Southcoast Health 
This summer, at 84 years old, Francis Vicino passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones.
It was one of his final wishes as he came to the end of his battle with Parkinson’s disease and with the help of the Southcoast Health at Home’s Hospice and Palliative Care team, his family and caregivers were able to grant this wish and keep him comfortable and supported.
Dear Hospice Care Team,
We honestly had no idea what to expect when my dad, Francis Vicino, entered hospice care. I knew it involved special nurses but the team we worked with was above and beyond anything I anticipated. Courtney, Laura, Sue, Lori and several others that filled in are like living angels. The care, compassion and support we received exceeded anything I could have imagined. We will keep a piece of each of them in our hearts forever.
Please accept this donation in my dad’s memory. I know hospice care is priceless, and I hope you all know how much we appreciate the jobs you do.
Atentamente,
The Vicino Family
The Vicino family was first connected with Southcoast Health’s Supportive Care Services in February of 2026.
“We honestly had no idea what to expect,” his daughter Kristine shared. “When you first hear of hospice, you think end of life care, but it really is much more than that. You never know how long you will need this service and the 24/7 support from the team is amazing.”
Over the course of the next four months, this team not only provided supportive care for Fran, but also helped his wife Diane who was serving as his primary caretaker. “This team is made up of angels,” Diane said. “Even if he was having a bad day, he would smile when they arrived. They always made sure we had everything we needed.”
In May, Fran’s condition began to decline faster than expected as his disease progressed.
“We tried everything, but he never really got better,” said Kristine. “The process of someone passing is not easy and we had a lot of questions. Having someone available to call around the clock was so comforting. I don’t know what we would have done if we hadn’t had the hospice team to ease our worries and calm our minds.”
At this point in his care journey, the team helped with managing symptoms, easing pain, and providing emotional, spiritual, and everyday support.
“When his health really began to decline, I think I was in denial,” Diane shared. “Towards the end, I think they were really taking care of me.”
With the support of the team, Fran was able to remain at home, allowing his friends and family to visit, creating a peaceful environment when he passed.
The bereavement process is never an easy journey, and the team was there for Diane and her family as they grieved. This is a regular practice for the hospice program, as they provide support to the patient’s loved ones for up to a year after passing.
To show their appreciation, the Vicino family decided to recognize their care team by making a donation in Fran’s memory through the Southcoast Health Grateful Patient Program.
They then surprised them with a special visit, personally thanking them for the care they received during a difficult time and presented them all with flowers to show their gratitude.
“I hope that anyone that needs help does not think twice about bringing in care,” said Kristine, “This is an invaluable resource for our community.”
To learn more about Supportive Care Services at Southcoast Health, please click aquí.
