Home / “They See Mom”: A Family’s Gratitude for Compassionate End-of-Life Care

“They See Mom”: A Family’s Gratitude for Compassionate End-of-Life Care

When Kay Bell’s health declined last spring, her family found themselves facing difficult decisions.

At 94 years old, Kay had reached a point where she needed palliative care – specialized medical care focused on improving quality of life for people with a life-limiting illness. As her family explored options for her final weeks, an unexpected conversation helped guide the way.

The mother of a close family friend was also nearing the end of her life and had recently been admitted to the Hospice at Glengarda. Just two days later, she passed away.

Despite their grief, the family spoke with deep gratitude about the care their mother had received. One comment stayed with Lorne Bell: “Our friend said through tears, ‘They see Mom.'”

Lorne’s wife, a retired nurse, visited the Hospice at Glengarda to support their friends during that difficult time. When she returned home, she described the care she had witnessed there.

“From the moment we entered the hospice, we were greeted with smiles and kindness from every staff person we met, no matter their role. They made us feel so welcome.”

Lorne Bell

She spoke about the warmth of the staff, the attention given to patients and families, and the dignity with which people were cared for in their final days.

“We knew it was where Mum needed to be,” Lorne said.

The Hospice at Glengarda offers 24-hour, compassionate end-of-life care in a peaceful, home-like setting. Patients and families are offered holistic support alongside medical care.

Thankfully, a space became available, and Kay was admitted to the Hospice at Glengarda.

The Bell family remains grateful that she was.

“From the moment we entered the hospice, we were greeted with smiles and kindness from every staff person we met, no matter their role,” Lorne recalls. “They made us feel so welcome.”

‘They saw Mum for the special lady she was’

As they settled in, some of the worry and heaviness they had been carrying began to lift. Knowing Kay was surrounded by compassionate caregivers brought comfort during an otherwise difficult time.

And just as their friend had described, the staff truly saw her.

“They saw Mum for the special lady she was and did everything they could to ensure all her needs, as well as those of our family, were being met,” Lorne said.

And the care extended far beyond medical support.

One afternoon, music therapist Michaela sat beside Kay’s bed with her guitar and began playing some of her favourite hymns.

“To hear Mum hum along while tapping her fingers to ‘How Great Thou Art’ was such a special moment in time and one we will forever cherish,” Lorne said.

For the Bell family, it was a reminder that compassionate end-of-life care is about more than comfort. It is about creating moments of connection and caring for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.

Moments like these are made possible through dedicated staff and donor-supported programs that help bring comfort and peace to patients and families during life’s final chapter.

Today, the Bell family reflects on Kay’s time at the Hospice at Glengarda with profound gratitude.

“Glengarda is a very special place that goes above and beyond to provide the very best care not just for its clients, but for families as well,” said Lorne.

Recognizing what a gift that care was, the family has chosen to give back in Kay’s memory.

Their hope is to help ensure that compassionate end-of-life care remains available for other families who find themselves walking a similar path.

Because every family deserves the comfort of knowing their loved one is in caring hands.

Support Compassionate End-of-Life Care

In honour of Kay Bell, the Bell family is matching donations to support end-of-life care, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. Your gift today can help provide comfort and compassionate support for patients and families at the Hospice at Glengarda and the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital.