VITAS Healthcare's New Video Celebrates Caregiver Journeys in Hospice at Home

Honoring Caregivers: A Heartfelt Journey with VITAS Healthcare

During National Care at Home Month, VITAS Healthcare unveiled a poignant new video that shines a light on the crucial role of caregivers and the transformative power of hospice care at home. Featuring the heartfelt story of Stacy Noland and her mother, Sonia Lindo, this three-minute tribute captures the essence of compassionate end-of-life care, illustrating how it allows families to focus on what truly matters: the love and connection between them.

Sonia Lindo, a dedicated cardiac nurse originally from Jamaica, spent over 30 years saving lives. Yet, when she was diagnosed with cancer, her world—and that of her daughter—changed dramatically. Stacy, who became her mother’s primary caregiver, faced an overwhelming challenge that no one could truly prepare her for. “It stunned me when my mother got sick. She was always strong and dedicated to her patients, so to see her facing cancer was devastating,” Stacy shared.

Initially grappling with the immense emotional and physical toll of caregiving, Stacy felt lost until a hospital physician introduced her to VITAS Healthcare. The arrival of a dedicated hospice team marked a significant turning point in their journey. “It was transforming,” Stacy recalled. “It gave me the precious time to just be a daughter, rather than a caregiver.”

Through VITAS’s support, Sonia received care that not only prioritized her comfort and dignity but also allowed her to spend her final days surrounded by love. “The nurses they sent were incredible. Miss Jennifer, in particular, became a source of support for me, and I felt a sense of calm when she was around.” The connection between the VITAS team and the Noland family exemplifies the holistic approach to hospice care, emphasizing the importance of trust and cultural understanding.

Stacy recounted moments of unexpected joy amidst the sorrow: “One day, I came home to find the nurses cleaning and playing music. It was overwhelming in the best way possible. They took care of everything, allowing me to focus on my mother.” This experience is a testament to how hospice care can significantly ease the burden on family caregivers, providing not just medical support but also emotional and practical assistance that fosters a nurturing environment.

VITAS Healthcare’s approach epitomizes person-centered care. Research indicates that hospice not only enhances the quality of life for patients but also reduces hospitalizations, enabling families to cherish their time together without unnecessary stressors. “Stacy’s journey illustrates the heart of what we do,” said Patty Husted, executive vice president of patient and family supportive services at VITAS. “Hospice care surrounds both patients and their families with compassionate, holistic support, especially crucial for caregivers with limited resources.”

The celebration of National Care at Home Month serves as a reminder of the dedication and love shown by healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to provide quality care within the home setting. Stacy’s story is one of many that highlights the invaluable role of an interdisciplinary hospice team, which includes nurses, physicians, social workers, and volunteers—all working in unity to ensure that patients and families receive the assistance they need during such a critical time.

To experience Stacy’s story and witness the profound effect that quality end-of-life care can have on families, visit VITAS.com or call 800.93.VITAS.

VITAS Healthcare has been a leader in end-of-life care for nearly five decades, operating in multiple states and serving thousands of patients daily. The organization prides itself on its compassionate approach to care, striving to help families through one of the most challenging times of their lives.