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Hospice & Serious Illness Care in Joliet & Northern Illinois

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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

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

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.

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The Healing Power of Integrative Therapies in Hospice 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.

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Hospice and Palliative care Nutrition

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.

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Patients and families

Testimonials

“The entire hospice team was incredible, my thanks to the entire support team. You guys made a difficult time a lot easier to bear. I would definitely recommend your services to anyone.”

“The care we received at Lightways facility was superb! The structure & grounds were amazing, so beautiful. It helped give my entire family much comfort during some difficult days.”

“The children’s support staff has been instrumental in the grief of recovery for my young daughters losing their grandma. The sound therapy and recording of my mom’s heartbeat has been such a powerful tool. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Thank You to Our 2026 Annual Sponsors