In Touch Winter 2012 | Page 4

Pathways Hospice, Community Care for Northern Colorado Pathways Hospice Extends Service to Greeley and the Surrounding Area The Staff and Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Pathways Hospice has begun caring for patients in Greeley and the surrounding communities as far east as Kersey and as far south as Platteville. After many requests from western Weld County physicians and community members for end-of-life care and bereavement services from Pathways Hospice, our Windsor office opened in 2007. As these requests continue to come from the Greeley area, and after careful consideration of the needs of that community, it was decided to expand our services within Weld County. Pathways Hospice provides a depth and breadth of programs and services currently not available from other hospice agencies. In addition to our expertise and compassion in management of symptoms associated with life threatening illness, we offer counseling and bereavement services unparalleled in Northern Colorado. Our highly acclaimed counseling center offers alternative therapies such as writing, music and art, chronic-illness related counseling, therapists trained to work with bereaved children and a variety of groups designed to support the diverse needs of our clients. We have also developed specialized programs to meet the unique needs of veterans and their families, and have designed an assisted living program to ensure the best care to individuals in this home-like setting. Our outreach to the Weld County community includes meeting the needs of the Spanish speaking population. Our materials are available in both English 4 and Spanish, to ensure that the hospice care we provide is accessible to everyone. The variety of services offered by Pathways H ospice is sure to enhance care available to the Weld County community. An important part of our expanded service area is truly becoming a part of the community we serve. We have begun working with other non-profit agencies, are a member of the Chamber of Commerce and have adopted a highway to keep trash-free. We anticipate becoming an integral part of the Weld County community, participating in and adding to the many events and celebrations throughout the year. We look forward to providing loving care and support to community members and their families as they face the changes and challenges of serious illness. To help meet the needs of Pathways Hospice patients and their family members, we are currently seeking volunteers from the Greeley area and are planning an extensive volunteer training session in January. Please contact Sara Van Etten, Volunteer Services Director, as soon as possible at (970) 663-3500 if you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity. First Flag-Raising in the New Honoring Veterans Garden On Veterans Day, 11-11-11, veterans and community members gathered to recognize our veterans of military service and raise the flag for the first time in the newly established Honoring Veterans Garden at Pathways Hospice. The ceremony was attended by 140 veterans and active duty military, staff and supporters of Pathways Hospice, and community members wishing to pay tribute to those who’ve served. The ceremony included a Color Guard, sharing of patient Veteran Life Stories and a reading of the names followed by a wreath laying ceremony, first flag raising and bugling in the Honoring Veterans Garden. A reception concluded the event. Thanks to all who attended! The garden is an extension of the Pathways Hospice Honoring Veterans program, and recognizes the sacrifices made by more than 25% of our patients who are veterans or spouses of veterans. For more information on the Honoring Veterans Garden, contributing to the second phase scheduled for completion July 4, 2012, or to learn more about permanently recognizing an active duty military individual or veteran, please contact Kathy Anderson or Kim Mueller at 970.663.3500.