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. 

Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 4, 2025
Florida's paradise of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and tropical beauty—is also home to one of the most intense annual weather phenomena: hurricane season. From June 1 to November 30, Floridians remain on high alert as powerful storms brew in the Atlantic, each potentially bringing torrential rain, fierce winds, and coastal surges. Understanding hurricane season is crucial for residents and visitors, as it ensures safety and preparedness in the face of nature’s fury. The Impact on Florida Florida has experienced some of the most destructive hurricanes in history, including Andrew (1992), Irma (2017), Ian (2022), Debby, Helene, and Milton (2024). These storms left behind immense devastation, flooding homes, severing power lines, and reshaping entire communities. The economic toll of hurricanes is staggering, affecting local businesses, tourism, and infrastructure. Coastal regions, particularly the Florida Keys and areas along the Gulf Coast, often face the most significant risk. However, inland areas are not immune—wind damage and flooding can wreak havoc miles from the shoreline. Preparing for Hurricane Season Being prepared is the best defense against hurricanes. Here’s how Floridians can safeguard themselves: Stay Informed : Monitor local weather reports and emergency alerts. The National Hurricane Center provides real-time tracking and updates. Create an Emergency Kit : Stock up on essentials, including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and extra batteries. Don’t forget important documents and pet supplies! Have a Plan : Know evacuation routes and shelter locations. Discuss emergency plans with family members and establish a safe meeting point. Secure Your Home : Reinforce windows, clear debris from your yard, and consider investing in storm shutters if possible. Hurricane season is a reality in Florida, but with preparation and awareness, residents can confidently weather the storm. Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a visitor experiencing the Sunshine State, staying informed and ready is key.  Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—storms may come, but resilience keeps Florida strong.

Weathering the Storm: A Senior’s Guide to Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 3, 2025
Hurricane season in Florida, running from June to November, is a time for preparation, not panic. While these storms bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding, a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference—especially for seniors. Taking proactive steps ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind when the storm arrives. Let’s explore how you can best prepare, stay safe, and recover after the storm. For seniors, hurricanes present unique challenges. Mobility concerns may make evacuation difficult, medical needs require careful planning, and power outages can disrupt essential healthcare devices. Knowing the potential risks helps guide preparation efforts. Flooding: Heavy rain and storm surges can cause rapid water level rises, making roads impassable and homes vulnerable. Strong Winds: Hurricanes can bring winds exceeding 100 mph, toppling trees, damaging homes, and cutting off power. Extended Recovery Time: After a storm, essential services may be limited, making access to food, medications, and transportation difficult. Essential Preparations Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with the following essentials: medications, medical records, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and water (enough for one gallon per person per day) – sufficient for three to five days. Evacuation Plan: Find nearby senior-friendly hurricane shelters that provide accessibility and medical support. Arrange Transportation: If you don’t drive, organize transportation with family, friends, or local emergency services. Communication Strategy: Stay connected with family, neighbors, and emergency contacts. Sign up for emergency alerts through local weather services.  Staying Safe During the Storm When the storm arrives, stay indoors and follow safety guidelines. Shelter Wisely: If you are staying home, choose an interior room away from windows. Monitor Updates: Use a battery-powered radio or phone to stay informed on conditions. Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. What to do After the Storm Once the storm passes, careful steps ensure safety. • Assess Damage before venturing outside—watch for fallen power lines or debris. • Seek Assistance for cleanup, repairs, or financial aid through FEMA or community organizations. • Emotional Resilience: Recovering from a hurricane takes time. Connect with neighbors, friends, and local support groups to help ease the process. Conclusion Preparation is the best way to weather the storm—both physically and emotionally. By taking proactive steps, seniors can remain safe, informed, and in control during hurricane season. If you or a loved one needs additional support, contact your local emergency management office or organizations like the Red Cross. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that every storm eventually passes.

What do Seniors Want?

By Donna Nichols • May 7, 2025
Aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about living more deliberately. As people age, their priorities shift from chasing time to cherishing it. So, what do seniors truly want? The answer is as diverse as the individuals themselves, but some clear themes emerge when we listen closely. 1. Connection and Community One of the most important things seniors crave is connection. Meaningful relationships bring joy and purpose, whether with family, old friends, or new acquaintances. Many seek social opportunities through clubs, senior centers, classes, or online communities. Loneliness can be a silent struggle, so companionship is a deeply valued part of life. 2. Respect and Independence Seniors want to be seen for who they are: individuals with a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and stories. Being treated with dignity and not being "talked down to" matters. So does having the freedom to make choices about their own lives. Maintaining a sense of autonomy is key when deciding how to spend their day, what to eat, or where to live. 3. Health and Wellness Staying healthy is more than just avoiding illness—it’s about having the energy to enjoy life. Seniors are increasingly proactive about fitness, mental health, and nutrition. Access to quality healthcare, fitness programs tailored to their needs, and mental stimulation are all top priorities. 4. Purpose and Meaning Retirement doesn’t mean retiring from life. Many seniors want to stay active through volunteering, mentoring, or even starting new ventures. Purpose drives fulfillment, whether taking care of grandchildren, learning a new skill, or contributing to a cause they care about. 5. Security and Peace of Mind Financial stability, safe housing, and access to reliable services give seniors peace of mind. Many are concerned about outliving their savings, dealing with unexpected health issues, or navigating complex systems. Clear information, supportive resources, and a sense of safety help ease these worries. 6. Fun and Adventure Yes—seniors still want fun! Travel, hobbies, music, food, and laughter never go out of style. Joy is ageless, whether it's a road trip, gardening, or dancing to old tunes. Seniors want to experience life, not just watch it pass by. Start by Listening Ultimately, the best way to understand what seniors want is simple: ask them. Every person, no matter their age, has unique preferences, needs, and dreams. When we listen with empathy and engage with respect, we create a world where aging is celebrated, not feared. Let’s build that world together. Call us to help each other enrich the lives of our seniors. 386-847-2322.
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