At its core, holistic care embraces the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—acknowledging that well-being extends far beyond medical treatments. Seniors are individuals shaped by their life stories, emotional needs, social ties, and spiritual beliefs, all of which influence health and happiness.
By combining clinical expertise with genuine human connection, holistic care addresses symptoms while honoring each person’s preferences, culture, and life experiences. This approach builds trust and eases anxiety, as families see loved ones treated with empathy and active listening, not just task-driven routines.
Preventive wellness through mindfulness exercises, stimulating activities, and social engagement can boost mood, cognition, and resilience. Further, holistic advocates guide seniors and families through benefits and care options, protecting independence and financial security before crises emerge.
In today’s fragmented, high-cost senior-living environment—where staffing shortages and siloed systems threaten quality—holistic care restores dignity, elevates quality of life, and fosters true partnerships among care teams, residents, and families.
The result is a thriving community where seniors flourish physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
To shed some light on the same, we interviewed a home care industry expert to bring her perspective on a holistic care philosophy.
Who Did We Interview?
Suzanne Levy is a pioneering clinical liaison and entrepreneur with deep expertise in spine surgery, private concierge senior care, and geriatric care management. As a seasoned hospice nurse liaison, end-of-life doula, and palliative care chaplain, she champions dignified elder care and compassionate bedside support.
Suzanne also directs recreational activities in skilled nursing and assisted living, teaches mindful meditation for senior stress relief, and counsels bereavement and grief.
Certified in dementia care, mental health first response, and as a UL minister, she volunteers widely to uplift patients and families.
Let us now delve into what she has to say about a holistic care philosophy:
My journey—from surgical sales through hospice and volunteer leadership to my current roles in concierge senior care—has taught me that truly holistic care means meeting both medical and human needs. Early on, studying end-of-life care under Elisabeth Kübler-Ross instilled in me the importance of dignity, empathy and listening.
When COVID upended my surgical sales career, I pivoted to hospice, where I witnessed firsthand the harm of commission-driven models and instead focused on building genuine relationships with patients and families.
As director of volunteers and later, in senior-placement services, I learned that strong teams and clear processes are vital—but so is flexibility. Today, with Seniors Helping Seniors, I combine concierge in-home care with experienced, compassionate companions. Weekends as an activities director and ongoing hospice involvement keep me grounded: everyone deserves meaningful engagement and a peaceful, supported end of life.
I’m available around the clock because complex needs don’t keep business hours.
Above all, I’ve become a fierce advocate for seniors’ independence and financial security. Whether helping veterans navigate benefits or guiding families through Medicaid, my goal is simple: preserve quality of life in the home for as long as possible, protect hard-earned assets, and support families with clear communication and unwavering compassion.
Build every relationship on honesty, transparency, and respect. Ensure pricing models and care plans are fair, clearly communicated, and free of conflicts of interest.
Keep “eyes wide open” at all times—observe residents’ physical, emotional, and social needs, notice small changes in mood or health, and advocate immediately when something’s amiss.
Ensure enough skilled aides and companions so no one waits hours for help. Train staff to treat every resident as they would their own family—warmly, patiently, and attentively.
Design activities and common spaces that welcome everyone, breaking down social cliques or exclusion. Regularly bring residents together for games, gatherings, and shared meals to combat isolation and depression.
Match residents with caregivers who share interests or life experiences, fostering genuine friendships. Go the extra mile—whether it’s finding a free wig for a cancer survivor or simply sitting with someone who’s feeling lonely.
Teach families about seniors’ changing needs (e.g., end-of-life eating and hydration), explain Medicare- and hospice-covered services, and guide them through benefit applications. Keep lines of communication open 24/7—complex care doesn’t observe business hours.
Honor each person’s background, faith, and personal story. A chaplain’s perspective—valuing all religions and traditions—can help create a respectful, comforting environment.
Help seniors remain safely in their own homes as long as possible, protecting their financial security. Assist with Medicaid or veteran-benefit applications and explore creative solutions to avoid unnecessary institutionalization.
