How CenterLight PACE Supported Diosmary’s Family Through Palliative Care
Diosmary cared for her aging parents, who were both participants of CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Her mother passed away in 2014, and her father passed away in October 2025. Before her father's passing, he enrolled in the Palliative Care program due to illness. Diosmary shared how the CenterLight PACE Palliative Care team's support helped her navigate the challenges of caring for her father.
CenterLight fue una mano perfecta. Estos centros son muy importantes para poder cuidar tus familias.
Translation:
"CenterLight was a perfect hand. These centers are very important for taking care of your families."
Palliative Care, and the medical specialty of Palliative Care Medicine, provides relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for the participant and their family.
Diosmary's father enrolled in Palliative Care in 2024. She expressed that a significant aspect of her experience was the reassurance of not being alone.
Me ayudaron emocionalmente, me ayudaron con equipos y me ayudaron con todo lo que necesitaba en la casa. Se comunicaban con los médicos que yo no podía hacerlo fácil.
Translation:
"They helped me emotionally, they helped me with equipment, and they helped me with everything I needed at home. They communicated with the doctors, which I couldn't easily do."
The Palliative Care team consists of doctors, nurses, and social workers who work together to provide an extra layer of support. She highlighted Nicole Pena, the social worker on the Palliative Care Team, who was her primary contact.
Nicole, yo siempre le llamaba. Siempre que yo le llamaba, me respondía y me ayudaba.
Translation:
"I always called Nicole. Whenever I called her, she answered and helped me."
Diosmary emphasized the importance of easy communication with the care team, noting that it was essential to her experience. She also highlighted Weiyi Pan, a Palliative Care nurse,
and the support she gave. The discussions regarding her father's concerns and treatment options allowed Diosmary to feel more involved and informed throughout the caregiving process.
Cuando necesitaba la enfermera, ella hacía lo que fuera para llegar a mi casa. Hablar conmigo y a explicarme. Y me lo hizo bien… Me enseñó bien cómo usar los medicamentos, cómo usar el oxígeno, cómo usar todo eso. Pero no fue fácil.
Translation:
"When I needed the nurse, she would do anything to come to my house. Talk to me and explain things. And she did a good job … She taught me how to use the medications, how to use the oxygen, how to use all of that. But it wasn't easy."
This compassionate care not only supported her father's needs but also comforted Diosmary as she navigated her own emotions and responsibilities.
Primero, gracias a Dios; después, gracias a todas las ayudas que he podido tener.
Translation:
"First, thanks to God, then thanks to all the help I have received."
Diosmary's experience is a powerful testament to the benefits of Palliative Care. It reinforces the importance of ensuring that families receive compassionate support as they care for their loved ones during serious illnesses. If you or someone you know may benefit from Palliative Care, please speak to your primary care physician, nurse, or social worker. If you have questions, please call us at 1-833-CL-CARES (TTY 711), 8 AM-8 PM, Monday-Friday.
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Last Updated January 6, 2025