Caring Career Spotlight: Ashlee, Hospice Clinical Coordinator

When families choose hospice care, they’re often navigating one of the most emotional and uncertain times in life. While much of hospice care happens at the bedside, there’s also a dedicated team working behind the scenes to make sure everything comes together smoothly. Ashlee, a hospice clinical coordinator, plays a key role in making that happen.

Ashlee joined Elara Caring in 2021 and has grown significantly within her role.

“My journey has really been about learning how all the moving pieces of hospice care come together,” she explained. “From admission coordination to supporting our clinicians and making sure they have what they need to give the best care possible.”

Over time, Ashlee has taken on additional responsibilities, including training team members and deepening her knowledge of compliance and care standards. But what stands out most to her isn’t just the logistics — it’s the human side of hospice.

“I’ve really grown in understanding the level of compassion this work takes,” she shared. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how what I do behind the scenes actually impacts both our team and the patients we serve.”

Her passion for this work started early. At just 18 years old, she witnessed firsthand how hospice care can transform a difficult moment into something more peaceful.

“I watched a hospice nurse take something that felt really scary and turn it into something peaceful — and honestly, kind of beautiful,” Ashlee recalled. “She took the time to explain what was happening, how the medications worked, and how to care for the patient.”

That experience stayed with her. Years later, when both of her grandfathers received hospice care, it reinforced just how important this support is, not only for patients, but for their families as well.

Today, Ashlee’s “why” is simple but powerful: “Making sure people feel cared for and supported during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”

Even though she isn’t physically present in the home, she knows her role is essential to the care experience.

“I take a lot of pride in being someone my team can rely on to keep things organized, moving and always centered around the patient,” she said.

That sense of teamwork is something she values deeply. “What stands out most to me about Elara is the team. Even when things get chaotic, there’s always a strong sense of support and teamwork.”

In hospice care, collaboration is everything. The clinical team and support staff work together to ensure patients can remain comfortable at home, surrounded by the people and environment they know best.

Ashlee remembers a patient’s wife who would call frequently, simply needing reassurance as she cared for her husband.

“She just needed someone to talk things through with,” Ashlee said.

Over time, they built a connection. After the patient passed, the woman and her daughters visited the office to thank the team.

“I recognized her voice right away,” Ashlee shared. “She gave me the biggest hug and thanked me for always being there.”

That moment was a powerful reminder that support doesn’t always come in the form of hands-on care. Sometimes, it’s about listening, reassuring and helping someone feel less alone.

Ashlee’s story is a reminder that hospice care extends far beyond what we see. It’s built on coordination, compassion and a shared commitment to helping patients live their final days with comfort and peace.