Creating an End-of-Life Plan

Lucille Rosetti • September 10, 2020

Creating a Hospice and End-of-Life Plan for Your Dying Loved One

When people think of hospice care, their loved one’s mortality almost immediately comes to mind.

Hospice is typically reserved for those who are nearing the end of their life, and it should be viewed as an opportunity to provide comfort, discuss their final wishes, and to say goodbye.

There is no one-size-fits-all method for creating a hospice care plan, but understanding the process is a good first step.

Here are some things you should know.

Hospice Care Involves Many People

When the time arrives for hospice care, it’s important to understand that you are not alone. Your hospice care team will be comprised of many people who are experienced in how to provide compassionate care for the patient and support for the family.

Your loved one’s care team will consist of a physician , hospice nurses , and other support personnel . The nurses will have many tasks, including administering medication and helping to quell anxiety relating to your loved one’s condition and passing away.

One key individual you will get to know throughout the process is a hospice social worker. They are fully qualified to counsel everyone involved in the dying process. They also serve to support and advocate for the patient’s rights and wishes.

Getting to know this individual, as well as their qualifications, will help you and your loved one understand why they are there and in what ways they can help.

End-of-Life Conversations Can’t Wait

Your social worker can also help you open up the conversation with your loved one about how they want their death handled.

Having this conversation can help you be more prepared for the emotional and financial aspects related to your loved one’s passing.

These end-of-life conversations will be emotional. Your loved one may not want to think about their own mortality, and they may be in denial that their health has deteriorated to the point where death is an immediate concern.

If you cannot get them to discuss the emotional aspect of funeral planning, they may be receptive to talking about more practical matters, especially if they previously served as a caregiver for your family.

With the average funeral costing as much as a used car — between $7,000 and $12,000 in most cases — they may be more able to look at funeral planning as one last way they can care for the ones they love by making decisions that will reduce the financial burden.

Your loved one may be eligible for burial insurance; if so, this may be a motivator for them to open up about these decisions.

Hospice Does Not Equal Hopeless

There is no denying that hospice care almost always means death, and often within just a few months. But this does not mean that your loved one has to give up hope; instead, they can redefine their expectations and focus on quality instead of longevity.

Very well Health explains that hospice care will help your loved one live pain-free so that they can do the things they want, such as spending time with their family or taking one last family vacation. Being in hospice care is also no guarantee of death.

Although not the typical outcome, it is not unheard of for hospice care to improve the patient’s condition to the point their life expectancy is extended. Instead of standard hospice care, some people need palliative care.

In this model of care, the patient is treated with the same compassion, but may be much further from end-of-life than someone receiving hospice treatment. Palliative care patients may transition out of care once treatment for a disease or condition has ended and then re-enter hospice care once quality of life needs must be addressed toward the end.

Nobody likes to think about death, and hospice care only brings this possibility that much closer to reality.

Your loved one’s hospice care team can help you and your entire family understand and embrace the process.

Most importantly, hospice can ease your loved one’s suffering. Regardless of the outcome, eliminating pain will help them live their best life until the very end.

Lucille Rosetti

If you need help with Creating a Hospice and End-of-life Plan give us a call at 386-847-2322  or get a copy of our Guiding Light for Seniors that will help guide you through the aging process. Our Senior Advisors are here to walk with you through this journey. 

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.