Search Results

When people think about hospice care, they often focus on the clinical aspects. They envision medications, equipment, and nursing visits. While these services are vital, at Wings Over Texas Hospice, we believe hospice care is about something much deeper. It’s about helping people live fully, comfortably, and meaningfully for the time they have left on this earth. Recently, this philosophy led us to make one last fishing trip possible. "I Just Want to Go Fishing" One of our Wings Over Texas Hospice patients cherished his moments spent simply "going fishing." As his illness progressed, his declining health began to take away many of the things he loved most. Shortly after starting hospice care, one of our nurses, Stephanie Pickens, asked him a simple yet profound question: "What is one thing you wish you could still do?" Without hesitation, he replied, "I want to go fishing." For many, this might have seemed like an impossible request. Serious illness can create significant physical challenges. Planning an outing requires coordination, support, and determination. However, to our nurse, it wasn't merely a fishing trip. It was an opportunity to create joy. It was a chance to honor a wish, and it was a moment our nurse was determined to make happen. Wings Over Texas Hospice care is about living fully in every moment. More than Fishing A few months later, teamwork transformed that wish into a reality. What began as a fishing trip quickly evolved into something much larger. Family members gathered together. A lifelong friend traveled from Dallas to join in. Stories were shared, children played, and laughter filled the air. Memories were created. Thanks to one of our Wings Over Texas Hospice Volunteer Photographers, those precious moments were beautifully captured in photographs that the family will cherish for years to come. The images encapsulated more than just a day of fishing; they captured love, friendship, family, and a beautiful moment of living life to the fullest. Hospice Is About Living One common misconception about hospice is that it signifies giving up and preparing for death. In reality, hospice is about helping people live as fully and comfortably as possible. At Wings Over Texas Hospice, our nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers, and support staff work together to focus on what matters most to each patient. For some, this means pain relief that allows them to spend a little more time with family. For others, it means enjoying the sound of grandchildren playing in the living room, savoring a last taste of a favorite food, or going outside to watch the sunset. And sometimes, it means one more fishing trip. These moments may seem small, but they become the memories that matter. The Power of Kindhearted Hospice Care The family later shared their experience on Facebook, expressing their gratitude. They described Wings Over Texas Hospice as one of the greatest blessings during an incredibly difficult season. They spoke about the compassion, communication, guidance, and genuine care they received throughout their journey. Those words mean EVERYTHING to our team. It is why we do what we do. Share your thoughts on Facebook Hospice care is not just about symptom management. It’s about walking alongside families during some of life’s most challenging moments. It’s about listening, understanding, and treating every patient like family. Creating Meaningful Moments in Our Hometowns Across North Texas Every day, the Wings Over Texas Hospice team has the privilege of serving patients and families throughout communities across North Texas. While every hospice journey is unique, our mission remains the same: Serving Others with Honor and Kindness. We cannot stop time. However, with a little creativity, compassion, and teamwork, we can help create one more memory. Moments Matter At Wings Over Texas Hospice, we understand that every patient has a story worth honoring. Every hospice patient deserves to be treated like family. If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or a loved one, our kindhearted team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are here to provide guidance, answer questions, and help families understand their options. You can call us anytime at 817-774-9154.

