Pediatric Care Program

When a child has a life-limiting illness, Lightways Pediatric Hospice and Serious Illness Care Team can help.

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Hospice Care

Lightways Hospice care provides physical, emotional and spiritual support for patients with a terminal illness.

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Pediatric Care

Lightways Pediatric Care Team is here to help enhance the quality of life for your child and family.

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Serious Illness Care

Lightways helps people with advanced, chronic or life-limiting illnesses with clear-headed, practical and kind counsel to patients and family.

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Hospice and Serious Illness Care

About Lightways

Founded in 1982 as Joliet Area Community Hospice, Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care is an independent, nonprofit healthcare provider licensed in 11 counties in Illinois. We provide exceptional serious illness care, hospice care and grief support for adults and children.

Lightways Nursing Staff

News & Educational Resources

Lightways Grief Support Services

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.

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

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

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.

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Patients and families

Testimonials

“The total care patient/family far exceeded anything I expected. Kori Schmidt, our nurse, was outstanding, she explained everything thoroughly and gave our loved one care with compassion. Vicky, our CNA, arrived cheerfully and delivered exceptional care to my husband, with dignity. Meds, equipment were delivered punctually.”

Lightways is truly the Gold Standard for hospice care. Every person we interacted with was excellent, even the equipment delivery people. At the end, the music therapy was very comforting. Lights of Love event was so wonderful. Kudos to our nurse and CNA. They were both wonderful!

“Every member of your staff brought gentle and peaceful care to my mom. The facility itself is peaceful and provided meals, snacks and drinks for the family. The setting and natural surroundings is beautiful. No questions or concerns seemed unimportant for your staff. Family members and friends, elderly to young children were welcomed. Thank you!”

Thank You to Our 2025 Annual Sponsors