Shown here:
Catherine and William Boerner

“I was blessed with a mom and dad who both lived well into their 90s. In my family, it was an unwritten code that the generation ahead of us, if at all possible, would be cared for in the home, surrounded by the people and things that they loved.

We had two very different end-of-life situations, with my dad failing physically along with some dementia for the last few years of his life. Mom, on the other hand, was doing her word searches and watching Jeopardy just days before her body gave out. Neither situation is easy—for the loved one or the caregivers.

My sister, having called on hospice for Dad before his death in 2019, knew just what to do a year and a half later for Mom. The circumstances with Mom were complicated by the pandemic, as far as visits from friends and family members were concerned. For much of that year and a half without Dad, she was limited to masked visits along with air hugs and kisses—necessarily so, but really difficult.

All her life, Mom was a caretaker, first helping with younger siblings (there were seven of them), then caring for her mother who lived with us for three decades after the death of my grandfather. It must have been tough for Mom to reverse those roles and have her children care for her; she did speak of being a burden from time to time.

We had Mom on hospice care—Angelic Health, in fact—for the last six weeks of her life and Mom always had a smile on her face to greet the nurses and aides. I have to think she was delighted that we were getting help after several years of caring for both her and Dad.

Much of the advice and scenarios in this SNJ Today story “Hospice is All About Living,” ring true as to things we did or did not do. For example, did we ask Mom what she wanted for her services? No, we did not but since she made decisions along with us for Dad's funeral, we knew that she would choose the same. The funeral director asked if she wanted to choose for her own services at that time; she declined, and we honored those wishes.

The story also points out that many feel in hindsight that they did not call in hospice care soon enough. We made that mistake the first time, not the second.

I will say that everything stated in that story we found to be true of Angelic Health. They never pushed anything on us but allowed us to choose what services we felt would best suit our needs.

I was reading something recently where a caregiver asked her father's doctor how she would know that it was time to set up hospice care for him. The doctor answered: “Let love be your guide.”

I would add to that: If you're asking the question, it's not too early to call a hospice care company to help you assess the circumstances and guide you to a decision.

Whatever hospice care agency you choose, my sister, brother, and I would suggest to everyone that they go through the learning curve before it's actually needed.”

Testimonial from Deborah Ein regarding Angelic Health and the hospice care provided to her parents. Catherine and William Boerner of Mays Landing, NJ. The couple met at the Ocean City Roller Rink and married November 14, 1953. They passed away within 18 months of each other.

“Our Family wanted to say how very grateful we were to have been given Angelic Hospice as a choice in my mother’s palliative care. I know 1000% I chose the right caregivers. Although our Angel , nurse Bernadette Dugan had only been with mom for a few short days, it seemed like we'd known her for years. She immediately stepped through our front door and took charge , never skipping a beat. All in a very matter of fact, kind, and loving way. I could not have handpicked a caregiver any more caring than Bernadette. She treated my mom, Claire, with such love , kindness, and consideration. This meant the world to us. Bernadette, you are one special lady. God sent you to us for my mom's final days. My mom, while still aware, looked forward to seeing you. You made her feel very comfortable. To say thank you, could never be enough for the kindness you showed my mom and all of us. you will always be in our thoughts and prayers; we are forever grateful to you. I recommend anyone who finds themselves in a situation needing palliative care for a loved one. If you choose Angelic Health, know you've chosen the best care for your loved one. ”

The Family of CP of Surfside, SC

Dear Angelic Hospice,
“Thank you” doesn’t seem to be enough for the amazing, loving level of care and compassion that the nurses, home health aides, social worker and everyone at the Toms River location of Angelic Hospice provided for our Dad…we could not have continued on this difficult journey without your help, especially MJ, Roz, Salwa, Annie, Shannon and Stephanie…each and every one of you truly took such great care of Dad as well as comforted us along the way and we will never forget that. Mom is so grateful that her doctor referred Angelic Hospice to us and we (the children) couldn’t agree more. No one prepares themselves to have a family member go through hospice, but if one does, they definitely want Angelic Hospice to be by their side…we are thankful that they were at ours and wholeheartedly would recommend. God bless all of you!

