In the quiet rhythms of life, there comes a time when the path turns toward horizons that feel both distant and near. At Matulaitis Rehabilitation and Skilled Care, we walk alongside families during these sacred moments, offering hospice care that wraps around the heart like a familiar blanket. Imagine a place where every breath carries comfort, where stories unfold in warmth, and where the end of one chapter blooms into lasting peace. That’s the essence of our hospice journey—a gentle companion for those facing life’s final turns.
Hospice care isn’t just a service; it’s a promise to honor the fullness of days remaining. Rooted in our commitment to long-term skilled care, we blend rehabilitation expertise with profound tenderness. Whether a resident arrives seeking respite or a deeper embrace of end-of-life support, our doors open to create spaces of solace. Picture sunlit rooms filled with soft laughter, the scent of fresh linens, and hands held in quiet solidarity. Here, pain fades into the background, allowing room for joy’s subtle glow.
Understanding the Heart of Hospice
At its core, hospice care focuses on easing the physical, emotional, and spiritual burdens of serious illness. It’s designed for individuals with life-limiting conditions, typically when curative treatments shift to comfort-centered paths. This isn’t about giving up—far from it. It’s about reclaiming what matters most: connections, memories, and the simple beauty of being present.
In our facility, nestled in the welcoming community of Franklin, New Hampshire, hospice unfolds as a personalized tapestry. We collaborate closely with referring physicians, hospice teams, and families to craft plans that fit like a glove. From managing symptoms with gentle medications to arranging adaptive equipment for ease, every detail receives our full attention. Our skilled nurses monitor vital signs with a watchful eye, adjusting care as needs evolve, ensuring comfort reigns supreme.
But hospice extends beyond the body. We recognize the emotional waves that crash during these times—grief’s raw edges, the ache of unspoken words. Our social workers and chaplains step in as steady anchors, facilitating family meetings where voices blend in harmony. Children, spouses, siblings—they all find a seat at the table, sharing burdens and building bridges of understanding.
Spirituality weaves through it all, a thread of quiet strength. For many, faith deepens in these hours, calling for rituals that soothe the soul. Whether through bedside prayers, sacramental visits, or moments of silent reflection in our serene chapel, we honor beliefs with open arms. Our Catholic roots inspire this, yet we welcome all paths, creating a mosaic of grace that reflects each person’s light.
Our Philosophy: Joy Until the Last Breath
What sets Matulaitis apart is our unwavering belief that fear need not dim the spark of living. We hold to the words that guide us: “Fear of dying does not spoil the joy of living until the last breath.” This isn’t a slogan—it’s the pulse of our daily work. Every decision, from meal planning with favorite flavors to arranging views of blooming gardens, stems from this truth.
We build a community where respect flows like a gentle stream. Residents aren’t defined by their diagnoses; they’re celebrated for their legacies—the tales of raising families, tending gardens, or chasing dreams under wide skies. Staff members, trained in both clinical precision and compassionate listening, become extensions of this family. Aides share stories over tea, therapists adapt exercises for playful mobility, and volunteers bring guitars for impromptu songs that lift spirits skyward.
This philosophy touches families too. We know the weight of caregiving can bend the strongest backs. That’s why our hospice support includes bereavement counseling that lingers long after a loved one’s passing. Grief groups gather in cozy corners, where tears mingle with shared smiles, forging bonds that endure. It’s our way of saying: you’re not alone in this vast sea.
Services That Wrap in Warmth
Diving into the specifics, our palliative and end-of-life services form a cradle of care. Palliative care runs parallel to any ongoing treatments, aiming to soothe discomforts early on. As needs intensify, we seamlessly transition into full hospice mode, providing 24/7 oversight in our home-like setting.
Key elements include:
Pain and Symptom Management: Expert assessments ensure aches, nausea, or breathlessness yield to relief. We use a blend of therapies—aromatherapy for calm, music for mood, and medications tailored precisely.
Holistic Daily Support: Meals crafted with nutritional wisdom, hygiene routines that preserve dignity, and recreational activities like gentle crafts or storytelling circles keep days vibrant.
Respite Stays: For caregivers needing a breath, we offer short-term hospice respite. Picture a week of professional care, giving you time to recharge while your loved one basks in our nurturing embrace.
End-of-Life Vigil: When the moment nears, our team stands ready. We coordinate with chaplains for last rites, prepare rooms with personal touches like family photos, and guide families through the tender hours that follow.
All this happens under one roof, eliminating the stress of transfers. Our facility’s design—wide halls for wheelchairs, private suites with natural light—enhances this flow, making transitions feel like stepping into an old friend’s home.
The Matulaitis Touch: A Christian Home-Like Haven
Rooted in Franciscan values, Matulaitis pulses with a Christian warmth that’s both inviting and inclusive. Our hospice wing feels less like a medical unit and more like a cherished retreat. Soft hues on walls evoke serenity, while artwork depicting peaceful landscapes whispers of hope. Daily masses and prayer services invite participation, yet respect those who prefer quiet contemplation.
This atmosphere proves especially vital for hospice residents craving familiarity. Many choose us for those final weeks, drawn by the sense of belonging. One resident, a lifelong gardener, found her room alive with potted herbs tended by staff— a small act that sparked daily chats and rekindled her passion. Families often remark on the “peace that settles in,” a tangible shift from hospital sterility to heartfelt hearth.
Volunteers add another layer of magic. Local parishioners drop by with baked goods or board games, while musicians play hymns that stir the soul. These threads weave a safety net, catching not just physical falls but the deeper ones of isolation.
Hospice at Matulaitis invites creativity in farewell. We encourage life reviews—taping oral histories, assembling scrapbooks, even planting memory trees in our courtyard. One family crafted a “recipe of love,” compiling Eleanor’s secret cookie formula with notes on her wisdom for each ingredient. Such rituals transform goodbyes into gateways of gratitude.
For children facing a grandparent’s decline, we offer age-tuned activities: puppet shows explaining big feelings, or star-gazing nights to “send wishes to heaven.” These bridge the gap, helping little ones grasp without overwhelming.
As seasons change outside our windows—from New Hampshire’s fiery autumns to snowy winters—inside, care remains steadfast. We adapt to holidays with carol sings or festive teas, ensuring no milestone passes in shadow.
If this speaks to your heart, know that our doors stand open. Schedule a tour to feel the warmth firsthand, or chat with our admissions team about seamless hospice integration. Whether for a loved one or respite planning, we’re here to listen and guide.
In the end, hospice at Matulaitis isn’t about endings—it’s about illuminating the now with kindness. We invite you to join this circle of care, where gentle horizons await with open arms. Reach out today; Matulaitis Rehabilitation and Skilled Care: Where healing meets heart, every day.
