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Couple Finds Extraordinary Care and Support at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home 

Dennis Asselin accepted an opening at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home sight unseen for his wife Dolores “Dolly” Wright-Asselin.

He knew the residence only by reputation, having spoken to several people whose loved ones had received exceptional end-of-life care there.

“The Monahan staff put me at ease pretty quickly,” remembered Dennis. “They told me not to worry about her eating, her medications, or who would do this or that for her. They said, ‘You show up and be there for her, and we’ll take care of the rest.’ That really helped a lot.”

Dolly’s health began declining three years ago when she suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with vascular dementia, a condition that can cause problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Rehabilitation therapy helped her regain her ability to walk with Dennis nearby in case she lost her balance. They loved to travel, and Dolly’s improved health allowed them to return to their Maine vacation home, visit family in Florida and New Mexico, and even venture to a favorite destination – the Bahamas.

Dennis remembered being “blindsided” last February when Dolly’s home health aide began yelling for him to call 911. Dolly was unresponsive, and EMTs rushed her to the emergency room. She remained unconscious while a doctor explained an invasive procedure that may help Dolly. Dennis also drew on the expertise of his niece, a nurse practitioner, who joined the conversation via conference call.

Dolly had always told Dennis she didn’t want any extraordinary means taken to prolong her life. Her wishes guided the conversation, and the consensus was that Dolly would not want the procedure. As Dennis prepared himself to lose his partner of 36 years and wife of 26 years within just a few hours, a miracle happened. Dolly’s vital signs suddenly returned to normal. However, the ordeal had taken an enormous toll on Dolly’s health. Hospital staff suggested the couple consider hospice, a specialized area of health care that supports both patients and loved ones throughout the end-of-life journey. 

The hospital social worker recommended VNA Care, which provides hospice care in patients’ homes and the Rose Monahan Hospice Home. Dolly would receive pain and symptom management geared to keeping her as comfortable as possible, and both Dolly and Dennis could access emotional, spiritual, practical and social support. VNA Care helped Dolly transition first from the hospital to her own home and then a few weeks later to the Rose Monahan Hospice Home where her needs could be better met.

The residence, located on a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking Worcester’s Coes Pond, offers calm, comfortable surroundings for individuals of all ages. The community’s generosity made it possible for VNA Care to open the residence in 1997, and donor support remains essential to the day-to-day operations of what is the only hospice residence in Central Massachusetts.

Dennis jokes that he’s “become part of the woodwork” at the Monahan Home. He visits daily to be with his wife. He appreciates that staff have taken the time to get to know Dolly. Dennis said, “She was full of life and always on the go. She skied with me until she was in her mid-70s. She wasn’t afraid of anything. She always had a smile on her face. She’s quite a woman.”

The Rose Monahan Hospice Home nurses, including Amy Daley, RN, CHPN, Hospice Clinical Services Manager; Ellen Cellini, RN, BSN, Nurse Team Leader; and Erica Grady, RN, Residence Hospice Nurse, keep Dennis informed about Dolly’s condition and any changes in her medications. He feels comfortable asking questions and sharing his observations. When he can’t be there, he has peace of mind knowing trained hospice volunteers are available to provide companionship to Dolly. The couple receives additional support from Ted MacNeil, MDV, MS, Hospice Spiritual Counselor, and Glen Degere, LICSW, Hospice Social Worker.

“As hard as it is when I leave, I know she’s in good hands,” said Dennis. “The care my wife’s receiving and the level of involvement and consideration the staff has for everybody in the family is pretty extraordinary. The Monahan Home is a Godsend.”