Jackson, NJ

Dear Nurses and Volunteers of Angelic Hospice,
On behalf of our family, I thank you very much for your kind and caring support during my Dad's time here at home (where he wanted to be). You all are an amazing group of generous individuals. We appreciate all the ways in which you gave of yourselves. Will always remember your gentle, loving presence which eased the days for both our beloved Dad and for us.

Estelle Manor, NJ

There are no words for how grateful we are for all of you. When Kelly came to our house for the first time, I would have never thought that my grandmother would pass a few months later. The support you all have shown and provided was more than I could have expected. Even though this is all so hard I am eternally grateful to have had my grandmother here with me when she passed. That would not have been possible without you all. Thank you so much.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Dear Kelly, Barbara, Kim, and all other helpers who made my life easier,
Thank you all (and others who I didn't mention who also helped me and my husband) from my heart for your loving care of me and my beloved husband. It meant the world to me that you were here for me at such a difficult time. Kelly your intake was helpful and info very informative to me. Kim, your baths were lovingly done. Barbara, you came out of your way. Be well, take care, thank you all

Myrtle Beach, SC

Thank you for showing kindness and for being there when we needed it the most. And a special thank you to Kelly, Bernadette, Kim, and Heather. Your support gave myself and everyone in my family much comfort. I really felt lost when I called you. And I have been very grateful from the minute you all stepped in until the end. Also thank you for your heart warming cared where everyone signed their name. Pretty special. You all are very much a blessing..

Myrtle Beach, SC

I would like to thank Bernadette and Heather also Kelly for the help and care of my husband. I appreciate it a lot. Also, the staff that helped out to stay with him so I could do some errands. We are grateful for all that you do.

Myrtle Beach, SC

I would like to personally say how fantastic everyone at Angelic Hospice was to my mother and me. Your wonderful staff, from the Dr. - to nurses, and aide provided the best care to my mother and me that I could have ever imagined. Thank you again from my entire family.

Absecon, NJ

Karen and I want to thank your organization for the excellent services you provided to us. But, more importantly, to express our appreciation for the quality and compassion of the staff you employ. Maureen, Vanessa and Jamie were wonderful. They exceeded our needs for caring for our Dad Richard Kaschak. Great companies are the result of gathering and supporting great people.

Our Family has recommended and will continue to recommend Angelic Hospice within the healthcare community and to family members with hospice care needs. You were just what we needed—just when we needed it…

We are in your debt – Thank you

Karen Kaschuk and John Deignan, Cape May, NJ

My husband received the best care he could have gotten from hospice. I owe so much to Angelic Hospice staff because they made my husband's passing so peaceful. They all were such a comfort to me also. I'll never forget them.

Mays Landing, NJ

To all at Angelic Hospice,
I just want to thank everybody for the help for my mother. From her nurse, home health aid to everybody else, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have been telling people how great everybody is at Angelic Hospice.

Absecon, NJ

Thank you so much for the care and love you gave to me and my husband. I am so grateful to you all.

Galloway, NJ

With sincere thank you to each and every one of you for the great care for our mother and grandmother. You will always be in our hearts and grateful for your good work.

Richland, NJ

What a wonderful staff you have. Can’t thank you enough.

Folsom, NJ

All [Angelic staff] were very professional and caring. [Our] Nurse was wonderful. Well pleased hospice service from start to finish. Everyone was great.

Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Our family thanks you dearly for the kind, endless care of our father. You have touched our hearts with the way you cared for Dad. Being a good distance away from him, you were our guardian angels watching over him and caring for his needs. He trusted and befriended you. He too was grateful for your care. You made him laugh. You loved him. You touched him physically and spiritually. You helped him face reality even at his most stubborn times. There are not enough words to say though you.

Somers Point, NJ

Your entire team was critical in supporting my family and I during my mother's last few months. I am grateful to each of you especially Kelly, Kimberly, Heather, Ingrid, and John. Mom truly enjoyed each one of you.

Myrtle Beach, SC