Shelly Larea | Photo: Mariaelena Villarreal / Tejano Nation
November is Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Month, and at Harmony Hospice Care of San Antonio, the team is working diligently to raise awareness about the vital services that hospice provides to families in need. Hospice care is often misunderstood, especially within the Hispanic community, where cultural norms and misconceptions may prevent individuals from seeking out these essential services.
Tejano Nation highlights the compassionate care offered by Harmony Hospice Care, which includes Tejano music legend Shelly Lares, who has found a new and profoundly meaningful calling—using her musical talents to provide comfort and healing to families. The team at Harmony Hospice aims to dispel common myths surrounding hospice while providing an in-depth look at the team’s holistic approach to end-of-life care.
The Importance of Education in Hospice Awareness
One of the primary focuses of Harmony Hospice Care is educating the community about the benefits and availability of hospice services. As Shelly Lares, in her role as Music Activity Coordinator, explains, “We’ve been really working hard to educate, to answer any questions people may have, and to break the stigma that surrounds hospice care.”
Sylvia Muniz, Administrator & Director of Clinical Services, emphasizes that the lack of awareness, especially in the Hispanic community, is a significant barrier. “One of the biggest issues is a lack of education about what hospice actually is,” she says. “A lot of people don’t know that these services are covered by Medicare, and they don’t know that there are so many layers of support beyond just medical care.”
Indeed, many families are unaware that hospice services can be provided at home, where patients often feel most comfortable. These services go far beyond just medical treatment—they include spiritual, emotional, and social support, helping both the patient and their family navigate one of life’s most challenging journeys. “We want people to know that they don’t have to go through this alone,” says Lyris Lares, Director of Business Development. “There’s so much support available to them.”
Overcoming Cultural Barriers and Providing Compassionate Care
In the Hispanic community, there is often a deep cultural belief in caring for loved ones at home. This sense of familial duty can make it difficult for families to consider hospice care, even when it could provide much-needed support. Sylvia Ruiz explains, “In our culture, we tend to take care of our own. When our parents get sick, we feel it’s our responsibility to handle everything.” This cultural norm, though rooted in love and devotion, can lead to exhaustion and emotional strain for family caregivers. Hospice services, however, offer invaluable relief by providing professional care and support, allowing families to focus on spending quality time with their loved ones during their final days.
Shelly Lares adds a unique dimension to the care provided by Harmony Hospice Care through music support, a service that is both emotionally and spiritually uplifting. “Music is a powerful tool in hospice care,” Shelly shares. “It can help reduce anxiety, lift spirits, and even help patients who are non-verbal connect with their memories.” Whether it’s a patient singing along to their favorite song or dancing with Shelly while in their bed, the emotional impact of music cannot be overstated. “It’s not about curing illness, it’s about providing comfort and easing the emotional and physical pain,” Shelly explains. The team at Harmony Hospice Care believes that music, combined with the other holistic services offered, can make a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families.
The Role of Music in Hospice Care
As Shelly Lares reflects on her role, she describes how her gift of music brings comfort and joy to those nearing the end of life. “When I sing for hospice patients, it’s not just about the song. It’s about connecting with them, making them feel seen and heard.” Shelly’s music has the power to alleviate feelings of fear, sadness, and anxiety—emotions that are often experienced during terminal illness. “When patients hear the music, they respond in ways that are simply extraordinary,” she says. “Even those who can’t speak or move will tap their feet, clap, or even smile, and that’s incredibly powerful.”
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Music therapy, as part of the holistic care offered by Harmony Hospice Care, is not just about providing entertainment—it is a critical tool for pain management and emotional support. “Music can take patients’ minds off their pain and help them focus on something positive,” Shelly explains. “It’s about offering a little respite from the distress they’re feeling.” The ability to bring a sense of peace and connection through music makes Shelly’s role an essential part of the hospice team, complementing the work done by doctors, nurses, and social workers.
Healing Power of Music for Seniors
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A Holistic, Personalized Approach to End-of-Life Care
When a person enters hospice care, the goal is not to extend life at any cost but to ensure that the time remaining is as comfortable, dignified, and meaningful as possible. Hospice care focuses on the quality of life, rather than on curative treatments, providing a wide range of services tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. Lyris Lares highlights the importance of a personalized approach: “Hospice is not a one-size-fits-all service. We work closely with patients and their families to understand their unique needs and provide care that reflects their wishes and values.”
The support provided by Harmony Hospice Care goes beyond medical care. As Sylvia Ruiz explains, “We offer services like counseling, social work support for paperwork and funeral arrangements, and spiritual support through prayer and conversation. We believe that the emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of our patients are just as important as their physical care.” This comprehensive approach to end-of-life care ensures that patients and their families are supported on every level.
A Good Death: Finding Comfort and Peace
The concept of a “good death” may seem difficult to grasp, but for the team at Harmony Hospice Care, it encompasses a death that is peaceful, dignified, and surrounded by loved ones. Lyris Lares explains, “A good death means being able to pass with comfort, peace, and dignity, and having your wishes respected. It’s about living well until the very end.” A good death also involves providing spiritual support, something that is central to the care offered by Harmony Hospice. “In those final moments, we want to make sure that our patients feel loved, supported, and at peace,” says Sylvia Ruiz.
The hospice team works to manage pain and alleviate symptoms that may otherwise make the dying process unbearable. “When a patient is in pain, we don’t want them to suffer,” Lyris says. “Our team works tirelessly to manage pain and provide comfort so that they can transition in peace.” This commitment to ensuring comfort at the end of life is what sets hospice care apart from other types of medical care.
Supporting Families During a Difficult Journey
Hospice care is not only for the patient—it is also for the family. Caregivers often experience immense stress as they try to balance the demands of caring for a loved one while managing their own lives. Harmony Hospice Care provides support for the family, offering respite care, counseling, and assistance with managing the practical aspects of end-of-life care. “We help with everything from paperwork to emotional support,” Sylvia says. “Our goal is to lift the burden from families so they can focus on being present with their loved one during this important time.”
Spreading the Word: Raising Awareness in the San Antonio Community
As part of their ongoing efforts to raise awareness, Harmony Hospice Care will be hosting an event on November 26th at the Parish on Buena Vista in San Antonio. The event, which will run from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, will feature food, a blanket drive, and the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the services they offer. “We want to make sure that the community knows about the services available to them,” Shelly says. “We’re here to support families, and we want to make that known.”
Hospice care is not just about the end—it’s about making the final chapter of life a meaningful and peaceful experience. For those facing terminal illness, the support of a compassionate hospice team can provide comfort, dignity, and peace during life’s most difficult moments.
How to Get in Touch with Harmony Hospice Care
If you or someone you know is in need of hospice care or has questions about services, you can reach Harmony Hospice Care of San Antonio by calling 210-807-7484 or visiting their website at harmonyhospicecare.net. The team is also active on social media, where you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram at Harmony Hospice Care of San Antonio.
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