When people hear the word hospice, they often think it means giving up hope. But at Brightmoor Hospice, we see it differently. Hospice care isn’t about giving up—it’s about embracing life, cherishing each day, and creating moments that matter. Every person’s journey is unique, and hospice care is designed to honor that individuality. Our goal is to help patients and families find comfort, peace, and joy—no matter how much time remains. Finding Joy in Everyday Moments: Hospice care focuses on living fully in the present. For some patients, that might mean enjoying a favorite meal or listening to their favorite music. For others, it could be watching a sunset with family, celebrating a milestone birthday, or holding the hand of someone they love. At Brightmoor Hospice, our team helps make those moments possible. Whether it’s coordinating special visits, arranging a small celebration, or simply ensuring a patient is comfortable enough to enjoy time with loved ones, we believe every day can hold something meaningful. Supporting Families Through Connection Hospice isn’t just care for patients—it’s support for families, too. Our nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers work together to create a circle of comfort and understanding. We’ve seen families reconnect, share laughter, and tell stories they hadn’t told in years. Sometimes, these simple moments of togetherness become some of the most treasured memories. Honoring Each Person’s Story Every life is a story worth celebrating. Through personalized care plans, spiritual support, and emotional guidance, we help patients reflect on their lives, their legacies, and the people they’ve touched along the way. Whether it’s helping a veteran receive a pinning ceremony, organizing a bedside wedding, or simply sitting together in quiet reflection, we see every day as an opportunity to honor a life well lived. The Brightmoor Promise At Brightmoor Hospice, we believe that even in life’s final chapter, there can be beauty, connection, and love. Our mission is to help patients live with dignity and comfort while helping families find peace and meaning in the moments they share. Hospice care is not about the end—it’s about celebrating the life that continues in the stories, laughter, and love that remain. If you’d like to learn more about how Brightmoor Hospice helps families celebrate life, we invite you to reach out. We’re here to walk beside you with compassion and care—every step of the way.

Choosing hospice care is one of the most important decisions a family can make. It’s natural to wonder: Who will be by our side during this journey? At Brightmoor Hospice, we want you to know that hospice care is never a “one-person job.” It’s a team effort—made up of compassionate professionals and volunteers—working together to care for both patients and their families. Here’s a look at the members of a typical hospice team and how each one supports you: Hospice Physician & Nurse Practitioner: The hospice physician and nurse practitioner oversee medical care, ensuring that symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, or anxiety are well managed. They collaborate with your family’s primary doctor and help create a personalized care plan focused on comfort and dignity. Hospice Nurse: The nurse is often the familiar face families see most. Nurses monitor the patient’s condition, provide hands-on care, teach families how to give medications, and are available to answer questions. They bring both clinical skill and a compassionate heart to every visit. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs provide personal care such as bathing, grooming, and helping with mobility. Their gentle support often brings comfort and dignity in very practical ways, while also giving family caregivers a much-needed break. Social Worker: Hospice social workers support both the patient and family emotionally and practically. They can help with counseling, family communication, advance care planning, and connecting you with community resources. Chaplain/Spiritual Support: Spiritual care is available to all families, regardless of faith tradition. Chaplains provide a listening ear, prayers, and emotional support—always respecting personal beliefs and preferences. Volunteers: Specially trained volunteers give their time in countless meaningful ways. They may sit with a patient to offer companionship, help with errands, or provide respite so caregivers can rest. Volunteers remind families that they are not alone. Bereavement Support: Support doesn’t end when hospice services do. Brightmoor Hospice offers grief support to families for up to 13 months after the loss of a loved one, helping them navigate the healing process with care and compassion. The Brightmoor Difference At Brightmoor Hospice, we believe in caring for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—while also supporting the family every step of the way. Our team works together like an extended family, ensuring that you and your loved one never walk this journey alone. If you have questions about hospice care or would like to learn more about how our team can help, please reach out to us. We are here to listen, guide, and walk beside you.

At Brightmoor Hospice, we believe in honoring every person’s wishes for their care—especially when they can’t speak for themselves. One of the most powerful ways to ensure your voice is heard during a medical crisis is by completing an advance directive. What Is an Advance Directive? An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you're unable to communicate them due to illness or injury. It may include: Living Will – outlines what kind of medical treatments or life-sustaining measures you want or do not want (like ventilators or feeding tubes). Healthcare Power of Attorney – names a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you cannot. Why It Matters None of us can predict the future, but we can take steps to prepare. Completing an advance directive gives you the ability to: Have your wishes respected – You decide the type of care you want, based on your values and beliefs. Reduce stress for your loved ones – Families often struggle to make hard medical decisions without knowing what their loved one wanted. An advance directive provides guidance and peace of mind. Support your care team – It helps doctors and hospice professionals provide care that aligns with your goals. When Should You Complete One? The best time to complete an advance directive is before a crisis happens—ideally while you are still healthy. It’s especially important for individuals with serious or chronic illnesses, but truly, it’s something everyone over 18 should consider. Starting the Conversation Talking about end-of-life care can feel uncomfortable—but it’s one of the most loving and responsible things you can do for yourself and your family. Here are a few tips to get started: Choose a quiet, private time to talk with your loved ones. Share your values and what matters most to you. Ask your doctor or hospice team for guidance on your options. Brightmoor Is Here to Help Our Brightmoor Hospice team is committed to compassionate, patient-centered care. We’re here to help you understand advance directives, walk through the forms, and support you in making the choices that are right for you. If you or a loved one need help starting this process, don’t hesitate to contact us. It’s never too early—or too late—to make your wishes known. For more information and additional resources please visit: https://www.fivewishes.org

