Tower Health at Home - Reading

My mom recently elected hospice as she was diagnosed with advanced incurable pancreatic cancer. From the first day until mom's passing everyone who came to help with mom were so very kind and helpful. They walked us through each hurdle. Special thanks to Lisa who came on Saturday during mom's last moments, she was so caring, kind and helped us through the next steps as and after mom was called home to heaven. Thank you all so very much.

My family and I are greatly appreciative of the care that our Mom received from THAH. This was uncharted territory for us. The staff that tended to her, were amazing. A big thank you to Patrese, for getting her cleaned up. On call nurses, Lisa and Kelly for answering all of my overnight calls and visits. And lastly, Brooke. The compassion, care and time that you took with our precious Mom. It felt like she was a priority. Your patience and knowledge that you provided us, through this uncharted territory. You never were in a hurry to get to your next patient. We are forever grateful.

On October 6, 2025, my mother, who was living with dementia, was rushed to the hospital and later transferred to hospice care upon her doctor’s recommendation. It took some time for a room to become available, but once admitted, the social worker carefully explained the steps, handled the paperwork and insurance, and informed us that my mother would likely remain in hospice while awaiting final approval from the hospice doctor. I knew she met the criteria, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the authority to make that final decision. On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, a doctor — Dr. Baraq (as it was pronounced to me) — told my family that my mother “looked fine to go home.” Concerned, my family asked him to speak directly with me. When I asked how he came to that conclusion, his exact words were: “By looking at her.” He also stated that hospice is “only for patients with three days or less to live,” which I knew to be completely false. I was deeply concerned for my mother’s care and told him that based on his response, he was not qualified to treat or assess my mother—or any patient. I also advised him to step away before I contacted my lawyer. To make matters worse, another physician, Dr. Vasquez, was equally dismissive and showed no compassion. Their lack of empathy and professionalism added unnecessary stress to an already painful situation. It felt as though the very system that is supposed to provide comfort and support to families in critical moments had failed us. Tragically, on October 9, just 18 hours after a doctor declared my mother “fine to go home,” she passed away and went into the Lord’s arms. If this is not evidence that hospice doctors and nurses need better accountability, I don’t know what is. The Department of Health needs to review these practices and make serious changes to protect patients and their families.