Patricia Parham began her courageous battle with cancer in 2015. After enjoying five years in remission at the age of 86, Patricia’s symptoms took an unpleasant turn over the course of a month. Multiple hospital stays led to the heartbreaking news of stage IV liver cancer.
“Mom always believed in ‘giving it to God’ while waiting to see the outcome,” shared daughters Sherry Brown and Sonya Shannon. “She never wavered from her belief.”
Patricia decided to decline a PET scan and cancer treatment, and the family was advised to consider hospice care. Being unfamiliar with hospices in the area, they began their research to find a suitable place.
“Hospice of South Georgia (HOSG) stood out to us for a variety of reasons,” shared Brown. “For one, we liked that it is a non-profit hospice. Additionally, we were comforted with the option of utilizing HOSG’s inpatient facility, the Langdale Hospice House (LHH), if it were to be needed.”
Having experienced the challenges of placing their father in a nursing home years ago, the family knew that HOSG was the right choice for Patricia’s care. Discovering that HOSG also owned The Tree House, a local thrift shop they had supported for 15 years, felt like a sign that they were on the right path.
Though referred to HOSG on a Friday, Patricia chose to meet the admission team on Monday while she was stable. However, her health took a turn for the worse the next day, and the family reached out to HOSG’s on-call nurse, Brandi Nunes, RN. Despite pouring rain, Brandi promptly came to admit Patricia, gaining control over her symptoms and providing comfort. The entire HOSG team, including Eli Metts, Rachel Lustfeldt, Miranda Williams, certified nursing assistants, and Langdale Hospice House staff, showed unparalleled care and love throughout this challenging journey.
As Patricia transitioned to Langdale Hospice House, the continuity of care remained exceptional. Eli Metts, NP, compassionately informed the family that their time with Patricia would be measured in days, not months. Langdale Hospice House played a crucial role in managing Patricia’s symptoms, alleviating pain, and ensuring her peace and comfort. The family witnessed the difference that HOSG and Langdale Hospice House make in end-of-life care, with Eli Metts preparing them for the upcoming days with comforting guidance.
The family expressed gratitude, stating, “We have never seen this level of care before.” Despite years of health issues with both parents, the HOSG team provided unparalleled care from admission to the emotional Honor Walk as Patricia left Langdale Hospice House.
“From the bottoms of our hearts, we want to thank HOSG and LHH!” shared the family. “Mom is in a better place and was able to do it her way with your help and guidance.”
