As told to the VNA by Laura O’Toole, the daughter of a former hospice patient, John Cosco.
My late father, John Cosco, had an amazing experience being an acute hospice patient at home. I want to take a moment to acknowledge Cleveland Clinic and Encompass Health in Vero Beach as well as the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and VNA Hospice House also in Vero Beach. For someone that has been in healthcare for 30 years, my family and I were able to witness true collaboration of care – always with my dad at the center.
I have never seen so many caregivers fight to give my dad the tools and the resources to find his way back to himself. In the end, with several comorbidities, we collectively made the decision to move my dad to the beautiful VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach. As he was leaving Encompass Health to head to the VNA Hospice House, it was shift change; we saw a parade of caregivers come in with tears in their eyes to give my dad a hug farewell. Everyone fought so hard for him.
And then he was welcomed by the amazing VNA Hospice House nurses. Through my dad’s experience, my family and I were able to see a health system in action, one that coordinated quickly and worked together across multiple entities. In my 30 years in healthcare, it stands out as an outstanding experience. I am so grateful my dad was able to peacefully make his transition with dignity and love surrounding him; it is my wish for every patient.
We have much work to do for those less fortunate than ourselves, but, for my dad, bravo Cleveland Clinic and Encompass Health and VNA Hospice, and thank you to your amazing staff! And my special thanks to Sophie, my NODA (no one dies alone) service animal who was with my Dad until the end. Godspeed, Dad.
*If you would like to learn more about the Visiting Nurse Association Hospice services please visit vnatc.com/hospice or call 772-494-6161.