What is Shortness of Breath, and Why Does it Matter? Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a common and often frightening symptom near the end of life. This is often described as “air hunger”—a feeling of not getting enough air. Loved ones may notice rapid, labored breathing, gasping, restlessness, visible anxiety, and even panic. This experience is both physical and emotional: the body struggles while the mind responds with fear. When a loved one is working hard to breathe, our Wings Over Texas Hospice team can provide kindhearted, expert care. Our physicians can prescribe medications that ease the feeling of “air hunger” and help your family member relax. We always begin with the smallest effective dose and adjust for comfort and safety. You can trust that every decision we make is guided by compassion, clinical experience, and a single aim: to relieve suffering and bring calm and reassurance during a difficult time. How Morphine and Hydromorphone Help Bring Comfort Morphine and hydromorphone are powerful tools in hospice care. We do not use these medications to hasten death, but to relieve suffering and provide comfort. Used in low, carefully adjusted doses, these medications: Ease the sensation of “air hunger,” making breaths feel less urgent. Reduce the effort required to breathe, so each breath takes less work. Slow rapid, labored breathing, decreasing physical strain. Calm anxiety and panic, which often make breathlessness worse. Loved ones notice that shortly after receiving medication, the patients' breathing becomes calmer. They observe less gasping or visible signs of distress and a more relaxed facial expression. These changes can bring a huge sense of relief to everyone in the room! Safety and the Wings Over Texas Hospice Approach We understand the concern many families have about opioids. We want to provide education on these very important medications we use to relieve suffering. We never use opioids to shorten life. Low-dose morphine is supported by clinical evidence as a safe and effective first-line treatment for refractory breathlessness in advanced illness. Hydromorphone is a well-established alternative when morphine is not tolerated or when clinical circumstances make it preferable. Our team follows a careful, individualized approach: start low and titrate to the dose that brings comfort, monitor closely, and adjust as needed. Common side effects such as constipation or nausea are managed proactively. Our On-Call team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns about this or any hospice-related question you may have. The Science, Explained Simply Breathlessness is processed not only by the lungs but also by the brain. These medications help in three important ways: Cerebral Cortex: Reduces the conscious perception of breathlessness. Limbic System: Eases anxiety and emotional distress that amplifies the sensation. Brainstem: Helps regulate breathing rhythm so breaths feel more natural. Because morphine and hydromorphone change how the brain interprets signals about breathing, patients often feel more comfortable even when oxygen levels do not change. What to Expect Clear Explanation: We will tell you the medication name, starting dose, expected effects, and how we will monitor. Visible Changes: Many families notice calmer breathing and less anxiety shortly after medication is given. Ongoing Communication: We will check in frequently and adjust the plan to keep your loved one comfortable. Remember, you can always call us. It is natural to feel uncertain or afraid when medications like morphine are discussed. Please know our intent is always comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Understanding why we use these medicines and how they help often turns fear into peace for those we serve. If you have concerns or new symptoms develop, we encourage you to call us. Our RN-led, on-call hospice team is available to answer your questions anytime. How Wings Over Texas Hospice Supports Our Patients and Their Caregivers Our team provides individualized care plans, medical support, including expert pain and symptom management, spiritual support, social services, bereavement care, volunteer services, and compassionate education for families. We bring medications, supplies, and equipment wherever our patients call home. Our team remains available by phone 24/7 to answer questions, adjust treatment, and offer emotional support. Our Wings Over Texas Hospice team is honored to serve. Wings Over Texas Hospice — Serving Others with Honor and Kindness For immediate assistance, you can call us anytime at 817-774-9154. For more information, visit www.wotxhospice.com. Additional Resources for Families Understanding the Emotional Impact of Breathlessness When a loved one experiences shortness of breath, it can be an emotional rollercoaster for the entire family. We encourage open conversations about feelings and fears. Sharing these emotions can foster a supportive environment. Coping Strategies for Families We understand that families need support during this challenging time. Here are some strategies to cope: Stay Informed: Knowledge can alleviate fear. Ask questions and seek clarity about your loved one’s condition and treatment. Practice Mindfulness: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching can help ease anxiety. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Sharing experiences can lighten the emotional load. Preparing for End-of-Life Care Planning for end-of-life care can be daunting. We recommend discussing preferences with your loved one and involving them in the conversation. This can provide a sense of control and peace. Our team is here to guide you through this process. At Wings Over Texas Hospice, we are committed to ensuring that every patient experiences dignity and comfort. We are here to support you and your family through this journey with compassion and care.

