About Michelle Smith, RN
Caring for the elderly has always been part of who I am.
Long before I became a registered nurse, I was a candy striper and CNA—spending time with older adults felt like home to me. I also watched my own grandparents go through difficult, painful deaths, and those experiences left a lasting mark. Both personally and professionally, I’ve seen how overwhelming this season of life can be. That’s why I’m deeply committed to helping families face aging and end-of-life with more clarity, confidence, and peace.
For most of my career, I’ve helped people make important — often overwhelming — decisions about the care of an aging parent or spouse. Every choice matters. How your loved one experiences the end of their life leaves a lasting impression. Grief is hard enough without regret. And yet, too often, families are left unsure, unsupported, or unaware of what to ask — until it’s too late.
The truth is, we all lose our elders or spouses — and we only get one chance to do it well.
You can’t control every outcome, but you can have the knowledge, support, and confidence to make the experience better — for them, and for yourself. That’s where I come in.
Why I do this work
My mom died from something completely preventable while under hospice care.
She had been placed on hospice for heart disease, but in truth, she was doing better — gaining weight, improving in her symptoms — and likely wouldn’t have qualified for recertification.
Around that time, I had just started a new job and was training as a hospice case manager. When I told my agency that my mom had recently been put on hospice, they suggested a transfer to our agency — so I could be more informed and involved in her care.
That suggestion gave me a false sense of trust — one that wasn’t earned.
Later, my mom developed another urinary tract infection, something she was prone to. But instead of an antibiotic, they prescribed only a urinary analgesic — something to relieve discomfort, not fight the infection.
I didn’t question it. I trusted that they knew what they were doing.
At the same time, my youngest daughter and I both came down with the flu. We were running high fevers, and since she was still recovering from encephalitis, my entire focus was on her.
While I was sick and distracted, my mom declined rapidly. She went from alert, ambulatory, and participating in daily activities… to confused, bedridden, and suffering.
By the time I realized what was happening, it was too late. I revoked hospice and sent her to the ER. She was admitted to the hospital. At one point, it looked like she might pull through — and that’s when my manager admitted:
“She should have been on antibiotics two weeks ago.”
But when my mom never got out of bed again and eventually passed away, the story changed.
It was a nightmare.
There are many layers to this story that I’ll share over time. But here’s what I want you to know:
Even a nurse — even a hospice nurse — can have this happen.
Because I didn’t understand how it all worked. I didn’t know what questions to ask. I didn’t even realize I needed to ask questions that might have saved her life.
And I carry that guilt.
But I’ve spent the last ten years turning that pain into purpose. I’ve worked with hundreds of families, helping them understand the system, their choices, and how to advocate. I’ve seen hospice at its best — a beautiful, peaceful support. And I’ve seen it at its worst.
My mission now is to educate and empower families so they never have to endure what I did.
If you’re supporting someone through the end of life, you can have a good goodbye. You just need the right tools, the right knowledge, and the right support.
What happened to my mom was heartbreaking, but it hasn’t changed my belief that hospice, when done well, can be one of the most compassionate and meaningful forms of care.
What I do
I provide education and support for individuals and families facing end-of-life decisions, hospice care, and elder issues. Together, we can navigate the practical and emotional questions that often feel overwhelming, such as:
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How do I know when it’s time to call hospice?
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How do I choose the right provider?
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What does hospice actually do—and what don’t they do?
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How do I know how much time my loved one has left?
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What can I do if I’m having issues with my hospice team?
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How do I support a loved one in a nursing home, especially if they’re out of state?
Beyond hospice, I offer guidance on common elder care concerns—dementia, skin integrity, falls, safety, communication, and more. Whether you need help understanding what’s happening or just someone to talk to, I can be a trusted source of clarity and compassion in this difficult season.
When you decide to work with me, it can be as simple as a one-time call—or an ongoing conversation. Some situations can be addressed in a single hour, while others may need more support over time. That’s entirely up to you.
Right now, I offer flexible, as-needed virtual appointments—no packages or commitments. That may change in the future based on need, but for now, I’m here when you need me and out of the way when you don’t.
Services offered: (I work on a sliding scale)
Initial 15 minute consultation-free
30 minute support session 40.00-60.00
60 minute support session 70.00-100.00