Not Alone: Care in the Twilight of Life

Patricia Belger, an 85-year-old woman from Philadelphia, moved across the country to join the St. Camillus community to ensure she had local support as her health declined. Because her nieces, Pat Ostermick and Terri Vetter, could not serve as her primary caregivers from a distance, Belger transitioned from independent living to assisted living at the facility.

As her condition worsened, the St. Camillus hospice team, consisting of nurses, social workers, physicians, volunteers, and a chaplain, provided care within her assisted living apartment. During the administration of the Anointing of the Sick, Belger became responsive to those around her by making the sign of the cross as the priest prayed.