"I Wanted to Be Her Daughter, Not Her Caregiver": A Family's Hospice Journey at Henry Ford Hospice Home - Jackson

For more than a decade, Amy lovingly cared for her mother, Carol, at home. When Henry Ford Hospice Home Care became involved in September, Amy and her family gained an extended team dedicated to helping keep Carol comfortable and supported.

With visits from a hospice aide three times a week and guidance from the hospice team, the family found reassurance knowing they did not have to navigate the journey alone.

But in February, Carol's condition changed.

As her needs increased, she required around-the-clock care that extended beyond what the family could safely provide at home.

"I wanted to be her daughter, not her caregiver," Amy shared.

After much consideration, the family made the decision to admit Carol to the Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson. What could have been a heartbreaking transition instead became a source of comfort and peace for both Carol and her loved ones.

Carol remained at the Hospice Home until her passing in May.

According to daughter Margaret, the experience exceeded every expectation.

"Every single team member was amazing," she said. "From the volunteers to the clinical staff and the people preparing my mom's meals. They truly got to know her."

That personal attention made all the difference.

"They knew Mom loved white cheddar mac and cheese and orange sherbet," Margaret recalled. "They always made sure she had whatever her heart desired."

The family admits they initially approached hospice with hesitation. Years earlier, they had a difficult experience with another hospice provider while caring for their father.

"We were a little gun-shy," Margaret said. "But this experience was completely different."

She remembers a team that took time to listen, answer questions, provide education, and offer reassurance every step of the way.

"They talked with us, supported us, listened to our concerns, and helped us understand what to expect," she said. "The compassion and dedication they showed to both patients and families was

remarkable. I can't say enough good things about them."

Beyond the clinical care, it was often the small moments that left the greatest impact.

Carol eagerly anticipated Tuesdays, when the chaplain would visit with his guitar and sing with her. There were also special days when fresh cookies were baked and shared with patients and families, creating moments of comfort and connection.

Amy noticed something else that stood out.

"The team was kind and loving to us, but they were also kind and loving to each other," she said. "You could see how willing they were to step in and help one another."

Watching that teamwork left a lasting impression.

"This work was definitely their calling," Amy shared.

Even after Carol's passing, the support continued.

"The Bereavement team reached out and checked on us," Amy said. "They encouraged us and supported us even after Mom was gone. That meant so much."

Today, the family remains deeply grateful for the care Carol received and the compassion shown to them throughout the journey.

"There are no words to express our gratitude for all they did for our mom and our family," Amy said.

When Carol passed away, the family made a special request. In lieu of flowers, they asked friends and loved ones to make donations to the Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson.

Their hope was simple: that other families facing the same journey would have access to the same dignity, comfort, and compassion that meant so much to them.

"The care our mom received was truly extraordinary," Margaret said. "We wanted others to be able to experience that same level of support when they need it most."