Jimmy Carter has been admired for his profound life of service and dedication to humankind. From his time as the 39th President of the United States to his numerous years of humanitarian work. Carter has illustrated humility, compassion, and leadership. In February 2023, at the remarkable age of 98, Carter made a very personal and courageous decision to enter hospice care. He passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, after nearly two years in hospice care.. This decision, like many in his life, sparked admiration and reflection, offering a reminder of his enduring grace and strength. A Life of Service Born in Plains, Georgia, in 1924, Carter served as a naval officer, peanut farmer, and eventually a politician. His presidency, which lasted from 1977-1981, prioritized human rights and peace, and his post-presidential years further solidified his humanitarian legacy. Through the Carter Center, he worked endlessly to combat disease, advance democracy, and foster worldwide peace. His hands-on involvement with Habitat for Humanity symbolized his dedication to serving others, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. What is Hospice Care? Hospice care is a specialized form of care for individuals with terminal illnesses who have chosen to focus on comfort rather than curative treatments. It prioritizes quality of life over curative treatments, offering physical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients and loved ones. Carter’s transition to hospice followed years of heath challenges, including a cancer diagnosis, reflecting his pragmatic approach to life and death. A Courageous Decision Carter’s choice to enter hospice care resonated deeply with many. By opting for peace and time with loved ones, he highlighted the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. His decision aligns with his lifelong values of humility and simplicity, inspiring conversations about the significance of end-of-life care. The World’s Response Tributes poured in from around the globe following Carter’s hospice announcement. Admirers praised his bravery and reflected on his profound impact. His choice also sparked broader discussions about aging and the importance of planning for the end of life, helping to destigmatize conversations about death. A Lasting Legacy As Carter’s life nears its conclusion, his legacy continues to grow. His work as a statesman and humanitarian inspires countless people around the world. Even in hospice, Carter’s choices reflect his unwavering values, teaching us to live meaningfully and face life’s final moments with dignity. Conclusion Jimmy Carter’s hospice journey is a testament to his extraordinary life. It reminds us of the importance of service, humility, and acceptance. As the world reflects on his legacy, his example will continue to inspire generations to come.

Choosing the right hospice company for a loved one is a deeply personal and significant decision. Here are some key considerations to help guide you through this process, along with specific questions you might ask based on Piedmont’s recommendations. Understanding Hospice Care Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and support to individuals with terminal illnesses. It emphasizes quality of life, pain management, and emotional support for both the patient and their family. Steps to Choose the Right Hospice Service 1. Assess Your Loved One’s Needs Medical Needs: Determine the level of medical care required. Some patients may need specialized care for conditions like cancer or dementia. Emotional and Spiritual Needs: Consider the emotional and spiritual support your loved one might need. Many hospice services offer counseling and spiritual care. 2. Research Hospice Providers Reputation and Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from other families. Visit medicare.gov to compare providers. Personal recommendations can also be invaluable. 3. Evaluate Services Offered Comprehensive Care: Check if the hospice provides a full range of services, including medical care, pain management, emotional support, and respite care for family members. Availability: Ensure that the hospice can provide care 24/7, as needs can arise at any time. 4. Meet with Hospice Staff Initial Consultation: Arrange a meeting with the hospice team to discuss your loved one’s needs and ask questions about their services. Comfort Level: Assess your comfort level with the staff. It’s important to feel confident in their ability to provide compassionate care. 5. Understand Costs and Insurance Coverage Insurance: Check what services are covered by your loved one’s insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid. Out-of-Pocket Costs: Understand any additional costs that may not be covered by insurance. Questions to Ask Potential Hospice Providers Nursing Home with Hospice: 1. What medications will my loved one take under your services? Are they allowed to take [specific medication]? 2. How often does the hospice nurse come to check on my loved one? 3. Will there be out-of-pocket expenses? 4. How often does the CNA come? Home Hospice: 1. What happens at the first home visit post-hospitalization? 2. What type of staff comes to the home and how often? Are they there for weekend services? 3. How often can the nurse come check on my loved one? 4. What happens if there is a change in medical condition and my loved one declines further? 5. If I call at 2 am for help – will I get help right away or will I get an answering service? 6. What if I cannot take care of my loved one at home anymore? 7. What equipment do you provide? 8. What medications will my loved one take under your hospice services? Are they allowed to take [specific medication]? 9. What is the response time based on where I live if I have an emergency? 10. How quickly can you come back to my home if I need you? 11. What are your bereavement/grief services and when do they start? 12. What is respite care? How often can I get respite? Where can I get respite services? 13. How can your social worker assist me? 14. What support is there to help with finances, documents, etc.? 15. Do you have an inpatient should my loved one need respite or a higher level of care? Inpatient Hospice Centers: 1. What are the visiting hours? 2. What makes your inpatient hospice facility better than others? 3. What medications will my loved one take under your services? Are they allowed to take [specific medication]? 4. Can people go outdoors? 5. What amenities are in the room? Is the inpatient hospice facility for families? 6. Where do you transition my loved one if they are doing better? 7. Can I bring pets? Children? Are there age restrictions? 8. Does my loved one need anything? Conclusion Choosing the right home hospice service involves careful consideration of your loved one’s needs, thorough research, and open communication with potential providers. By taking these steps and asking the right questions, you can ensure that your loved one receives compassionate and comprehensive care during this important time.

When facing a serious illness, understanding the difference between hospice and palliative care can help ensure you receive the right support. Here’s a simplified look at how these two types of care differ and what they offer.

Discussing hospice care can feel daunting, but it’s important to understand that it doesn’t mean giving up hope. In fact, starting hospice care earlier often leads to better quality of life and sometimes even longer life. Here’s a simple guide on when and why to consider hospice.