HopeWest Highlights Importance of Early Support for Patients and Families
“I want to help other families understand that hospice care doesn’t mean the end,” said Becky Martinez.
When her father’s care provider first suggested the HopeWest hospice program, Becky didn’t think he was ready. Despite Alfredo experiencing advancing Lewy body dementia, having difficulty moving about safely, and recently entering an around-the-clock care facility, he was still eating and taking walks.
“I thought he needed to be nearer to end of life, but the team presented HopeWest as the best care for his condition. They said HopeWest would keep him comfortable and provide hands-on support,” said Becky.
When Alfredo met his HopeWest team, he settled into a better routine. “He was in a happier mood, like he realized ‘oh I have more life to live’,” she said.
And for Becky, the HopeWest team was patient and communicative, taking time to explain everything.
As the team got to know Alfredo, they learned what he valued, including his Spanish heritage. They even played his favorite mariachi music in his room.
“He would smile so big. That extra personal touch was above and beyond. They really saw him and cared about what he liked,” said Becky. “He flourished.”
It gave Becky comfort knowing her father was at peace and well cared for. She recalls a moment when she and her husband were able to play cornhole outside with her father— something that wouldn’t have happened before HopeWest.
Supporting people to live as fully as possible is at the heart of the HopeWest mission, not only through hospice and palliative care, but across all our programs, including dementia support, PACE, and grief services.
“The sooner we’re involved, the more we can help,” said Lindsay Kampfer, Chief Clinical Officer at HopeWest. “Families tell us that early support leads to a more positive care experience. We also know that patients who enter hospice sooner typically have fewer hospital or emergency room visits and often experience lower medical costs overall.”
This is accomplished by providing families with symptom and care management, in-home support, 24/7 access to care teams, seamless provider coordination, and ongoing support and education. But most importantly, HopeWest guides families like Becky’s through every step so they can focus on each other.
“I could enjoy our time together instead of feeling anxious,” said Becky.
Facing the challenges of aging or serious illness can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our team is here to answer questions, provide support, and help prevent caregiver burnout. When treatments are no longer as effective, pain or symptoms become harder to manage, or hospital visits are happening more often, these may be signs that you or a loved one could benefit from HopeWest services.
“Today is the right day to call,” said Lindsay. “HopeWest has a program to support you.”