Compassionate Care That
Goes Beyond the Expected
All healthcare workers serve their
patients by trying to help them
heal. But the team at Halifax
Health – Hospice of Volusia/Flagler goes
above and beyond to provide expert and
compassionate end-of-life care to patients
and families.
One Couple’s Story
John and Jane, an elderly couple, were both suffering from terminal illnesses. (Their names have been changed to protect their families’ privacy.) They were both admitted to an area hospital in the same week, but since they were rarely apart, they were anxious to see each other in the hospital. However, they couldn’t because of their illnesses and the hospital’s rules. After several days, they both decided to be admitted to Halifax Health Hospice.John and Jane were transported to Southeast Volusia Care Center. Through special arrangements made possible by the center, they were given beds close together in one room, so they could be next to each other, holding hands.
The next morning Jane died peacefully with her husband at her side. John was grateful that the Care Center team’s flexibility had allowed him and his wife to have those last few hours together.
A Dying Wish Granted
John very much wanted to attend Jane’s funeral, but he was weak and in considerable pain. Doctors felt he was too ill to be transported to the church or funeral home.With an innovative compassion, the Care Center team found a way to grant John’s wish. They worked with the funeral home and John’s family to arrange to have Jane’s funeral in the chapel at Southeast Volusia Care Center, so John could attend. Unable to stand, John was pushed in his bed to the chapel, where he was able to say good-bye to Jane. He died quietly and peacefully the next morning.
Both of their families were grateful to the staff at Southeast Volusia Care Center for their flexibility and compassion that meant John and Jane could be together and comfortable until the end.
