Delaware Hospice

02/20/2026

It’s completely okay to ask about hospice, even before your doctor brings it up. You do not have to wait.

One of the most common reasons families connect with hospice care later than they hoped is because they’re unsure who should initiate the conversation.

If you and your doctor believe a loved one’s time may be measured in months, that’s the right time to explore hospice services. Starting the conversation early allows you to understand your options and plan with clarity rather than urgency.

When you contact Delaware Hospice, we take the time to answer your questions and schedule a personal visit to better understand your needs. There is no pressure—just information, support, and guidance.

You don’t have to have all the answers today. To learn more or start the conversation, visit delawarehospice.org or call 302-478-5707.

02/17/2026

Today, we would like to spotlight a newer member of our team. Registered Nurse Jennifer Gardner joined our organization last summer and has been an amazing addition.

Jennifer began her hospice career as a Case Manager in Kansas City in 2006 and eventually advanced to the role of Clinical Director. She later spent about 12 years working in managed care for an insurance company, but always said that once her children were grown, she would return to hospice case management—her true calling.

Jennifer and her family moved to Delaware in late 2023 for a new adventure and to be near the ocean. After researching new positions and with her background in the industry, she felt strongly aligned with our mission at Delaware Hospice.

“What I value most is the opportunity to truly make a meaningful impact in the lives of our patients and their families. I believe the end of life can be a beautiful and profound experience, and I strive to help create comfort, dignity, and peace for everyone involved.”

Jennifer and her wife are passionate about supporting human rights. They love spending quality time with their family, which includes four adult children, five grandchildren, and five boxer pups. They also enjoy traveling, especially anywhere near the beach. 🏖️

02/13/2026

Concerns about cost are common and completely understandable. The good news is that hospice care is covered in most cases.

Delaware Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans. And thanks to the generosity of our donors, advocates, and volunteers, who help minimize expenses and fill coverage gaps, we never turn hospice patients away due to an inability to pay.

Finances should never stand in the way of receiving compassionate, quality end-of-life care.

To learn more about coverage or speak with someone about your specific situation, visit delawarehospice.org or call 302-478-5707.

02/12/2026

Through our We Honor Veterans program, we are always looking for meaningful ways to recognize and thank the men and women who have served our country.

The Lewes Senior Activity Center knitting group, Stitch In Time, lovingly creates red, white, and blue blankets to present to our veteran patients. Each blanket is handmade with care and serves as a heartfelt tribute to our veterans’ service and sacrifice. Our Volunteer Department recently began purchasing yarn to support these dedicated volunteer knitters, and the impact is already being felt.

Longtime volunteer, Joan Byrne, graciously serves as the liaison between our two groups and recently helped deliver a few boxes of yarn that will soon be turned into beautiful blankets.

These small, thoughtful gestures carry incredible meaning. To our volunteers and community partners, thank you for helping us honor those who have given so much.

Have a passion for serving those who served? Learn more about becoming a Delaware Hospice volunteer today by visiting our website!

02/10/2026

“The more we can work together, the better off we’ll be.”

Recently, our President and CEO, Charles McDonough, joined the Last Visit First podcast for a thoughtful conversation about the evolving definition of community care and what that looks like at Delaware Hospice.

During the discussion, Charles shares how we are redefining dementia care, as well as why investing in internal “upskilling” is one of the most sustainable ways to address the national nursing workforce challenge.

Check out the full episode here:

Live from Day 2 of the Last Visit First podcast at the 2026 Home Care 100 Leadership Conference in Scottsdale, Charles McDonough, President and CEO of Delawa...

02/06/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our longtime teammate and friend, Margaret “Peggy” Lavaique.

Peggy served as an Accounts Payable Administrator and a dedicated member of the Delaware Hospice Business Office for more than 15 years. Fiercely loyal, tenacious, and unapologetically herself, Peggy was known for her feisty spirit, quick humor, and deep love for animals and family, especially her nieces and nephews.

Delaware Hospice was also truly family to Peggy, and she believed deeply in our mission and the work we do. One colleague fondly described her as a butterfly — always stopping by, checking in, and brightening the lives of those around her.

