I want to add some important clarity here because increasing level of care is actually a really good update.
Mom is doing great. Truly. She is thriving in the Residential Care Home where she lives, and I am deeply grateful for that every single day. The environment, the consistency, the care, the people… it’s been a gift.
This week, Pat Nixon, the Chief Caregiver Angel at her home, reached out. Not out of concern or alarm, but out of attentiveness. Her instinct was simple and spot-on: Mom might benefit from additional support. More eyes. More hands. More monitoring. Not because something is “wrong,” but because she’s 89 and a half years old and deserves that level of care.
She suggested we explore whether Mom might be a candidate for Hospice.
Let’s pause right there, because this word needs some unpacking.
Hospice is not “giving up.”
Hospice is not a death sentence.
Hospice is not only for the last days or weeks of life.
Mom is not any more terminal than the rest of us. We are all going to die someday. What is true is that aging bodies change, and sometimes the most loving thing you can do is bring in more support sooner rather than later.
So we reached out to the wonderful team at Concho Hearts Hospice. They came out quickly, reviewed her situation, and Mom has been admitted.
Here’s what that means in real life terms:
- Nurse visits up to twice a week
- A daily aide to assist with personal care
- Medication management
- Supplies provided
- Another layer of professional oversight and advocacy
And here’s what it means emotionally: peace of mind.
I am honestly thrilled with how smoothly and quickly everyone worked together. This wasn’t a crisis response. This was proactive, thoughtful, compassionate care planning. And I believe it’s going to make Mom more comfortable and more supported overall.
This is what good care looks like.
This is what paying attention looks like.
This is what advocating early looks like.
If you’re navigating aging parents, please hear this clearly: bringing in hospice can be about quality of life, not the end of it.
More support doesn’t mean less hope.
Sometimes it means more ease for everyone involved.
Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.