November is National Hospice & Palliative Care Month, a time to honor the heart and soul of UpliftedCare—our extraordinary team. Every day, you bring compassion and community connection to the forefront of your work. This month, we’re shining a light on the stories that define who we are: moments that remind us why we do what we do. We’ve asked our team to reflect on their personal journeys and share what it means to uplift others through care. These reflections will be featured throughout November, celebrating the spirit of UpliftedCare and the people who make it truly special.
Meet Our Team:
Megan Cipich, MT-BC Music Therapist
What keeps you rooted in this work – even on the hardest days?
“Even on the hardest days, the feeling of gratitude for being allowed to do this work is what keeps me “rooted”. We are allowed into our patients’ homes, rooms, and lives during the most difficult but also most sacred time in their lives – the end. To be given the opportunity to bring healing and comfort through the therapeutic use of music is an honor that is not lost upon me.”
Is there a moment from your work that stands out to you as especially meaningful or human?
“Whenever I get the opportunity to work with a patient and their spouse, and use music that is especially meaningful to them, I get a front row seat to something so special. Seeing a patient sing along or even just “light up” to songs that were thought to be long-forgotten from dementia, and seeing a glimpse of who they used to be through the eyes of their spouse is such a human experience.”
When people express their fears of hospice to you, how do you help “redefine” their perception?
“I try to redefine their perception of hospice to be less focused on “the end” and more focused on “the journey”. While the end may be inevitable, hospice can allow your journey to be much more comfortable, peaceful, and even joyful.”
How has working in hospice/palliative care changed your perspective on life, family or community?
“Working in hospice, I have gotten to witness families and communities coming together, sometimes after years of distance, to care for and be present for a loved one in their final months, weeks, or days. It is always very refreshing to see people put differences aside for the sake of their loved one.”
Is there a moment or person who reminded you why you chose this work?
“After about one year of starting this job, I was providing live music at bedside for a patient who was at home with his family. The patient, his spouse, and his children were all very involved in their church and were part of a traveling choir many many years ago. The patient had not been conscious for several days, and he was very close to death. I was leading the family in singing one of the patient’s favorite hymns, “I’ll Fly Away”, along with his spouse and adult children. Toward the end of the song, we noticed that the patient’s lips were moving and he was actually singing along very quietly. He got the opportunity to sing with his family, a beloved pastime, one last time.”
Hospice Care
When that time comes, hospice is there every step of the way with the patient and family as they focus on comfort at the end of life.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is a chance for people dealing with life-limiting illness to have relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of dealing with the illness and to have an extra layer of support.
Care Where You Are
Most patients receive hospice care in a private home. Yet did you know that UpliftedCare also provides care to those living in a nursing home, hospital or assisted living?
Complementary Therapies
Support services such as massage, respiratory therapy, music, and pet therapy can play a significant role in enhancing quality of life for those who are ill. From easing discomfort to evoking fond memories, these therapies can heal the body and lift the spirit.