Choosing the Right Hospice Provider: Why Wings Over Texas Hospice Stands Out ========================================================================== Choosing the right hospice provider makes a significant difference in the quality of care and comfort experienced. At Wings Over Texas Hospice, we understand the importance of this choice. Here are five key aspects that make us a trusted and compassionate option for families seeking end-of-life care. Local Ownership and Community Connection Wings Over Texas Hospice is proud to be a Texan-owned and locally operated organization. This local foundation means our team understands the unique needs and values of those we serve. Being rooted in the community allows us to provide care that reflects local culture and traditions, which can be a source of comfort for patients and families alike. A family recently shared how the local ownership made a difference: "Knowing that Wings Over Texas Hospice owners are part of our community gave us peace of mind, and our caregivers treated our mother like family." This connection ensures that care is not just professional but also personal and heartfelt. Our owners, Robin Houghton, Robby Psencik, and Dillon Walker, are actively involved. They provide education, guidance, and support to our team members daily. You will also find them out in the community, offering care, support, and music to those we serve. Photo: Wings Over Texas Hospice Partner, Robin Houghton, RN 24/7 Availability for Peace of Mind We understand that hospice needs do not follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Emergencies and questions can arise at any time. Wings Over Texas Hospice guarantees that a knowledgeable team member answers every call, day or night. Our Registered Nurses (RNs) are available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This continuous availability means families never have to leave a voicemail or talk to a call service. We strive to ensure our families are always supported. We only have one phone number, and you can reach us anytime at 817-774-9154. A daughter described a late-night call as priceless: "When we needed help at 2 a.m., an RN answered immediately and guided us through what to do. That support was priceless." This level of accessibility reflects our hospice’s strong dedication to being there whenever families need us most. Consistency in Care Providers Consistency in care providers is crucial for building trust and comfort in hospice care. At Wings Over Texas Hospice, we employ only our own team members to provide care, never relying on outside agency staff. This approach ensures that patients receive care from kindhearted professionals who are fully trained, vetted, and aligned with our values. Families often mention how this consistency helped their loved ones feel safe and cared for: "Our nurse and aides were always the same people. They knew my dad’s needs and preferences, which made all the difference." "Miranda and the team have been a blessing to us. They served as an awesome extension of our family as we looked after Mom." Having a dedicated team means better communication, stronger relationships, and personalized care. Focused Attention with Low Nurse-to-Patient Ratios Wings Over Texas Hospice maintains a low nurse-to-patient ratio to ensure each patient receives focused attention. Our Registered Nurses care for fewer patients, allowing them to spend more time addressing individual needs. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) also maintain a maximum ratio of 8 patients to 1 CNA, with 5 visits a week, Monday through Friday. This level of care frequency and attention supports better symptom management and emotional support. "The frequent visits from CNAs helped my mother stay comfortable and gave us peace of mind knowing she was closely monitored." Low ratios and regular visits allow our team to respond quickly to changes and provide compassionate care tailored to each patient. High Satisfaction Ratings and Heartfelt Testimonials Wings Over Texas Hospice consistently earns high marks for patient and family satisfaction. Our CAHPS scores surpass the national average on all 24 caregiver satisfaction metrics, including the critical measure of “willingness to recommend.” We proudly hold a 5-star rating on Medicare.gov Care Compare. Our ratings reflect our heart and commitment to quality care. This recognition is backed by heartfelt testimonials: "The care and kindness we received were beyond what we expected. We would recommend Wings Over Texas to anyone needing hospice care." "I cannot say enough wonderful things about Wings Over Texas. During one of the hardest times our family has ever faced, the care, compassion, and professionalism they showed my brother meant everything to us." "A very special thank you to Brody, his nurse, and Abigail, his CNA. Your kindness, patience, and genuine compassion never went unnoticed. You treated my brother with dignity and respect, and you brought comfort not only to him but to our entire family. Knowing he was in such loving and capable hands gave us peace when we needed it most. Wings Over Texas is truly a blessing. We are forever grateful for the exceptional care and heartfelt support you provided. Thank you for all that you do." These awards and reviews highlight our Wings Over Texas Hospice team's dedication to excellence and compassionate service. Choosing Hospice Care Choosing hospice care is a profound and personal decision. At Wings Over Texas Hospice, we offer families a compassionate partner in care that is local, accessible, consistent, attentive, and highly rated by those we serve. We are committed to serving others with honor and kindness. When we think about the journey ahead, we understand that it can be filled with uncertainty. Our goal is to provide comfort and support every step of the way. We are here to ensure that our patients experience dignity and comfort while supporting their families through personalized services. In this time of need, we invite you to reach out to us. Together, we can navigate this journey with compassion and care.

