This summer, at 84 years old, Francis Vicino passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was one of his final wishes as he came to the end of his battle with Parkinson\u2019s disease and with the help of the Southcoast Health at Home\u2019s Hospice and Palliative Care team, his family and caregivers were able to grant this wish and keep him comfortable and supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Dear Hospice Care Team,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please accept this donation in my dad\u2019s memory. I know hospice care is priceless, and I hope you all know how much we appreciate the jobs you do.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Com os melhores cumprimentos,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Vicino Family<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The Vicino family was first connected with Southcoast Health\u2019s Supportive Care Services in February of 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe honestly had no idea what to expect,\u201d his daughter Kristine shared. \u201cWhen 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. \u201cThis team is made up of angels,\u201d Diane said. \u201cEven if he was having a bad day, he would smile when they arrived. They always made sure we had everything we needed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In May, Fran\u2019s condition began to decline faster than expected as his disease progressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe tried everything, but he never really got better,\u201d said Kristine. \u201cThe 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\u2019t know what we would have done if we hadn\u2019t had the hospice team to ease our worries and calm our minds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At this point in his care journey, the team helped with managing symptoms, easing pain, and providing emotional, spiritual, and everyday support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen his health really began to decline, I think I was in denial,\u201d Diane shared. \u201cTowards the end, I think they were really taking care of me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s loved ones for up to a year after passing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To show their appreciation, the Vicino family decided to recognize their care team by making a donation in Fran\u2019s memory through the Southcoast Health Grateful Patient Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI hope that anyone that needs help does not think twice about bringing in care,\u201d said Kristine, \u201cThis is an invaluable resource for our community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
To learn more about Supportive Care Services at Southcoast Health, please click aqui<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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