Peggy will be remembered for her laughter, her heart, and the meaningful impact she had on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by so many.

We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to Peggy’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.

Until we meet again, Peggy. 💙

02/05/2026

Our 2026 Camp New Hope dates are officially set, and we’re looking for caring volunteers to help make these special weekends unforgettable for our campers!

Camp New Hope North: June 12 & 13
Camp New Hope South: June 26 & 27

No specific experience is needed—just a desire to help create a space where children and teens feel safe, seen, and supported. Through crafts, games, and thoughtful activities, volunteers help kids explore their feelings, build connections, and begin to find healing.

Apply to volunteer: https://delawarehospice.org/volunteer/

Have questions? Our Bereavement Team is happy to help! They can be reached by emailing: Bereavement@delawarehospice.org

02/04/2026

February 4th is recognized globally as World Cancer Day, a reminder of the power of early detection and the hope it brings. When cancer is found early, many cancers can be treated effectively, and some may even be prevented from progressing.

The encouraging news: Medicare covers many preventive cancer screenings, often at little to no cost. From mammograms and colon screenings to lung and prostate tests, these screenings are designed to look for cancer before symptoms begin.

We know even mentioning the word cancer can be terrifying. Gentle encouragement, understanding what’s covered, and having the right information can make these conversations with your loved one easier and much less intimidating.

Learn more about cancer screenings covered by Medicare:

National Cancer Survivors Day is coming up (June 4), which celebrates the fact that 66% of those ever diagnosed with cancer are still alive five years later. Help your loved one get a jump on any potential cancer by taking advantage of these free screening tests.

02/03/2026

This week, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on another dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant. Pamela Mozert has been with Delaware Hospice for an incredible 18 years!

When asked what inspired her to join our organization, Pamela summed it up best: “I love to help people.”

Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and spending time outdoors, especially swimming and gardening. She also loves to travel with her family!

Are you looking for a career where you can truly make a difference in the lives of others? We invite you to explore our opportunities and join our team! Give us a call or visit delawarehospice.org/careers to get started.

02/02/2026

This February, we recognize the countless contributions of African American leaders, doctors, nurses, social workers, caregivers, advocates, and so many others who have shaped hospice and palliative care as we know it today.

At Delaware Hospice, we believe honoring diverse histories, cultures, and lived experiences strengthens the care we provide to patients and families across our communities.

As part of this recognition, we are proud to spotlight Dr. Bernice Catherine Harper, a true pioneer in hospice and palliative care. Dr. Harper played a key role in advancing hospice services in the United States, including helping to integrate hospice benefits into Medicare and expanding access to compassionate end-of-life care. Her impact also extended globally through her work developing what is now Global Partners in Care, helping bring hospice and palliative services to underserved communities across Africa.

Today, we honor Dr. Harper’s enduring legacy and her lasting influence on end-of-life care.

Happy Black History Month!

01/30/2026

Hospice care is about supporting the whole family, not just the patient.

When someone is on hospice care, families partner with our entire Delaware Hospice care team, which may include a physician, nurse, certified nursing assistant, counselor, chaplain, and volunteer. This team works closely with you to provide guidance, education, and emotional support every step of the way.

As needs change, your care team stays in close communication, helping families cope, answer questions, manage expectations, and navigate difficult moments with confidence and compassion. You are never expected to do this alone.

You do not have to have all the answers today. To learn more about how Delaware Hospice supports patients and their families, visit: https://delawarehospice.org

01/28/2026

Caring for a family member is demanding, and that stress can spill over into your marriage or close relationships. But with balance, communication, and shared support, it can bring you even closer.

Protecting your relationship while caring for a loved one is possible with intention and the proper support.

Read our latest blog for practical tips on balancing caregiving and your partnership: https://delawarehospice.org/patient-caregiver/protecting-your-relationship-while-caregiving/

Concerned about your loved one or feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of caregiving? Contact us at 302-478-5707 today to talk through your options and get real support. You don’t have to do this alone. Delaware Hospice is here to support you through every step of your journey.

Reduced leisure time, emotional stress, physical fatigue, financial draws, and loss of privacy are a few of the pressures that strain the marriages and partnerships of those who are also caring for family members. But some couples also report a...