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The Comfort of Home
Chaney was one of 12 children in his family, but to his younger brother Bob Ray Sanders, he was simply an extraordinary brother who could do almost anything and always seemed to do it with a smile.
Bob Ray still remembers being in junior high when Chaney came up behind him and taught him how to tie a Windsor knot. Now, decades later, whenever Bob Ray stands in front of a mirror tying his tie, he can still picture his brother’s arms around him, guiding his hands.
When Chaney was diagnosed with cancer, the family hoped and prayed for a miracle. Chaney, however, had come to accept what was ahead. When he became increasingly ill, his family called Community Healthcare of Texas.
Two hospice nurses rotated visits to Chaney’s home, quietly making sure he was comfortable and free from pain. Bob Ray was struck by their professionalism, but even more by the depth of their care and compassion.
“They were almost in the background, but they were really in the foreground,” he recalled. “They were making decisions. They were doing whatever they had to do, just quietly doing their jobs.”
Most importantly, hospice allowed Chaney to remain at home, surrounded by his family and the people he loved.
On the night Chaney died, Bob Ray had received a call from family and hurried to be by Chaney’s side. Although Chaney never opened his eyes, Bob Ray felt that his brother knew he was there. A short time later, Chaney passed away peacefully.
The care from Community Healthcare of Texas didn’t end when Chaney died. At his funeral, Bob Ray was surprised to see the two hospice nurses standing among the mourners.
Their presence stayed with him.
For Bob Ray, it was a reminder that the Community Healthcare of Texas team doesn’t simply care for the patient, they care for families too.
Chaney’s final days were difficult, but with the support of his family and hospice team, he was able to remain at home, comfortable and surrounded by love. Bob Ray believes his brother was able to face the end of his life with the peace and comfort he deserved.
