My 91-year-old dad was admitted to SW Hospice for home health in the fall. This service was recommended to me by Nurse Mary Pedone in the inpatient portion of Hospice. Dad had wonderful care during this time. In the winter, Dad needed more care than we could provide at home, and he was transported to SW Hospice Center as an inpatient. There, Mary was often the night nurse to care for him. When I would call in during the night, Mary was able to give me a detailed update and assured me he was resting comfortably - our greatest concern during this difficult time. While Dad was there, Mom had an acute issue, and she was admitted down the hall from Dad. Mom passed the next day quickly. She, too, had been kept very comfortable by the staff.

That evening, the entire family gathered in the great room, and a friend brought us all dinner. Mary made sure we were all ok, offering whatever support she could during this rough time. She kept Dad comfortable and provided our large family the time and space we needed to comprehend that we had lost Mom so quickly. Mary took care of Dad on his final night, 6 days after Mom's passing, and when I called in the middle of the night, she comforted me over the phone - knowing I was having a sleepless night. She told me how she talked to him about the love his family had for him, etc., as she shaved and bathed him, all the while knowing his time was very limited. Dad passed that morning.

Knowing what amazing care my parents were getting around the clock made it possible for my family to go home at night, even with the little sleep we did get. A huge shout-out to all the remarkable staff and volunteers that you have in the home and inpatient hospice at SW. I am an R.N., and I can't imagine the emotional toll this job requires. Staff smiled and cried with us through this journey. Mary stood out to me because she had encouraged me to use the services SW provided pre-hospital, as well as supported us and my decision once we could no longer care for my beloved parents at home.