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Fulfilling Father’s Wish to Remain at Home was “the Most Amazing Gift”

Jennifer Gallotta knew time was growing short for her father Edwin Page.

His health had been gradually declining, although he was always able to get back on track with the support of VNA Care’s home health care team.

“I knew my Dad was in good hands with VNA Care, and that my parents would feel supported with whatever they needed,” said Jennifer, who then served as a clinical services manager at VNA Care. “My Dad would tell me, ‘When I see them coming up the driveway, it just lights me up. I’m so happy they’re here.’”

Jennifer decided to step away from her work over two years ago to spend every precious moment with her father. She said, “Everything was just going – his heart, his lungs, his kidneys. He had a stroke that impacted his language, but my Dad remained as sharp as a tack.”

One day, without warning, Edwin was overcome with tremendous pain and no obvious cause. He didn’t want to go through even more tests and treatments. Edwin and his family had a pivotal conversation with his primary care doctor about hospice that refocused his care plan.

“My dad always said, ‘I’ve lived a good life. I have no regrets,’” said Jennifer. “The PCP really listened and supported my Dad’s wishes for hospice. That helped my Dad know it was OK, and it was time to just be comfortable and not feel that he had to keep fighting to get better.”

VNA Care’s continuum of home-based health care services meant Edwin could continue with the visiting nurse association he knew well and trusted.

Jennifer remembered the first visit from Katie Mechan, hospice RN case manager, who would guide and support Edwin and Ann, his wife of more than 60 years, as well as their four children and 11 grandchildren.

“Seeing Katie and how calm, caring, and interested she was in hearing everything my Dad had to say, which was a lot, really put my Dad at ease,” said Jennifer. Moving forward, Edwin’s care would focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Over his 88 years, Edwin touched many people’s lives, and he cared deeply about his family, friends, community, and country. He served as a submariner in the United States Navel Reserves before marrying Ann in 1961. He was a certified journeyman electrician, school teacher, and wrestling and soccer coach. He had many interests, but particularly loved sharing his passion for 18th century history. He took part in a militia that re-enacted historic battles and portrayed John Quincy Adams for the National Parks Service. A man of great faith, Edwin volunteered for the pastoral care department at Norwood Hospital, where he would listen to people in crisis or who simply needed to talk. He also served his church as a eucharistic minister, lector, and CCD teacher.

Jennifer remembered Katie “prepared us for what to anticipate because my Dad was progressing so quickly. Every day there was something a little different that we needed to do to support my Dad. We had so much confidence because of the education we received.”

The hospice team was always a phone call away to answer any questions or make an unscheduled visit to ensure Edwin’s comfort. “It was absolutely incredible how we were supported. Anything we needed, we received it,” said Jennifer. “Because of VNA Care’s hospice, my Dad had so much dignity and peace in the last chapter of his life.”

Katie let the family know when Edwin’s time was nearing an end. They enjoyed a weekend together watching football before quieting the house for the difficult days ahead. Edwin often shared the story of his own father’s passing and the bright full moon that filled the sky that night. Jennifer was convinced that he was waiting for his own full moon to say goodbye.

One evening, as Ann, Jennifer, and her siblings said goodnight to Edwin, his breathing changed. They stayed by his side as he passed peacefully. With the support of their cousin, who is a funeral director, they prepared Edwin to leave his home one last time.

They walked outside together at 2 am, and a beautiful full moon lit their path.

“As Dad was heading off, it was just so calm. We all agreed that we walked him right to the gates of heaven,” remembered Jennifer. “His wish was to stay at home and be with all of us. Being able to do that for my Dad after he’d given us so much was the most amazing gift.”

Jennifer added, “Our family is so thankful for all the support from VNA Care – from the very beginning when my Dad needed home health care to when he transitioned to hospice, my Dad was treated as a whole person. We are so grateful.”