According to Jane Scott of Yellow Springs, her mother benefitted greatly from hospice care provided to her in her assisted living environment.  “Having hospice care for my mother right there in her assisted living facility not only made the end of her life better, I’m convinced Mom lived longer because of it.”

Ruby Wells Nicholson passed away in 2015 at a Fairborn assisted living facility at age 105. She moved to the assisted living environment following a fall in 2012 that resulted in injuries from which she never fully recovered. When Ruby was diagnosed with cardiac disease a year later, she entered hospice care at the suggestion of her doctor.

“Mother already was receiving wonderful care from the assisted living staff and from her family,” says Jane. “She was deeply loved by all of us – my husband, my son, myself and their staff.  But the extra support and care she received from Ohio’s Hospice was incredibly beneficial.”

Ruby received near daily visits from her hospice nurse manager or nursing assistants. They would help her mother walk the length of a hallway and would take her outside to enjoy the outdoors. Ruby also enjoyed and asked about when “that rubbing lady” was coming, meaning the massage therapist who gave her relaxing massages.

“Mother loved the people from Ohio’s Hospice. I think her joy in their visits caused her to live longer,” Jane says. “The biggest gift they gave my mom was the same one they gave to me – their companionship and support. I learned so much from them.”

Surveys reflect the desire of most Americans to be able to remain in their home in their final months – whether that’s a private home, an assisted living facility or a long-term care facility. Ruth Thomson, D.O. and Chief Medical Officer for Ohio’s Hospice, says people are often surprised and pleased to learn that Ohio’s Hospice services are available in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. “We are a resource for the terminally ill, and their family and work alongside the staff at the facility to provide an extra layer of care,” Dr. Thomson says.

Jane calls the staff of Ohio’s Hospice “some of the kindest, gentlest caregivers” she has ever met.  She is grateful to have had this service available for her mother. “What a comfort to feel some of that deep anxiety you have shift to somebody else who knows what they’re doing and has your loved one’s best interests at heart.”

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