Cindy Sumrall serves as the Chief Clinical Officer at Lifted Hospice, bringing more than 30 years of experience in nursing, hospice care, and healthcare leadership. Known for her steady, people-first approach, Cindy leads our clinical teams with a focus on compassion, safety, and excellence. She works side-by-side with our caregivers, guiding and supporting them as they deliver personalized care that honors each patient’s dignity and story.
Her background spans bedside nursing, infusion therapy, and senior leadership roles, equipping her with a deep understanding of both the clinical and human sides of end-of-life care. At Lifted, Cindy is committed to fostering a culture where patients, families, and staff alike feel seen, supported, and valued — ensuring our mission of helping people live life to the fullest is lived out every day.
When someone you love is nearing the end of life, small changes can feel heavy and uncertain. Families often ask, How do we know when death is getting closer As a hospice clinician, I’ve walked with families through this stage for more than 30 years. While no one can predict
Watching someone you love stop eating or drinking can feel deeply unsettling. For most families, food is how we care for each other. We cook, we offer drinks, we encourage one more bite. So when a parent, spouse, or loved one begins refusing food or taking only small sips, it
What Is Anticipatory Grief? (Definition) Anticipatory grief is the emotional pain and mourning we feel before a loss occurs. This kind of grief often begins when a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, enters hospice care, or begins a noticeable decline. Unlike conventional grief — which occurs after
I’ve had the privilege of speaking with many families at a crossroads after a terminal diagnosis – & the same question comes up almost every single time: “Can we do this at home?” It’s often asked in a hushed tone, sometimes through tears, and always with a sense of fear
There comes a moment in the journey of kidney disease when patients and their families face one of the hardest questions imaginable: “Do I continue with dialysis, or is it time to stop?” This is not just a medical decision—it’s a deeply personal and emotional one. Many families feel fear
Hearing the words “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) can feel heavy, confusing, or even frightening for patients and their loved ones. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions—fear, uncertainty, and concern for what the future holds. But here’s the truth: a DNR is not about giving up. It is about
No one likes to think about losing someone they love. It’s one of the hardest conversations a family can face, which is why many people delay talking about hospice care. But waiting too long can sometimes mean missing out on the comfort, peace, and support that hospice can provide—not just
Being in healthcare for over 20 years, and as a hospice Chief Clinical Officer, I can tell you this: we are often called about a patient when someone—a doctor, a nurse, or a family member—sees the need for hospice. But the patient is very reluctant. And for good reason. They
When cancer reaches its final stages, cancer patients and their families are often left searching for answers: How do we ease pain? What support is available? How do we honor a life well-lived? At Lifted Hospice, our mission is simple yet sacred: helping people live life to the fullest. This
When facing a serious illness—either your own or that of a loved one—the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Alongside the physical symptoms and medical decisions, there’s often confusion about what type of care is appropriate, especially as a condition progresses. Two terms that frequently arise during this time are Hospice
When a loved one is diagnosed with something called congestive heart failure, it’s common to feel uncertain or even confused about what it means. Despite the name, it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped. It means the heart is having trouble keeping up with what the body needs—and that can
I’ve had countless conversations with families facing a terminal illness, and one question comes up almost every time:“Can we receive hospice care at home?” The answer is yes—and more patients and carers are choosing that path every day.Hospice care at home enables individuals to remain in their own homes, surrounded
