HopeHealth

02/23/2026

Today’s winter weather has created challenging conditions across our community. With safety as our top priority, our team is working thoughtfully and carefully to ensure essential care continues where it’s needed most.

We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication, planning, and teamwork that allow us to support patients and families — even on snowy days like today.

02/23/2026

As HopeHealth celebrates 50 years of compassionate care, President & CEO Diana Franchitto shares her perspective on hospice’s “significant growth” period and what lies ahead.

From expanding palliative care programs to strengthening caregiver support and addressing health disparities, HopeHealth continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of patients and families across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

Read more in Hospice News about how we’re building the future of hospice and serious illness care: https://hospicenews.com/2026/02/19/hopehealth-ceo-hospice-in-significant-growth-period/

02/23/2026

Due to the inclement weather, all in-person grief support groups scheduled for February 23–27 are cancelled. Your safety is important to us, and we encourage you to take precautions and stay safe. For questions, please reach out to us at (888) 528-9077 or CenterforHopeandHealing@HopeHealthCo.org.

02/21/2026

Amanda has been a nurse for nearly 20 years.

She’s worked in urgent care, in the hospital, in community health — and for the past three years, in hospice.

Each setting taught her something different. What she found in hospice was something she didn’t expect. She found a calling.

“It’s very well-rounded,” she says. “You’re not only caring for physical needs. You’re also paying attention to emotional and spiritual needs.”

As an Admissions RN, she’s often one of the first hospice team members families meet. It’s usually a moment filled with questions.

“I like being able to sit with them and provide comfort — even if it’s just answering their questions and helping them feel less alone.”

She also talks about the depth of connection.

“There’s a richness to the conversations. It’s an honor when patients share their stories with you.”

And while hospice nurses spend much of their time out in the community, she emphasizes the team.

“You always have someone to call. It’s a very supportive environment.”

If you’re a nurse who values meaningful conversations, strong teamwork, and caring for the whole person — hospice might be a path worth exploring.

We’re always glad to talk with nurses who are curious about this work. Learn more: https://www.hopehealthco.org/careers/find-a-hospice-nursing-career-at-hopehealth/

02/20/2026

When Tom brought his golden retriever, Rocky, to visit a neighbor at the Hulitar Hospice Center, he expected a somber place.

Instead, he found kindness, calm and “so much love going around.”

See hospice through the eyes of a community member — and his dog — and discover what surprised him most.

When Tom brought his dog to visit a neighbor at the Hulitar Center, he expected sadness. Instead, he found kindness, calm — and a new understanding...

02/18/2026

As Lorraine Pedro approached retirement after a career in medical social work, she felt called to hospice care—eager to give back in a deeply meaningful way.

With her beloved dog, Winnie, she completed certification through Windwalker Professional Pet Assisted Therapy and began volunteering with HopeHealth. Today, the two offer quiet comfort to patients, families, and staff—whether sitting peacefully at the bedside, sharing a gentle nuzzle, or bringing a moment of light during a difficult day.

Winnie’s calm presence sparks smiles, eases anxiety, and creates tender memories families cherish. Pet therapy offers a powerful kind of connection at end of life—one that reaches beyond words.

Lorraine and Winnie are grateful to walk alongside those they serve, offering companionship, comfort, and compassion when it’s needed most.

Interested in becoming a pet therapy volunteer? If you and your furry friend have a gentle heart and a calm spirit, you could make a meaningful difference too. Learn more about joining our volunteer team today: HopeHealthCo.org/Volunteer

02/13/2026

Valentine’s Day can be especially hard when you’re missing someone you love. When the world feels full of hearts and reminders of love, that contrast can stir up unexpected emotions — and that’s completely okay.

Here are gentle, compassionate tips to help you through this day:

Valentine’s Day is often full of memories, which can bring on intense feelings of loss. If you’re grieving, here are tips to get through the day.

02/11/2026

Our ongoing General Grief Support Group, offered both virtually and at multiple in-person locations, has expanded to include a new in-person meeting location in Weymouth, MA.

When: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 5:30–7:00 PM
Where: 51 Broad Reach, Weymouth, MA

Dates:
January 8, 22
February 12, 26
March 12, 26
April 9, 23

Open to all adults experiencing grief or loss. Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/JNGn50YbXLL

02/10/2026

Family caregivers face very different challenges depending on the illness they’re caring for — and research shows training and support before hospice eligibility can make a meaningful difference in outcomes and caregiver well-being. Learn more about this important topic here, featuring HopeHealth's President & CEO: https://ow.ly/ok7X50YbS20

02/09/2026

We’re excited to share that Leah J. McDonald, MD, a HopeHealth physician and Supervisor at Brown University Health, is featured in a new CAPC blog on palliative care in the emergency department.

The article highlights how ED-based palliative care improves outcomes for patients with serious illness — with insights from clinicians doing the work every day. Read it here: https://ow.ly/Gkrl50YbRmj

Virtual panel discusses how delivering palliative care in the ED improves outcomes, reduces costs, and provides critical support for patients and families when time is of the essence.

02/08/2026

We’re ALL in on Patriots spirit this weekend!

On Friday, many of us at HopeHealth showed our team pride by repping Patriots gear—and even our very own Nurse Practitioner, Steph, got to meet former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi!

Joe is not only a Patriot legend but also the head of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, which supports cancer patients with grants during treatment. He stopped by Sturdy on Friday, and Steph captured this fun moment, complete with Patriots rings!

Sending good luck to the Patriots this weekend. We’ll be cheering you on! 💙❤️🏈

02/06/2026

We’re excited to share an update to our Veterans Caregiver Support Group — to better support busy schedules, we’ve transitioned this group to a virtual format!

Caring for a military veteran brings unique rewards — and unique challenges. This group offers a safe, welcoming space where caregivers can receive support and connect with others who understand what you and your loved one are going through.

Facilitated by a United States military veteran, the group is designed to honor the courage and commitment of caregivers while providing peer support, encouragement, and connection.

📅 When: 4th Tuesday of each month
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
💻 Where: Virtual (online meeting)

Whether you’re newly caregiving or have been supporting a veteran for years, this group is here to help you feel seen, understood, and supported.

👉 Read our original post for more about how support groups benefit caregivers:

Caring for a loved one who served can be complex. HopeHealth’s new Veterans Caregiver Support Group offers understanding, connection and resources for families walking this unique journey.