Delaware Hospice

10/09/2026

There's another retirement to celebrate this week, and this time, we're honoring two very special pups! We had a chance to say farewell to one of our amazing pet therapy teams.

For the past seven years, father-daughter duo Howard and Jessica have brought their labradoodles, Daisy and Nala, to the Delaware Hospice Center each week, sharing so much unconditional love with our patients, families, and staff.

Daisy and Nala have also been special visitors at Camp New Hope, offering comfort and cuddles to our young campers each year. Their gentle presence has made a lasting impact on so many hearts throughout the years.

Now, at 11 and 6 years old, Daisy and Nala are heading into a well-deserved doggy retirement! While we'll certainly miss their visits, we're so grateful for the joy and comfort they've brought to our Delaware Hospice family.

Happy t(r)ails to Daisy and Nala! 🐾

10/07/2026

What Comes Next?

When someone you love passes, the days and weeks that follow can feel overwhelming. Along with grief, there may be many phone calls to make, people to notify, arrangements to plan, and important decisions to handle. It can be difficult to know what needs to happen first and what can wait.

You do not have to accomplish everything at once. Take things one step at a time, ask for help when you need it, and permit yourself to focus on grieving. This blog is intended to give those who are overwhelmed a place to start:

When someone you love dies, the days and weeks that follow can feel overwhelming. Along with grief, there may be phone calls to make, people to notify, arrangements to plan, and important decisions to handle. It can be difficult to...

10/05/2026

After 14 years with Delaware Hospice, longtime Certified Nursing Assistant Beverly McCalla is retiring and beginning a well-deserved new chapter!

“Over her years with Delaware Hospice, Beverly served as a dedicated CNA and brought compassion, consistency, and comfort to countless patients and families,” shared our Vice President of Hospice Services, Debbie Taylor. “Her unwavering commitment to those in our care made a lasting impact, particularly during her early morning facility visits, where patients could always count on seeing her familiar smile and receiving exceptional care.”

Beverly’s impact was felt far beyond the care she provided each day. Patients loved her, families valued her support, and her fellow caregivers knew they could count on her. She also served as a supportive preceptor for new CNA staff, sharing her knowledge and helping others grow in their caregiving journeys.

“Beverly’s kindness, dependability, and genuine compassion touched the lives of patients, families, and colleagues alike,” Debbie said. “She leaves behind a legacy of service that will not be forgotten, and she will be greatly missed.”

Cheers to your retirement, Beverly! Thank you for 14 wonderful years of caring for others. We're wishing you all the best!

09/30/2026

“The greatest opportunity for our industry is expanding awareness of the benefits of hospice and palliative care so more patients and families can access support when they need it most.”

Whitney Layton, our Vice President of Compliance, Quality, & Education, was named one of Arrowfly Healthcare’s 2026 Future Leaders in Hospice & Palliative Care!

She sat down with Hospice News to share what drew her to the hospice and palliative care industry, the biggest leadership lessons she has learned, and her thoughts on the industry's future. Check out her interview by clicking here: https://hospicenews.com/2026/09/28/future-leader-whitney-layton-vice-president-of-compliance-education-and-quality-delaware-hospice-inc/

Way to go, Whitney!

Whitney Layton, Vice President of Compliance, Education and Quality at Delaware Hospice, Inc., has been named to the Future Leaders Awards Class of 2026

09/29/2026

Five members of our Delaware Hospice team recently joined fellow dementia care leaders at The Senators Community in Lewes for a presentation hosted by Beebe Healthcare.

The panel discussion, “Navigating the Dementia Journey: Expert Guidance, Caregiver Support, and Community Resources,” explored important topics including early detection and diagnosis, caregiving challenges, community resources, support groups, advance care planning, care coordination, and hospice services.

Representing Delaware Hospice on the panel were Susan Roberto, Practice Manager, and Dr. Matthew Debo, Medical Director, who joined other regional experts and organizations for this meaningful conversation.

Thank you to The Senators Community and Beebe Health Care for bringing together local leaders to share knowledge, connect families with resources, and help strengthen dementia care in our community!

09/28/2026

Calling all clinical road warriors!

Love being out in the community, building relationships, and making a difference in people’s lives? We’re looking for YOU!

Delaware Hospice is hiring a full-time Hospital Liaison to cover Kent and Sussex Counties.

This role is the perfect blend of clinical expertise, relationship-building, and community outreach. You’ll be out and about partnering with hospitals, physicians, nurses, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to help patients and families navigate care transitions and connect with the support they need.

From hospice and palliative care to dementia care and our Katybug pediatric program, you’ll help open doors to the full range of services Delaware Hospice offers.

Ready to hit the road with us and make an impact? Explore the opportunity and apply today: https://delawarehospice.org/career-opportunities/

09/25/2026

Living with a serious illness can bring challenges that affect more than just your physical health. Having a team to help manage symptoms, answer questions, and provide support can make a meaningful difference.

Our Palliative Care team works alongside patients and their families to help bring comfort, clarity, and compassion throughout their care journey.

Have questions about palliative care? We're here to help. Call 302-478-5707 or visit https://delawarehospice.org/patientcare/

09/22/2026

Our Provider Services Executives, Kayla and Luanne, were in Rehoboth last week for a health fair at The Lodge at Truitt Homestead!

Our PSE team is frequently on the road, connecting with healthcare professionals and community members, sharing information about the many programs and services available through Delaware Hospice.

We’re always happy to be out in the community, making connections and sharing how Delaware Hospice can support patients and families.

09/18/2026

Yesterday, we had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate some incredible milestones!

24 members of our Delaware Hospice family are marking 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 years of service. These anniversaries are a remarkable reflection of the dedication, compassion, and commitment our staff brings to our patients, families, and organization year after year.

A very special congratulations to our Clinical Information Systems Manager, Kelly Conaway, and Health Information Coordinator Mary Johnson, who are each celebrating an incredible 25 years with Delaware Hospice!

Thank you to all of our milestone honorees for the years of care, connection, and service you’ve given to our community. We’re so grateful to have you on our team! 💙

09/17/2026

Our team journeyed to Denver, Colorado, for Netsmart’s CONNECTIONS2026 Conference!

This conference brought together many healthcare professionals for several days of learning, networking, and collaboration near the Rockies.

Our President & CEO Charles McDonough took the stage for a Post-Acute Keynote session, sharing his perspective on the evolving healthcare landscape and the future of care.

Christina Hathaway, our Revenue Cycle Manager, also shared her expertise during sessions focused on transforming dementia care and optimizing financial reporting.

From presenting to connecting with fellow healthcare professionals, it was a meaningful few days for our team in Denver.