In Touch Winter 2012 (2) | Page 4

Pathways Hospice, Community Care for Northern Colorado Acceptance of Hospice Care have made decisions in advance, and will be more open to alternative care methods. She also sees the effects of different training for nurses. In the past, nurses received minimal training in the area of pain and symptom management, and were given information that created a misguided concern about addiction and over-use of pain medication. Ms. Hope says that changes in education have resulted in a much (continued from page 3) better understanding of the use of medication at the end-of-life. Dr. Lopez also sees a shift in some physicians, who are including different options when assessing the use of medical resources at end-of-life. Education and information will be key to increasing the understanding of hospice as an alternative choice for care. When asked about the collaborative nature of health care as it relates to hospice, Ms. Hope replied, “I think it’s improved. Part of that’s been education and more awareness in the community… and families being better informed. There’s a huge amount of work to be done, but overall, there’s definitely more of a collaborative ability for physicians and care providers at all levels to work together for what’s going to be best for this person.” Pathways Hospice is committed to increasing the awareness and understanding of hospice and its role in end-of-life care. Our goal is to help people understand that hospice care is about increasing the quality of life for those facing a life-threatening illness, and not about losing hope or giving up. Members of our staff are available to present a variety of informational topics to community groups and health car e providers in Larimer and Weld Counties. Photo by Chuck Rewalt, Allegan, MI Pathways Hospice Calendar Photo Contest Winner, February, 2013 If you would like to schedule a presentation please contact Kathy Anderson at (970) 663-3500. 2014 Calendar Photo Contest: Moments to Remember “Sometimes it’s the same moments that take your breath away that breath new purpose and love back into your life.” ~ Steve Maraboli Be a part of the Pathways Hospice 2014 desktop calendar by entering our contest. Each month will feature a winning photograph highlighting a moment that brings back memories of 4 a special time, person or place for the photographer. One of the twelve winning photographs will be chosen as the grand prize winner and be featured on the desktop calendar cover. Prizes will be awarded to multiple winners! The contest runs from January 15, 2013 through 5:00 p.m. MST on April 30, 2013 and is open to all photographers (amateur to professional) ages 14 and up. Minors must provide parent or guardian permission. Submitted photographs must not include people or animals. Color or black and white images are acceptable. Please visit www.pathways-care.org for more information, contest rules and an entry form. We look forward to receiving your submissions!