In January 2026, Barbara Moore’s family began a journey they never expected. At 90 years old, Barbara was living independently and had always taken great pride in caring for herself and her home. She was known for her strength, her independence, and her ability to manage life on her own.
One freezing day, Barbara fell in her garage. Despite having a medical alert necklace, she never pushed the emergency button, a decision her family will never fully understand. After two hours, her brother-in-law arrived to bring in her mail and found her. Barbara was taken to the hospital, where she was treated for hypothermia and an undiagnosed infection.
After recovering, Barbara transitioned to a nursing rehabilitation center to regain her strength. Unfortunately, her health began to decline. She returned to the hospital, and after a week of treatment, her family received difficult news: Barbara’s small but resilient body was becoming too weak to continue fighting the infections. Her care team recommended considering hospice care.
After thoughtful consideration, Barbara’s family chose the Barnette Center in Centreville for her hospice care. It was a decision they would never regret.
Barbara had always taken pride in keeping her home immaculate, and her hospice room, Bennett’s Point, reflected that same sense of comfort and care. During one of her clearer moments, Barbara admired the beautiful paint colors in her room and joked that she wished she could paint that well herself, despite there not being a single brushstroke in sight. From her window, she enjoyed watching the American flag wave proudly in the breeze.
From the moment Barbara arrived, the hospice team surrounded her and her family with kindness, compassion, and support. Nurses, CNAs, cooks, and housekeeping staff all played an important role in creating a peaceful and loving environment. Her family was welcomed at any time to visit, sit with her, and share precious moments together.
Barbara had developed a deep bedsore during her time in rehabilitation, and the hospice team worked tirelessly to manage her pain, provide attentive care, and ensure she remained comfortable. Every effort was made to honor Barbara’s dignity and provide the best quality of life possible.
Pastor Robin also became a meaningful part of Barbara’s journey. Barbara looked forward to their visits and prayers, finding comfort and peace through those moments together.
As Barbara’s family learned more about hospice, they discovered that end-of-life care is about so much more than they originally realized. They gained valuable information and support that helped them better understand the changes Barbara was experiencing. Like many caregivers, they struggled to understand when Barbara began losing her appetite, but they quickly learned that every patient’s journey is unique. One thing Barbara never lost was her love for ice cream, and the hospice staff happily made sure she could enjoy it whenever she wanted.
Her family brought personal belongings from home to make her room feel familiar and comforting. Barbara was always cared for with dignity- bathed, dressed beautifully, and treated with the respect she deserved.
Although Barbara spent five weeks receiving hospice care, her final moments came peacefully. One early morning, she passed away in her sleep without signs that she was nearing the end. Her family had come to understand that every person’s hospice journey is different. There is no single path or timeline, but each individual follows their own unique journey.
Barbara’s family hopes others understand that hospice is not only for those with cancer. Hospice care supports many individuals and families facing the final stages of life, providing comfort, dignity, and compassionate care when it is needed most.
“Please know hospice is not only for cancer patients, but many others in the ending stages of their life. We will be forever grateful to the Hospice program.” - Cindy Moore.