Cleburne, Texas, May 2024 — Wings Over Texas Hospice has been named a 2024 Hospice CAHPS Honors Elite Award recipient by HEALTHCAREfirst, a leading provider of CAHPS and bereavement survey programs for home health and hospice agencies. This prestigious annual review recognizes agencies that continuously go above and beyond in providing high-quality care for patients and compassionate caregiver experiences. It acknowledges the highest-performing agencies by analyzing the performance of the Hospice Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey satisfaction and quality measures. To be considered for the Hospice CAHPS Honors Award, the hospice agency must have scored above the HEALTHCAREfirst National Performance Score on the Hospice CAHPS Willingness to Recommend question. If that criteria is met, performance is evaluated utilizing a set of 23 additional quality indicator measures. These scores are then compared on a question-by-question basis to a national performance score calculated from all partnering hospices contained in HEALTHCAREfirst’s Hospice CAHPS database. Special recognition, Honors Elite, is awarded to those hospices that score above the national performance score on 100%, or all twenty-four, of the evaluated questions. “We began our Annual Hospice Honors Award program more than ten years ago as a way to highlight those agencies that are truly leading the way in providing and demonstrating quality patient care,” said Jeremy Crow, Head of RCM and CAHPS Survey, Home Health and Hospice. “We congratulate Wings Over Texas Hospice on this recognition and are so proud and honored that they have chosen to partner with us in helping drive success for their agency, Wings Over Texas Hospice" This award recognizes Wings Over Texas Hospice for its commitment to serving others with honor and kindness and for its significant impact on the community. As Wings Over Texas Hospice continues to lead in providing personalized, high-quality care, this recognition from a respected industry leader further solidifies its role as a pillar in the hospice community. For more information on the Hospice CAHPS Honors and Honors Elite Awards, including methodology and a full list of this year’s winners, visit HEALTHCAREfirst’s Hospice Honors page https://www.healthcarefirst.com/hospice-honors/ www.wotxhospice.com

In the small town of Weiser, Idaho, June brought excitement and anticipation as musicians from all over the country gathered for the 2024 National Fiddle Championship. Among the talented participants stood a young man whose name has become synonymous with excellence in the world of fiddle music: Ridge Roberts. At just 21 years old, Ridge has already carved out a remarkable career, culminating in his recent victory at this prestigious event. Ridge Roberts from Granbury, Texas, started his musical journey at only 7 years old. His early fascination with the fiddle quickly blossomed into a passionate pursuit that defines his life and career. Ridge's natural talent was evident from the start, and by the age of ten, he had already clinched his first contest win in 2013. This early success set the stage for an illustrious career filled with numerous accolades. Under the mentorship of his dad, John Roberts, and Joey McKenzie, world champion fiddle player and renowned guitar player who transitioned from being his teacher to his Western Flyers bandmate, Ridge honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for the rich history of fiddle music, particularly the old-time Texas style. Over the years, Ridge's dedication and hard work have earned him a string of impressive titles, including the Grand Masters Fiddle contest in Nashville at 17, He is a 4-time National Champion and has claimed multiple State Championships and the coveted 2018 World Champion Fiddler. His journey is not just about winning but immersing himself in the music world. Ridge spent countless hours researching fiddle players, studying fiddle tunes, and even delving into the instrument’s history. His love for music extends beyond the fiddle., he can also hold his own on the guitar and has even been known to accompany his own fiddle tunes...Think about that! And Ridge can write! He has written 100 songs, and we all love to hear this young man sing. Ridge has played in nursing homes since he was a child. He has told us many times that he loves the older generation, and his favorite stage is the one that puts him in front of "shut-ins" and hospice patients. Our Wings Over Texas Hospice team loves Ridge Roberts because his heart is as impressive as his talent. Ridge's compassionate spirit shines through in his involvement with the Wings Over Texas Hospice. It is truly something special when Ridge and Wings Over Texas Hospice partner, Robin Houghton, team up to play for our hospice patients. We are so honored that Ridge chooses to join us and use his music to bring comfort and joy to those in need. Ridge Roberts' victory as the 2024 National Fiddle Champion is a testament to his unwavering dedication, immense talent, and the supportive community that has surrounded him throughout his journey. