“You Can Live on Hospice”: Kevin’s Story of Comfort, Support, and Compassionate Care
“You Can Live on Hospice”: Kevin’s Story of Comfort, Support, and Compassionate Care
After a melanoma diagnosis, Allegany County resident Kevin H. turned to HomeCare & Hospice for support that went far beyond medical care. From essential equipment to small comforts—like a freezer for his favorite ice cream—Kevin’s story shows how early hospice involvement can improve quality of life and help patients keep doing what they love.
When Kevin H., an Allegany County resident and hospice patient, recognized that he needed more than just care, HomeCare & Hospice Foundation was there to help. Nestled on the side of a hill in Wellsville, NY in a home his father built himself, Kevin spends his time playing video games with online friends, using his virtual reality headset and spending time with family which includes his cat, Beatrice. After receiving a diagnosis of melanoma and learning treatment was no longer an option, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo made the referral to local hospice services.
“I was amazed at how quickly the process moved,” said Kevin. “The next day I had a hospital bed and all the supplies I needed.” In addition to a hospital bed, a shower chair, walker and bandages were provided, which Kevin was previously handling himself and said was growing expensive.
Since starting hospice at the beginning of September, Kevin says he feels better and looks forward to visits from social workers and nurses. Hospice staff assisted with his medications and provided a pill minder, so he remembers to take his medicine daily, something he struggled with in the past. When asked if there was anything else he needed, Kevin realized there was - a freezer for his ice cream, which he said is the only thing that his stomach agrees with these days. Hospice social workers Lauren Idzik and Hanna Nunn immediately went to work to get a freezer for Kevin.
HomeCare & Hospice Foundation takes pride in providing compassionate care for their patients - not just for medical needs but for things that can help make their end-of-life journey easier. The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation quickly approved the purchase of a freezer for Kevin.
“It made my day to see Lauren and Hanna bring the freezer in and gave us a lot of laughs,” Kevin continued.
Despite his diagnosis, Kevin is enjoying spending time with his family and the activities he loves all while receiving care and support from hospice. Most recently he traveled to Arizona with his brother, father, and uncle. Together they explored the entire state driving 1,500 miles, making other trips to the Grand Canyon and to Las Vegas.
“You can live on hospice if you start at the right time,” explained Kevin. “A lot of people wait too long to get on hospice and think it’s people dying, but if you start early, you realize how much they can actually do for you.”
What’s next for Kevin? He’s planning a trip to Johnstown, Pennsylvania with his mother and continuing to enjoy the simple joys in his day-to-day life such as hiding the ATV from his dad, cookies from his mom, family time and of course peanut butter cup ice cream.
Anyone can make the first call to hospice. If you or someone you know may benefit from HomeCare & Hospice services, please call 716-372-5735, email referral@homecare-hospice.org or visit homecare-hospice.org for more information. Interested in helping patients like Kevin? Foundation donations are graciously accepted year-round by visiting https://homecare-hospice.org/donate/ or contacting Sarah Negron at 716-372-2106.