Greece, NY- Chuck Sidoti still gets emotional when talking about his father's final days.
Thomas Sidoti died in February of 2010. He spent his final days at the Hildebrandt Hospice in Greece.
It was Thomas Sidoti's wish to die in a peaceful setting and not a nursing home.
His family first tried to care for him at home, but realized they needed help.
They had to wait a day, but got Thomas into the hospice, where he spent his last days.
Lifetime Care opened the hospice five years ago and says the demand for this end of life care is great. They have 11 rooms and are full 93 percent of the time.
Barb Quinlan-Giehl is Vice-President of Palliative Care and Hospice at the Hildebrant Center. She says caregivers who work with the dying are compassionate, caring people. Giehl said these staff members feel they are getting a gift because they can help make people comfortable in their final days.
But, Giehl acknowledges it takes a special person to do hospice care. "It's a calling more than a job. It really is a calling," Giehl said.
Chuck Sidoti said it gave him a sense of peace knowing his father was able to die with dignity in a place where he felt comfortable and at home.
