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A Peaceful Goodbye: A Daughter’s Gratitude for her Mother’s Hospice Journey at Home and the Rose Monahan Hospice Home 

Joanne Malone had a way of making friends wherever she went. It was no surprise that her circle of loved ones continued growing when she moved to the Rose Monahan Hospice Home.

“Although she didn’t have much in material things when she was young, she was rich in spirit,” remembered her daughter, Deborah Chapin. “She was a strong person and always there to help other people.”

She was devoted to her family, and was a very proud mother of seven, grandmother of 12, and great-grandmother of seven. Joanne (pictured) loved the outdoors and going on adventures, traveling as far as Alaska, Hawaii, Norway, and England. 

Her family was there for her when she was diagnosed later in life with cardiac and respiratory conditions. Her son Brian Malone, who lived two doors away, became her “guardian angel,” according to Deborah. His thrice daily visits combined with VNA Care’s nurses and other clinicians made it possible for Joanne to remain in her own home as she entered her 90s.

The family drew on the support of VNA Care as their mother’s condition evolved. Joanne was on oxygen therapy. She relied on a walker and grew fatigued with any kind of exertion. While receiving home health and palliative care, the family proactively learned from one of VNA Care’s nurses about hospice and how this special form of healthcare would promote Joanne’s dignity and quality of life during the end-stage of her condition.

Joanne and her family decided it was time for hospice last summer. The team first cared for Joanne at her home. She no longer needed to struggle to go to doctors’ appointments, and the number of medications she took was cut in half.

Deborah was with her mother much of the week as VNA Care’s hospice nurses, spiritual counselor, and social worker made their visits.

“Everyone who came was very, very helpful,” said Deborah. “If I had any concerns about my mother, they were there for us.”

Their hospice nurse counseled the family after Joanne suffered a transient ischemic attack, more commonly known as a mini-stroke. Ensuring their mother’s safety, comfort, and dignity was paramount. They discussed Joanne moving to VNA Care’s Rose Monahan Hospice Home, which is licensed to provide hospital-level care in surroundings that feel like an actual home.

Joanne knew people who had turned to the Rose Monahan Hospice Home when facing a terminal illness, and took part in the decision to continue her end-of-life journey at the 10-bedroom residence overlooking Worcester’s Coes Pond.

“The setting of the Rose Monahan Home is absolutely spectacular. My mother arrived on a beautiful day. The water on Coes Pond was glistening,” said Deborah. “The sun shined in her room and was just spectacular.”

In the coming months, Joanne enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and the Monahan Home’s staff and volunteers made her feel like part of their family. Deborah said, “It’s comforting to know that your loved one is in good hands.”

Joanne told Deborah that Jennifer Rosado, culinary aide, was like a “gourmet chef” and would bring her whatever she wanted for each meal. The hospice aides were attentive to Joanne’s personal care needs, and volunteers would sit by her bedside and read to her when family wasn’t visiting. The nursing staff ensured any pain and symptoms were well managed.

Deborah often met with Ellen Cellini, RN team leader, and Erica Grady, residence hospice nurse. She said, “They were wonderful. They met all of our needs. Whether it was involving my mother’s care or any other issue, they were always there to support us.”

The Rose Monahan Hospice Home is staffed 24-hours a day, and Deborah appreciated the overnight staff coming to the rescue on a spiritual issue. Joanne sensed her time was coming to an end, and she wanted to be wearing a scapular, a devotional necklace, when it did. A Monahan Home nurse found exactly what Joanne requested. When Deborah visited her mother the next day, “There she was wearing her scapular. She was set for her journey.”

Two days later, Deborah and her sister Susan St. John sat by their mother’s bedside as a hospice nurse talked to them about what to expect during Joanne’s final hours. She passed away peacefully at the age of 91.

“She had a beautiful death. I wouldn’t have done it any other way,” said Deborah. “I can’t say enough about the Monahan Home. It was absolutely perfect.”