuable information, guidance, and support for those on this difficult journey.
Join our email list for news, caregiver resources and upcoming events!
In our Light The Way Blog Series, we’ll explore a range of topics designed to help you better understand the compassionate services we offer, and how they can improve quality of life during the final stages of an illness. Whether you’re seeking information on when to consider hospice, how palliative care can enhance comfort, or advice on how to cope with the emotional challenges that come with caregiving, our blog aims to inform and empower.
Stay tuned for regular updates, and know that no matter where you are on your care journey, we’re here to help you navigate it with dignity, respect, and care.
The Healing Power of Integrative Therapies in Hospice Care
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.
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.
Compassionate Care for Kids: Understanding Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care Services
When a child is diagnosed with a life-limiting or complex medical condition, families face an emotionally overwhelming and uncertain path. In these moments, pediatric palliative and hospice care can offer comfort, guidance, and meaningful support. Yet, many families are unfamiliar with what these services are—or worse, fear them due to common misconceptions.
Atención compasiva para niños: Comprensión de los servicios de cuidados paliativos y hospicio pediátricos
Cuando a un niño se le diagnostica una afección médica compleja o que limita su vida, las familias se enfrentan a un camino emocionalmente abrumador e incierto. En estos momentos, los cuidados paliativos pediátricos y los cuidados paliativos pueden ofrecer consuelo, orientación y apoyo significativo. Sin embargo, muchas familias no están familiarizadas con lo que son estos servicios o, lo que es peor, les temen debido a conceptos erróneos comunes.
Understanding Advanced Directives: Why They Matter
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.
Common Hospice Care Myths: What You Really Need to Know
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!
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.