Facing the Challenges of End-of-Life Care in a System Without Enough Hospital Beds
Webpage created in loving memory of
❤️ Helen Courneene Hutchinson ❤️
Nov 24, 1932 - Oct 27, 2025
"Just a month shy of her 93rd birthday, my dear Mom had lived for years without memories and without sight, and often told me that a life without memories was “a wasted life.” I always knew she was ready to move on." ~ Maureen Hutchinson-Parker
💛 Everyone Deserves to Pass Away Peacefully
On my mom’s last day, I took her hand, apologized, and promised her that I would do everything I could to make sure no one else has to suffer the way she did.
Because there were no hospital beds available, she couldn’t stay where she would have received the comfort and medication she needed to remain peaceful during her final days. She was moved when she should have been allowed to rest.
Throughout this experience, I learned how confusing the language around end-of-life care can be. Terms like “Palliative,” “End of Life,” and “Comfort Care” are often used interchangeably, but they can mean very different things. For families who aren’t part of the healthcare system, it’s easy to misunderstand what kind of care their loved one will actually receive.
I promised my mom I’d work hard to make sure others don’t have to go through this kind of pain. As I find answers and learn more, I’ll share them here - in the hope that it helps other families navigate an end-of-life system that’s often overwhelmed and far too confusing.
Mom always said, “Getting old ain’t for wimps.”
Turns out, dying ain’t for wimps either!
If you have a story or experience that could help others, please email me. Every story may help people better navigate end-of-life care and prevent the system from failing our loved ones. ❤️