Hospice care plays a vital role in providing compassionate end-of-life support and comfort to individuals with terminal illnesses and their families. The care given to Frederick “Bud” Rose at the end of his life by Hackensack Meridian Hospice made such a positive difference for him and his family, so much so that his family decided to raise funds in honor of the care he received.

In-home hospice care from Hackensack Meridian Health began the day after Bud’s 90th birthday, and lasted three weeks until his passing from pulmonary fibrosis this past April. 

“The care Bud received was a godsend,” says his widow, Judy. “I wouldn’t have made it without our amazing family and Hackensack Meridian Hospice’s team and guidance. The consistency and compassion were remarkable.”

During each care visit, a nurse came to the couple’s Monmouth County home. As Bud’s condition worsened, the nurse made sure to spend more time providing care to him and his family.

“Having people in and out of your house on a constant basis can be exhausting and disruptive, but with them it was smooth and seamless,” says Judy. “They provided wonderful, personalized care.”

Bud and Judy’s adult children, now scattered in six different states, all flew in to help and spend time with their parents during Bud’s illness – providing a loving tag-team of added support. 

The Roses are dedicated and loyal patients of Hackensack Meridian Health – five of the couple’s six children, as well as Judy, were born at Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. Bud, a former attorney, was also a longtime trustee at the medical center. 

Grateful for the wonderful care Bud and his family received, they asked that donations be made in Bud’s memory to Hackensack Meridian Hospice.

Hackensack Meridian Hospice and Palliative Care Services coordinate end-of-life care and services with multi-disciplinary teams that include health care professionals, social service providers, chaplains and bereavement professionals. 

As we approach November, which is recognized as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, we acknowledge the important work of our team members who work with patients and their loved ones to ensure a comfortable end-of-life. We thank our donors who give to Hackensack Meridian Hospice from the bottom of our hearts, and to the Rose family for thinking of our team. Gifts in support of hospice care can be made by visiting GiveHMH.org/Hospice.