Martha Fuerstenau - Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home

“My parents had a beautiful home that was very important to them. So, when my mother became ill, they wanted her to remain at home,” said American 1 Credit Union President and CEO Martha Fuerstenau. In spite of her father’s best intentions, Martha knew he wasn’t able to provide the care her mother needed. So she suggested Henry Ford  Hospice Home on a trial basis. If her mother was unhappy, they would return home.

Although Martha was familiar with Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson from her work on the Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Quality Committee, she had never been inside. “Bringing my mother there without having seen it first was scary,” she said. “I was afraid it would feel, look and smell like an institution. Instead, it was more like the kind of home my mother was used to.”

Just as important as providing a beautiful and comforting environment, Hospice Home lifted the responsibility of physical care from Martha and her father. “The caring staff brought my family so much comfort when time was of the essence. My sister came in from Alaska, and we had time to cement family bonds. We were able to be intently present with my mother. We brought her dog for a visit and we were even able to share a little wine with her,” Martha said.

Martha’s Hospice Home experience gave her a better understanding of palliative care, which provides comfort when a cure is not possible or preferred. Palliative care can be provided with or without hospice services. “I wish everyone was aware of the benefits of palliative care and would request it for their loved ones sooner,” Martha said. “It allows you to design your final years as you want to live them.”

Since her mother’s death, Martha has become an advocate for families to begin palliative care and hospice care sooner in a loved one’s illness. “I know I would have regrets now if I had allowed my worry and uncertainty to keep me from making the best decision for my mother, my family and myself,” she said. “Hospice Home gave us the gifts of peace and enjoyable time together.”

Martha was named Chair of the Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Board of Trustees in January 2021. She is also a member and former Chair of the Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Quality Committee. American 1 Credit Union is a proud cosponsor of the annual Lights of Love event, which benefits patients of the Henry Ford Hospice Home — Jackson and their families