Our stories about meaningful experiences are written as they unfold. Therefore, most stories are in the present tense. Some of the patients in these stories are no longer with us. They, and their families, gave us permission to share their experience with you. For those who have since passed, we share these in their memories with deep appreciation for what they have taught us about life and living.
We all have bucket-list wishes. Sometimes the thing you want to do seems simple, like getting a tattoo, but is really about much more–claiming and honoring someone you love, for instance.
As our Hospice Care Plus home care team worked with and cared for Deloris, it became clear that one of her daughters was on her mind. Deloris had tattoos representing each of her children. But this daughter was adopted later in life, so she wasn’t included in the tattoo. As our care team learned more about her, they could see that this was important and meaningful. They did what they always do – tried to find a way to make it happen.
Chasity Smallwood-Coleman, our director of development, heard about Deloris’s special wish on her day off work. She was familiar with a local tattoo business–Lucky Lady Tattoos in Richmond–and reached out to ask its artist, Will, for help. Will agreed to donate his services.
Then, as we often do, we turned to our heroes at Madison County EMS about safely transporting Deloris to Lucky Lady Tattoos. They also let her be tattooed on the stretcher, which was more comfortable for her.
By the end of the day, Deloris had what she needed: resolution, peace, and a mark that claimed and embraced all of her children.
How can you honor life during National Hospice & Palliative Care Month? Visit the #WeHonorLife campaign page to learn about all the ways you can help, from volunteering and shopping to helping us increase access to specialized care for the seriously ill and their families.Questions? Contact us at hospice@hospicecp.org or 859-986-1500 or visit our website.
Hospice Care Plus empowers those we serve to enjoy the highest quality of life, respecting their values, beliefs, needs, and goals through specialized care, education, resources, and grief support.
Our Service Area:
Our Home Hospice and Home Palliative Care programs serve you, wherever you call home, in the Kentucky counties of Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle.
Our inpatient care facility, the Compassionate Care Center, and administrative offices are located in Richmond, Kentucky.
Recent News:
Print & Online Resources for Caregivers
Kroger Community Rewards Makes Giving Easy
News & Events
To Get Back Home
Nancy Isaacs, a Hospice Care Plus nurse, now retired but with 20-plus years under her belt, will never forget one patient’s bucket-list story. “He hadn’t lived in our county very long,” remembers Nancy. “He was from a small town in eastern Kentucky, and his greatest wish was to have his body taken back there to be…
Ace Hardware Event to Benefit Hospice
Bluegrass Ace Hardware in Richmond, with Case Ambassadors Joe and Kathy Litton, are hosting a Case Knife Event and donating a portion of the proceeds to Hospice Care Plus. The event is on Saturday, September 19, from 9am until noon. There is no cost to attend. During the event, fans and knife collectors can view and…
Big Blue Madness & Dueling Pianos!
Hospice Care Plus is excited to announce a new fundraiser that combines Kentucky’s love for basketball with music, comedy, an auction, and great food. On Friday, October 16th, Hospice Care Plus will host “Dueling Pianos & Big Blue Madness,” a new event at RT’s Cafe in Richmond. The fun begins at 7pm. The night begins…
New Study Links Hospice to Reduced Depression for Spouses
A new study shows that spouses of hospice patients have fewer depression symptoms than those whose spouses did not receive hospice care. The research was conducted at Mt. Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine and published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Researchers studied Medicare claims data and responses to the Health and Retirement Study, which focuses on…