Hospice of Chattanooga

Although I’m new to review writing, I’ve learned that there are reviews that I want to write, and some reviews that I need to write. With some reviews, I can’t wait to share the good, the bad, and the ugly, almost as a catharsis type experience, with the added benefit of well.. .. ‘getting even’ for having had the unpleasant experience. (Good times shared are doubled, burdens shared are halved!)
I need to write this review, and I’ve dreaded writing this review. It’s almost been one year since the experience that lead to the this review occurred, and now I’d like to share my observations and feelings experienced during the process of allowing my mother to depart this plane of manifestation in a quiet, dignified manner.
Mom had been in «descending health» for some time, and when she suffered a massive stroke, the family knew it was only a matter of time until she passed. Several options for care were outlined, and after examining Mom’s prognosis, we crafted a plan, and selected a full-​care hospice for Mom. That hospice was Hospice of Chattanooga.
The Oakwood Drive location has a full kitchen/​living room area, with Wi-​Fi, large TV, and an office area (which was invaluable, as I could continue my management processes «in absentia» during Mom’s stay.). The facilities were extremely clean and well-​maintained, yet did not have a trace of ‘hospital smell’. Mom’s room had a recliner/​sleeper for Dad, as well as decent chairs for other visitors. The couches and chairs in the living room area were very comfy: NOT of the usual office variety. The living area really was a ‘living area’ — where we and others could relax, nap, and talk, and sometimes laugh, ²⁴⁄₇.
During our 11-​day stay, I viewed numerous families come and go, in various stages of distress. In ALL instances, the staff extended gracious, yet unobtrusive concern for patients and families alike.
ALL Hospice Staff are special people, yet I wish to mention one staff member in particular, Christin Miller, RN. I hope my niece, a newly minted RN, can someday obtain Nurse Miller’s level of competence, compassion, and concern for her patients.
I cannot rate this location of Hospice of Chattanooga highly enough. Not only did they care for Mom with dignity and compassion, they regarded dad as an ancillary in their care giving processes. It’s as though his well-​being was as great a concern as Mom’s. Example: Mom was transported to their facility late at night. When Hospice of Chattanooga learned that Dad was a diabetic, they made certain that food items were available in the kitchen area, should he need them upon his arrival. That, in my mind was «above and beyond», and it was only the beginning. There was a genuine concern, not only for Mom, but for the entire family, and somehow their concern gave us a little while to catch our breath, and finish planning for the inevitable.
And maybe, after all is said, that’s what sets Hospice apart; that concern for the family as well as the patient, so wonderfully expressed and experienced at Hospice of Chattanooga.