For the month of August, I am honoring the memory of my grandfather (my papa) Bennie Ray Collins. August is his birth month. I asked my grandmother (my mema) Sara Collins to write an account of her experience with Agape Care Hospice when it was time for my papa to transition into care.
Sara Collins
On Sunday March 8th 2020, my husband Bennie was taken to the hospital because of increased weakness due to COPD. We had been receiving care from the VA and home health for several years. Because of his weakness, we knew that he was going to need more in home care.
Our granddaughter Holly came to visit in the hospital and recommended hospice care, which my husband strongly DID NOT WANT. After a few more conversations, he finally agreed to give it a try. The people that came in put us at ease right away. Just knowing that we could call anytime day or night, and someone would come to help us and reassure us was a blessing.
Everything we needed was supplied from a doctor, nurses, medications, oxygen, but most important was the love the nurses gave to both of us. He never had to return to a hospital or consider a nursing home which we were thankful because COVID restrictions had just been put into place, and people were unable to be with their loved ones who were sick. That would have been hard for our large extended family not to be a part of his life in his last days.
Our hospice team helped him celebrate his last birthday on August 25, 2020. His hospice ladies brought in flowers, cupcakes, party hats and sang Happy Birthday to him. From the first to the last on September 4, 2020, they were there when we needed them. They were there on the day he passed away and stayed with our family until the funeral home arrived.
I do not have words enough to say just how much these hospice ladies meant to Bennie and to our family. I will never be able to thank them enough. May God continue to bless them in their loving care to so many people.
Love and prayers,
Sara Collins
Holly C. Patrick is an Agape Care Group Hospice and Palliative Representative Marlboro and Chesterfield County
She has 16 years hospice experience with six of those years with Agape Care Group. If you have any questions, call her at 843-535-7273.
Holly C. Patrick is an Agape Care Group Hospice and Palliative Representative Marlboro and Chesterfield County
She has 16 years hospice experience with six of those years with Agape Care Group. If you have any questions, call her at 843-535-7273.