Hospice

Hospice is a concept of care derived from medieval times symbolizing a place where travelers, pilgrims, and the sick, wounded, or dying could find rest and comfort. The contemporary hospice offers a comprehensive program of care to patients and family facing a life-threatening illness. Hospice is primarily a concept of care, not a specific place of care.

Hospice emphasizes palliative care rather than curative treatment, quality rather than quantity of life.  The dying are comforted. Professional medical care is given and sophisticated system relief is provided.  The patient and family are included in the care plan, and emotional, practical and spiritual support is given based upon the patient’s wishes and family needs. Trained volunteers can offer respite for family members as well as meaningful support for the patient.

Boulder is a community of around 250 people. We are hours from the nearest stop light and there is not a shopping mall in sight, much less local medical facilities. We do however have a treasure—a number of older members of the pioneering families who settled our area and who continue to live strong, independent lives.

The reason hospice was started in Boulder was that a beloved member of the community, experiencing end-of-life complications, was unable to come home to his own bed, to spend his last weeks looking out his window at his beloved ranch and Boulder Mountain. All because hospice care was not available in Boulder. It was heartbreaking, but a lesson for all of us.

Hospice, a non-profit organization, provides care to the terminally ill (no matter what the age) via a network of the patient’s physician, a local R.N., home health aide, social worker, chaplain, and the hospice volunteers. There are fourteen local volunteers, including a registered nurse, who work under the coordination of Scott Langford of Beaver, UT. Though it is a 3 ½ hour drive from Boulder, we are connected by phone and know that we are fully supported. Scott was amazed at the number of volunteers considering the size of Boulder, but to us it was just another indication of what can be achieved when a community rallies behind a common goal.

 Boulder Community Alliance, a strong supporter of Boulder Hospice, is currently involved in finding and providing financial support for members of the community interested in becoming a home health aide. Upon completion of the course, the aide receives an hourly wage to assist hospice patients, as well as being eligible to take advantage of other opportunities within the health care field. Those interested should contact Cookie Schaus at 335-7318.

Boulder Hospice is made up of a diverse group of energetic and enthusiastic volunteers who would always welcome new members. A visit from a volunteer might include a quick visit, preparation of a meal, reading aloud, assistance shopping, light housework, or what’s often most important, just sitting with someone and listening. Most volunteers come away from their experience profoundly moved, not only by the satisfaction of their contribution, but also by the enrichment of their lives by touching another’s during such a meaningful passage.