When Karen Shields realized that her mother could no longer live on her own, she moved her mother into her home. She has been happy there, where she is in hospice. We have met Karen’s mom before, when her hospice nurse brought her a special guest one day.
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Hospice patients get into set routines day after day. One of the routines for Karen and her mom is making small bouquets. Karen cuts roses from the garden. Her mom trims them up and arranges them in little bouquets. One day, while trimming the roses, her mom looked up and said, “You’re the best. Did you know that? You really are. I love you so!”
The short heartfelt message left its mark. It is one of those moments that Karen will cherish forever. While her mom is still primarily ambulatory, she has moments where movement is more difficult. When she can, she helps out in the kitchen. Karen is sneaky, but her mom is used to getting recorded for TikTok. Can’t catch her dancing… or can you?
Caring for a parent during their later years can be challenging, yet also heartwarming. Karen and her husband have opened their home and have not regretted it at all. The three take life one day at a time, rejoicing in the happy, active moments and handling the more difficult days.
Karen and her mom sat down together to help people understand what hospice care is. They discuss this end-of-life option and what it has meant for them. If you have a family member who has a terminal diagnosis, their video may help. They have a nurse who comes in once a week. The service includes a social worker and chaplain.
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You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
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