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January 23, 2025

Hospice House compassionately cares for family’s beloved “GG”

Hospice House compassionately cares for family’s beloved “GG”

Jackie Brummet spent her final days surrounded by the level of kindness she always showed to others.

“To sum up her life, she was a caregiver,” says Beverly Sellers, describing her late mother, Jackie Brummet. “She was a delight to be around. Always positive, seeing the best in people.” GG, as Brummet was affectionately called, was the matriarch of her family. From celebrating birthdays and graduations to the births of her 12 great-grandchildren, Brummet led the charge to ensure every person in her family felt special. When her health began to decline, her family carefully sought end-of-life care that reflected the compassion Brummet consistently demonstrated to others.

Jackie Brummet

Choosing the right environment

Brummet’s family entrusted IU Health’s Hospice House in Bloomington, Ind., to care for their GG in her final days. Hospice House offers a comfortable space for family members and friends to spend as much time as they wish with loved ones. This setting was ideal for Brummet’s family and allowed a peaceful environment in an otherwise difficult situation.

Hospice House

During her one week stay, Brummet, a former nurse herself, was treated with the kindness she always afforded her own patients. Her grandson, Josh Surman, says, “The empathy and compassion the nurses displayed at Hospice House shows they are there for the right reasons. It’s more than a job, it’s their mission.” The staff went out of its way to be respectful of Brummet and her family, which was especially significant for her daughter, Sellers. She says, “It impressed me the tenderness of the nurses who were with her, especially after her passing. The nurses showed such dignity to this wonderful woman.”

The family's advice for others

Since Brummet’s passing in August, her family has spent time reflecting on how this experience has changed their perspective on hospice and what they want others to know. Their advice is clear: prepare as much as possible. “Death catches people off guard, so it’s important to have a plan established. Education is a huge part of the hospice process. Know the different types of hospice care available so you can make an informed decision that’s best for your loved ones after you’re gone,” says Sellers.

For Brummet’s family, the choice of IU Health’s Hospice House is one they’re glad they made. Brummet, or GG to most, was able to spend her final days in peace, where she was surrounded by love, compassion and a family who will never forget her.

Learn more about IU Health Hospice, take a virtual tour of Bloomington's Hospice House, and read more below about how this program touches the lives of Hoosiers.

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