East Falls hospice provides care and support for patients and their families

Most people know that hospices provide care and comfort to people at the end of their lives. What many people don’t know about is the positive impact that hospices can have on family caregivers—before, during and after the death of a loved one.

Roxborough resident Margo Burwell knew that her mother Delores’ debilitating chronic illness would eventually force them to make some very difficult decisions. “My mother was in ICU at Roxborough Memorial Hospital for congestive heart failure. And they kept putting her on the respirator,” said Burwell.

When doctors explained that there was not much they could do to help her mother, a social worker referred her to Hospice of Philadelphia. At first Burwell was upset, facing the knowledge that her mother was nearing the end of her life. But as she worked with the compassionate staff, she knew that she had made the right decision.

“If it wasn’t for VNA—I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them,” Burwell said. “They not only helped her, they helped me too”.

The mission of the Visiting Nurse Association is to provide quality home care and hospice services to all eligible patients regardless of their ability to pay.

A new tradition of hope

The VNA kicked off the celebration of its 125th anniversary with a new tradition: As a symbol of hope, some 250 butterflies were released to honor the memory of patients who have passed away and the friends and families who cared for them. See images from the event below.