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for the fiddle—a love that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences everywhere.  Our Wings over Texas Hospice family celebrates Ridge's most recent achievement. We are so thankful that he chooses to share his musical talents with our hospice community, and we look forward to witnessing the beautiful music he will continue to create. www.wotxhospice.com

Hospice care is a compassionate approach to end-of-life care, focusing on providing comfort, dignity, and support to patients and their families during one of life's most challenging times. Hospice Care is offered wherever the patient calls home. Ten facts about Wings Over Texas Hospice care: Comprehensive Care: We offer comprehensive hospice care that addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of patients. This approach ensures that every aspect of a patient's well-being is considered and supported. Pain and Symptom Management: A primary goal of the hospice care plan is to alleviate pain and manage symptoms effectively. Our skilled hospice care professionals work tirelessly to ensure patients experience the highest possible quality of life, and ease discomfort as much as possible. Interdisciplinary Team: Wings Over Texas Hospice care is delivered by a diverse team of hospice care professionals, including doctors, nurses, hospice nurse aides, social workers, and chaplains. Our interdisciplinary team collaborates to create and implement a personalized care plan for each patient. Home-Based Care: While hospice services can be provided in various settings, the majority of hospice care takes place in the patient's home or long-term living facility. This allows patient to remain in familiar surroundings, surrounded by loved ones, which can be deeply comforting. Family Support: Hospice care extends beyond the patient, offering substantial support to family members. This includes counseling, respite care, and assistance with practical matters, helping families navigate this difficult period with more ease and less stress. Focus on Quality of Life: Unlike curative treatments, hospice care focuses on enhancing the quality of life rather than prolonging it. The emphasis is placed on comfort, dignity, and enjoying meaningful moments. Eligibility and Timing: Hospice care is typically available to patients who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows its usual course. However, patients may receive hospice care for longer. Receiving hospice care earlier can significantly benefit both patients and their families. Bereavement Support: Hospice care includes bereavement support for family members, both before and after the patient's passing. Support continues for 13 months after the patient's passing to help loved one's cope with their loss. Medicare and Insurance Coverage: Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. This ensures that financial concerns do not prevent families from accessing the compassionate hospice care they need. Volunteer Contributions: Volunteers play a vital role in hospice care, offering companionship, respite for caregivers, and assistance with daily tasks. Their dedication and kindness add an invaluable layer of support to the hospice experience. Wings Over Texas Hospice Care embraces life's final chapter with dignity, comfort, and compassion. Our team is dedicated to serving others with honor and kindness. It stands as a declaration of the deep recognition that each moment of life is valuable, ensuring that no individual should confront their last days without support and care. If you have questions and would like to talk to a Wings Over Texas Hospice professional, you can reach out at any time. Our kindhearted team members are available 24/7. Give us a call: 817-774-9154 www.wotxhospice.com