There is no cure, the best we can do is offer palliative care to ease the discomfort. For anyone who has ever heard these dreaded words, know their world is about to crumble.

But there are people and places designed to help patients and their family and friends face their grim reality, who can offer solace and healing throughout the entire process.

Hospice, according to Sherry Kolli, board member of the nonprofit, Holistic Hearts Foundation, which, in partnership with Peaceful Hearts Hospice, offers complementary holistic-care services. (See front page story)

“Hospice is a philosophy of care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses,” she explained.

“The term ‘hospice’ stems back to medieval times when it was used to describe a place of shelter for weary or sick travelers. Hospices originated in the 1960s, pioneered by Dame Cicely Saunders in the United Kingdom, who identified a more holistic system of care was needed for people at end of life.

“She recognized that terminally ill individuals had not only physical needs, but spiritual and psychological needs as well,” said Kolli, a registered nurse and healing touch practitioner, who is also co-founder of Peaceful Hearts.

“In 1967, Dr. Saunders opened the first hospice in London, England, and the first hospice in America opened in 1974 in New Haven, Conn.,” she said.

“In 1983-1984, Medicare designed the Hospice Benefit and Conditions of Participation. The basic principles of hospice by Dr. Saunders were maintained, but the primary focus of care shifted to the home,” she added.

Which is how it is administered today.

“Hospice services provide comprehensive support for individuals at end-of-life, offering relief from pain and symptoms, as well as emotional and spiritual care and guidance for families. Patients are often able to remain in familiar surroundings where they can experience greater comfort during this time,” Kolli said.

A key advantage is the inclusion of chaplains and social workers, who play vital roles in holistic support.

• Chaplains offer spiritual care tailored to each individual's beliefs, helping patients and families find peace, meaning, and comfort during a deeply personal time.

• Social workers provide emotional support, help navigate complex decisions, coordinate resources, including time off at work so they can spend time with their loved one, and advocate for the needs of both patients and caregivers.

“Hospice services are delivered by an interdisciplinary team that supports far more than a patient’s physical needs. By addressing emotional, spiritual, and day-to-day needs as well, the team works together to help patients live as fully and comfortably as possible, while ensuring families feel supported and guided at every step,” she noted.

The benefits, according to Kolli, are multi-fold, whose foundation offers a range of holistic services, from emotional and spiritual support, legacy projects, music and art therapy, guided meditation, grief support, and caregiver resources, each tailored to the individual’s needs and wishes.

“Hospice allows patients to focus on what matters most to them, while a dedicated team provides medical care and compassionate emotional support,” she said.

If faced with this decision, Kolli recommends starting the conversation early.

“Ask questions and choose a provider that aligns with your values and offers whole-person care. Hospice isn’t about giving up, but about prioritizing comfort, dignity, and quality of life so patients can live fully and meaningfully.

“Many people don’t realize that hospice services can begin well before someone is in their final days. In fact, starting hospice earlier allows time for relationships to develop between the care team, the patient, and their loved ones. This builds trust and helps the patient and his or her family benefit from the emotional, spiritual, and physical support hospice provides.

“Waiting until a crisis occurs can make the experience more stressful and overwhelming. I’ve never heard anyone say they wished they had waited longer to choose hospice – but I’ve heard countless families say they wished they had started sooner,” she noted.

Serving thousands of patients throughout the metro area, Kolli shares the following to help ease the transition:

• How does hospice help the patient:

It helps by managing pain and symptoms, reducing anxiety, and offering emotional and spiritual support. Patients often feel more at peace knowing they are cared for with dignity and respect. Social workers also can help find families outside resources, if needed.

• How does hospice help the family/friends:

Families receive guidance, emotional support, and respite. Hospice helps them navigate difficult decisions, process grief, and find comfort in knowing their loved one is receiving compassionate care.

• What makes the process easier:

Compassionate care, clear communication, and a strong support system. When patients and families feel informed and supported, the experience becomes less frightening and more meaningful.

• What do hospice patients need most, generally speaking:

They need to feel seen, heard, and valued. Beyond medical care, they crave connection, comfort, and dignity. Many want to reflect on their lives, share stories, and leave a legacy.

Holistic support nurtures their emotional and spiritual well-being. They want to feel respected and to know that their wishes and needs truly matter.

• What do family and friends need most, generally speaking:

They need reassurance, guidance, and space to grieve. Families often feel overwhelmed, so compassionate communication and practical support are essential. They also need to know they’re not alone – that someone is walking alongside them.

• Are there a common set of fears or regrets on either side:

Yes. Patients often fear being a burden or dying alone. Families may regret not having more time or not saying certain things. Open communication and holistic support can ease these fears and foster healing.

• What is the best way to comfort a hospice patient:

Be present. Listen more than you speak. Offer gentle touch if welcomed, and meet them where they are emotionally. Sometimes silence, a shared memory, or simply holding their hand can be the greatest comfort.

• What is the best way to comfort family and friends:

Acknowledge their pain. Avoid clichés. Offer practical help and emotional space. After a loved one passes, continued support – like grief counseling or remembrance events – can help them navigate the healing journey.

Among the greatest advantages is the support it offers to families, Kolli added.

“Chaplains provide spiritual care that brings peace and comfort, while social workers help navigate complex decisions, coordinate resources, and offer emotional support. Families often feel a tremendous weight lifted off their shoulders. Communication improves, they’re kept informed about their loved one’s condition, and many issues can be addressed without the need for hospital visits or doctor appointments – which can be especially difficult during this time.”

But grief doesn’t end with death – it evolves, she acknowledges.

“Peaceful Hearts Hospice offers bereavement support, counseling, remembrance events, and healing resources to help families and friends process their loss and find meaning. Hospice is truly about honoring life, supporting families, and ensuring that no one walks this journey alone.”

To learn more, please visit: peacefulheartshospice.com