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VNA Care’s Hospice Team “Simply Amazing” as They Help Family Navigate End-Stage Alzheimer’s with Nursing, Social Work, and Other Supports

Marie Leduc’s only wish was to remain at home with her family as she faced Alzheimer’s disease.

It was the same wish she and her family fulfilled for her own mother, Rose, when she received the same shattering diagnosis.

“We’re a very close-knit family,” shared Laurie Barnes, Marie’s daughter. “I saw the progression of the disease with my grandmother. To then see everything happen with my mom, it was devastating.”

Laurie remembers her mother as a sweet, gentle, family-oriented woman with endless amounts of love for her husband Robert, three children, and six grandchildren. She was part of Assabet Valley Regional High School’s support staff for more than 30 years, retiring in 2016 and inducted into Assabet’s Hall of Achievement the following year for her contributions to the school.

It was during retirement that Marie’s memory began failing, and she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Marie shared with her family that she wanted to remain at home throughout the course of her disease, and Laurie was determined to make her wish a reality.

Laurie saw the disease progress far more quickly with her mother than with her grandmother. When Marie’s time was limited to months instead of years, her doctor suggested the family enlist the support of VNA Care.

Our nonprofit’s hospice clinicians and volunteers receive advanced education in meeting the specialized needs of individuals and loved ones facing end-stage dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease. The team relieves pain, controls symptoms, provides emotional and spiritual support, and much more to support a peaceful endof-life journey. Families are supported before and after their loss.

As Laurie got to know the hospice team, she discovered “they were all simply amazing and so compassionate.”

Katie Mechan, Hospice RN Case Manager, took the lead in coordinating the Leduc family’s care. Laurie said Katie was “so helpful and knowledgeable” every step of the way. Katie’s advice helped Laurie and her family promote Marie’s quality of life. Her recommendations included such things as giving Marie a fidget apron with different textures and activities, like zippers and buttons, that would provide calming sensory stimulation.

Lauren Abraham, LICSW, Hospice Social Worker, was an ongoing source of support for the family and ensured they were comfortable with and understood what to expect in the coming months. Marion Kettell, Hospice Aide, assisted with Marie’s personal care and other day-to-day activities. Lauren said Marion “has a heart of gold.” A hospice volunteer served as a companion for both Marie and her husband Robert, who particularly enjoyed playing cribbage with the volunteer during her visits.

The hospice team’s care and support over nearly four months enabled Laurie to continue working, and, most importantly, feel comfortable that her mother was in good hands when they were apart. Robert appreciated the opportunity to have some time for himself without worrying about Marie’s safety and wellbeing. If they had any questions or concerns, the hospice team was always available. When Marie’s end-of-life journey was nearing its end, the hospice team prepared the entire family for what to expect and Laurie was able to take time off from work to remain by her mother’s side. Marie died peacefully at home at the age of 77.

Laurie is grateful for everything the hospice team did for her mother and her family. She said, “My mother wanted to pass away at home, and VNA Care’s hospice helped me honor her wishes.”