Hospice of the Fisher Home

12/20/2025

The holidays are about togetherness, but for families facing serious illness or hospice decisions, this season can feel especially heavy.

Every year around the holidays, we reshare this blog post because the questions don’t change:

How do we honor traditions? How do we manage the stress? How do we support someone we love when time feels fragile?

Hospice care during the holidays can actually bring relief — offering comfort, shared caregiving, emotional support, and peace of mind when families need it most.

If you or someone you love is navigating this season, we hope this post brings clarity, reassurance, and a little comfort. 🤍

👉 Read the full blog here:

When we think of the holidays, we think of family coming together! But, this time of year can be difficult for those in hospice or those facing the decision of potential hospice care. This can bring extra stress (during a time that can already feel stressful). It might feel easier to put off hospice...

12/18/2025

Meet Maria Rivera! ✨

Maria has been at the Fisher Home for nearly 15 years, spending each moment committed to the compassion that is at the center of our mission.

She has done nearly every job in hospice, and now serves as our Executive Director. Outside of the Fisher Home, she recently educated nursing students as a clinical instructor at UMass Amherst!

Maria never hesitates to step in when something needs to be done for a patient or their loved one. ❤

12/16/2025

It's impossible to predict the future, but monthly donations make it a little easier.

When we have monthly donations to rely on, we know what to expect and how to prepare for coming months of compassionate care. Whether you donate $5 a month or $50, it makes a huge impact on us and our patients!!

Become a monthly donor at fisherhome.org/donate ❤

12/12/2025

So many families tell us the same thing: “I wish we had called hospice sooner.”

Our newest blog breaks down the five most common things families wish they knew earlier about hospice - from better symptom control, to fewer hospital trips, to the kind of whole-family support that finally lets caregivers exhale.

If your loved one is struggling and you’re wondering when to ask for help, this is a place to start.

Read the full blog "What Families Wish They Knew Earlier About Hospice" at the link below

Most families don’t think seriously about hospice until they’re already exhausted, overwhelmed, or in crisis. We’ve worked and listened to hundreds of caregivers in our near 20 years as a hospice. Comparing their experiences with national data and peer-reviewed research, a clear theme emerged,...

12/08/2025

The holidays can carry extra weight when you’re grieving and you don’t have to carry it alone. 💛 We’re offering two bereavement support groups to help you find comfort among those walking a similar path.

✨ Holiday Grief Support Group: Finding Light Through the Season
A gentle, supportive space to share, listen, and care for yourself during the holidays.
🗓 Tuesdays, 4:00–5:30 PM | Nov. 18 – Dec. 30
📍 Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst
Facilitated by Joshua Gregory, M.Div.

✨ Weekly Grief Support Group
Ongoing support for those navigating grief, drop in once or join us weekly.
🗓 Tuesdays, 5:00–6:30 PM | Dec. 9 – Jan. 27
(No group Dec. 23 & 30)
📍 Forbes Room, Unitarian Society of Northampton, 22 Main St.
Hosted by our clinical social work & bereavement counselors

Both groups are open to all and free to attend. For more information go to https://www.fisherhome.org/bereavement ❤ and share this post with someone who may need it.

After the loss of a loved one, those left behind often experience a variety of powerful feelings. These emotions can be overwhelming and isolating. ​

12/06/2025

When we asked our volunteers what their favorite thing about being a part of the Hospice of the Fisher Home is, they all had answers similar to this one: the people!

Our community, including our incredible volunteers, is what makes us who we are ❤

If you're interested in volunteering, applications are open until December 15th! Apply now at fisherhome.org/volunteer

12/05/2025

Our fun Winter display made by a friend for the shop! 🩷❄️🌟🩷❄️🌟

12/02/2025

Dessert & Dancing at The Drake is Tomorrow Night! ✨

Looking for a mid-week plan that tastes amazing and does real good in our community? Join us tomorrow, December 3rd at 7 PM for a lively night of music, sweets, and celebration at The Drake in Amherst (and yes, tickets will be available at the door)!

Indulge in decadent desserts from local bakeries, grab a drink, and enjoy an incredible live set from Big Al & Some Guys. Plus, don’t miss a special appearance by local legend Mitch Chakour.

🎟️ Tickets can be bought in advance at https://www.fisherhome.org/event-details-registration/thedrake
💛 All proceeds support Hospice of the Fisher Home, helping us provide compassionate end-of-life care to our community.

Come dance the night away (or just soak in the music!) while supporting a mission that matters.

Can’t make it? You can still make an impact: fisherhome.org/donate

You're invited to unforgettable night featuring Big Al & Some Guys featuring Special Guest Mitch Chakour

11/30/2025

Thank you to our donors for helping us not only reach but EXCEED our goal of $20,000 for National Hospice Month ❤ Without you, our work wouldn't be possible.

A very, very special thank you to Greenfield Savings Bank. Your support to our community is evident and we are so grateful for the matching donation that you provided!

11/28/2025

Just 5 days until Desserts & Dancing at the Drake! Grab your ticket and reserve your spot at fisherhome.org/events 🎶🙌

11/26/2025

As we step into the holiday season, the grief that comes with missing a loved one might feel a little heavier. But, you don't have to face this alone.

Join our Holiday Grief Support Group - a gentle, welcoming space to share, listen, and find comfort among others who understand.

🕯️ When: Tuesdays, 4:00–5:30 PM
📅 Dates: November 18–December 30
🏠 Where: Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA
Facilitated by our Bereavement Counselor Joshua Gregory, M.Div.

All are welcome. No cost to attend.

💛 Share this post for someone who may need it.

11/24/2025

One of the biggest misconceptions about hospice is that is just a place where people go in their final months, days, and hours. But, it is so much more than that!

If you want to support comprehensive, compassionate care for hospice patients in your community donate today at fisherhome.org/donate