Guarantee prompt attention to basic needs—no one should sit in soiled linens or wait for hours for medication. Embrace hospice’s full spectrum of services (hands-on care, spiritual support, bereavement) to ensure a peaceful, dignified passing.
Delivering truly dignified, personalized senior care means blending rigorous safety and staffing standards with wholehearted compassion, cultural empathy, and unwavering advocacy—for residents and their families alike.
The most crucial elements for peaceful, compassionate end-of-life care are:
Anticipate needs by discussing advance directives, funeral arrangements, and legal documents before crisis strikes. Coordinate quickly with funeral homes, clergy or celebrants, and any other providers so families aren’t left scrambling.
Keep everyone informed of the patient’s status and what to expect next. Honest, empathetic conversations—even about difficult topics—help families feel supported rather than abandoned.
Provide a calm, steady presence. Hold space for grief, answer questions patiently, and offer practical reassurance (e.g., arranging a wig or special keepsake) to help families focus on their loved one rather than logistics.
Insist on respectful handling of the body—no exposed limbs or soiled linens—whether before or after passing. Small details (covering the body respectfully, opening windows to “let the soul fly”) honor both the patient and the grieving.
Work with a hospice provider that follows through: nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers all pull in the same direction. Nobody should “drop the ball” when a patient needs help.
Learn each family’s traditions and preferences. Whether arranging a Shiva gathering, borrowing an artistic urn, or simply choosing no-frills cremation, tailor care to what feels meaningful for them.
Step in as a trusted guide—explain Medicare-covered hospice services, teach families how to manage comfort measures (like feeding or hydration at end-of-life), and reassure them about what normal dying looks and feels like.
By combining proactive logistics, honest communication, heartfelt presence, and unwavering respect for both body and spirit, we create an environment where patients and families can experience true peace and dignity at life’s end.
Mindfulness practices and engaging activities can transform seniors’ daily experience by:
Brief guided meditations or breathing exercises calm the nervous system, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and help seniors navigate pain or uncertainty with greater ease.
Focusing on the present moment—even for 20–30 minutes—releases feel-good neurotransmitters, eases depressive symptoms, and builds mental resilience against loneliness or grief.
Group activities—whether meditation circles, music sessions, or shared spiritual services—create opportunities for laughter, conversation, and genuine bonding across cultures and faiths.
Combining mindfulness with music, guided imagery, or light movement stimulates memory, attention, and executive function, helping to slow cognitive decline.
Tailoring sessions to residents’ beliefs (e.g., Jewish prayers, transcendental practices) honors their identity, reinforces purpose, and deepens feelings of peace.
Gentle human touch, soothing music, aromatherapy or tactile exercises awaken sensory awareness and reinforce elders’ connection to their own bodies.
Teaching simple self-soothing techniques (heart-centered hand placements, breathing) gives seniors tools they can use anytime, promoting confidence and self-care.
When staff participate—as co-practitioners or by sharing post-session social time—they build trust, model compassion, and break down “clinical” barriers.
By weaving mindfulness and thoughtfully designed activities into daily routines, care settings become more than safe spaces—they become communities of engagement, dignity, and joy.
The single most important piece of advice is to partner with a care advisor you truly trust—someone with hands-on experience who will transparently guide you through every step, advocate fiercely for your loved one’s needs, and coordinate all aspects of care (from tours to providers to little extras like arranging a manicurist or securing donated supplies).
A trusted, present advocate who treats your family as their own—not a virtual referral service—will save you time, expense, and anxiety, and ensure no one falls through the cracks.
Suzanne Levy’s insights remind us that truly holistic senior care transcends clinical protocols—it’s built on integrity, empathy, and proactive advocacy. From surgical sales to hospice lift-offs, her career underscores the power of personalized relationships, vigilant attention, and seamless teamwork.
By integrating mindfulness, cultural sensitivity, and end-of-life dignity into daily routines, caregivers can improve quality of life and protect independence.
Families navigating today’s complex landscape should partner with trusted advisors who listen, coordinate, and champion every need around the clock. Embracing this philosophy not only honors seniors’ unique stories but also strengthens communities where compassion, respect, and human connection prevail.
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