Companionship at the End-of-Life

Companionship is essential to have throughout our lives. Companions bring us happiness in times of joy, and comfort in times of sorrow. At AccentCare, we ensure that patients and families are the core decision-makers when it comes to their plan of care. We encourage and pursue creative solutions so that each patient is supported and surrounded by those who care for them.

Through our hospice care routine, we make sure that each patient has a volunteer to provide companionship. Whether it’s playing cards, crafting, or going on a walk, a hospice volunteer helps the patient not feel isolated. However, not all companions need to be people. For instance, our hospice team in Tampa, Florida recently cared for a 96-year-old woman named Elvira who was able to have her dachshund, Luci, with her during the final moments of her life.

Elvira, and her daughter Heidi, are German and bought Luci in Germany, so they have a special relationship from the beginning. When Elvira was in the final hours of her life, Heidi brought Luci to the inpatient hospice center where Elvira was staying. When Heidi placed Luci on the bed, she started licking Elvira’s face, as seen in this video. Elvira immediately became relaxed and was comforted by Luci’s presence. Once Luci arrived, Elvira died an hour later surrounded by Heidi and their dog. Elvira’s care team all noticed how she was calm from head to toe during her last moments. Elvira’s RN, Jennifer Chase said, “I have no doubt that having the dog there made her death more peaceful.”

(Elvira, surrounded by Luci, and her nurse team: Jennifer and Sandi)

After Elvira died, Heidi shared how she would like to make Luci a therapy dog to help ease patient suffering. Elvira suffered from advanced dementia, which is senile degeneration of the brain. However, she was brought to an instant state of peace when she knew her dog was by her side. Through Elvira’s story, it is evident how a companion, whether a person or an animal, can positively impact someone during a difficult time.

We are grateful to have had Elvira on our service and for the Tampa hospice team who cared for her.