Finding Peace, Comfort, and Compassion at Henry Ford Hospice Home

After two years of receiving hospice care at home, Beth Powell made a decision rooted in both courage and love — she chose to move into the Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson. A fall had left her feeling unsafe at home, and after an open-hearted conversation with her sister, they both agreed it was time for a new chapter in her care journey.

“It wasn’t a sad decision,” Beth reflects. “I gave away my belongings to those in need, and I was happy to know my things were going to help others.”

Beth’s perspective on life — and death — is both grounded and inspiring. “Living is harder than dying,” she says with a gentle smile. Her room is filled with pieces of her past, including a beloved decorative deer named Bruce, who wears a new outfit each season thanks to her family’s thoughtful touch. Large windows welcome sunlight and wildlife alike — birds at the feeder, groundhogs, and deer — all providing a calming connection to nature. “The sun coming in is so beautiful. It lights up my room. I can sit and watch nature, and it brings me peace.”

At the Hospice Home, Beth says she feels safe, at home, and completely cared for. “I’m living in a worry-free environment and couldn’t ask for a better staff.” Her sister and brother-in-law visit regularly — often with their Jack Russell for comforting snuggles — and Beth still enjoys the freedom to attend family gatherings. What she treasures most is the sense of dignity, control, and peace she’s been given.

From the planning of her end-of-life celebration with Chaplain Kyle to the arrangements for her ashes to be spread at Lake Michigan, Beth has had a hand in every detail. “It eliminates stress for my family, and I know I’ll be getting what I want,” she says. She’s even chosen to pass along her most sentimental belongings to loved ones while she’s still here to share the stories behind them.

Beth and her sister also ensure the Hospice staff feel appreciated by keeping a snack basket stocked weekly — a simple gesture of thanks for a team that she says, “puts heart into everything they do.”
Her advice for others considering the Hospice Home is simple, heartfelt, and wise:

“Start by coming in for a tour. Meet with the team and get to know them. Arrive with an open heart and give it a chance.”
Beth’s story is a testament to the beautiful, compassionate care provided at Henry Ford Hospice Home — and a reminder that even at the end of life, there is room for peace, joy, and profound connection.

Beth Powell passed away peacefully at the Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson in May 2025. She shared her story in the hope that it would inspire others to be open to the beauty, dignity, and compassionate care available at the Hospice Home.