Whitey's Story

Whitey used to make frequent trips to the hospital. Now hospice allows him to stay at home and focus on the important things, like spending time with his grandkids and playing cards.

Paul, known as Whitey, has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This condition causes shortness of breath and requires him to be on oxygen at all times. His wife, Cy, used to rush him to the hospital frequently with pneumonia, COPD “attacks” and other complications from the disease. During one of the numerous hospital visits, they found out there was a good chance Whitey would not live beyond a year. The doctor suggested that it was time for hospice care so Whitey and Cy immediately called their family. With six kids and nine grandkids, family means everything to them.

Their family sat down together to discuss the options and ultimately agreed that it was time for hospice. Hospice has helped alleviate Whitey’s symptoms and allowed him to stay at home. He does not have to worry about making frequent trips to the hospital, and he has nurses and aides who visit twice a week to help take care of him. They arrange for his oxygen and prescriptions to be delivered, and they prepare his pills each week. Whitey and Cy find comfort in knowing that help is just a phone call away if they need it.

Hospice lets Whitey be a grandpa. Whitey can spend time with his grandkids in his own home. He is able to play cards, visit with family, and watch his grandkids play sports. He has even learned how to text his grandkids to keep in touch.

Whitey and Cy want to encourage others to begin hospice earlier instead of waiting until the final days. Whitey said that when his friends found out he was on hospice, “they were going to go order flowers, it was all over.” He jokingly responded after a successful surgery, “cancel the flowers.” Whitey’s determination and sense of humor, along with the support of hospice, have lessened the stress on the family so they can make the most of their time together.

Hospice has helped Whitey stay healthier and happier, and it has improved the quality of his life. Whitey is thankful for hospice and how it has helped him. “It’s just really good for me all the way around. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”