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:
Give a Heart for Hospice in February
Celebrating Teresa Turner’s Retirement
News & Events
Give a Heart for Hospice in February
During the month of February, several local banks and businesses are hosting the annual “Hearts for Hospice” fundraising event. When you visit the lobby or drive-through of a participating bank or business, you will have the opportunity to request a memorial heart for a donation of at least one dollar. Donors write their name or…
Celebrating Teresa Turner’s Retirement
On January 31, Teresa Turner, APRN, will retire from Hospice Care Plus after more than 24 years of service. An open-house retirement party will be held Friday, January 31, between 12 PM and 2 PM at Hospice Care Plus & Compassionate Care Center on 350 Isaacs Lane in Richmond. All are invited to drop by…
Journaling Through Grief: A New Grief Support Series
Hospice Care Plus is offering a new grief support series called Journaling Through Grief, starting Jan. 14 and ending June 24. The group will meet every second and fourth Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Madison County Public Library in Berea. Enrollment is limited to 12 and is open to anyone in the community. Register…
Grief and Loss During Holidays and Milestones
Holidays can be a uniquely difficult time for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
You may find that grief will surface over and over, or that milestone events or holidays pull you back into your grief, or you may be surprised that grief is missing on these special days. Our grief comes in many forms and doesn’t follow a calendar.