| Rocky Mountain Hospice: Pictured back row, left to right, Joann Legat, Yolanda Bunderson, Cody Bunderson, volunteers; Margaret Colosimo, volunteer coordinato: Sue Anuskewic, and Albert Bouvier, volunteers. Seated in the middle are Rev. Nancy Boswell, spiritual advisor; Kendra Rhodes, office manager; Tani Parry and Laura Zorn, CNA’s. Seated in the front are Rick Stockburger, director, RN and Melissa Nelson, RN. |
Local Price resident Colleen Neeley is very familiar with the benefits of hospice services. She has faced what many Americans will have to deal with in their lifetimes grappling with the impending death of a loved one. Colleen’s husband, Donald Neeley, passed away in September after a long battle with cancer.
Donald Neeley was a prominent leader in the Price community. He was employed 25 years as the manager for Safeway Food Stores. Although he is dearly missed by his family, Colleen is grateful to have learned from a neighbor the value of inviting the Rocky Mountain Hospice team into their home. She found it a comfort to have around the clock support during this difficult period of time. Colleen feels the Rocky Mountain Hospice team “are angels”.
“I don’t know what I would have done without their constant kindness and support,” she states.
Colleen was very fortunate to come in contact with a team of professionals who could assist her and the entire family during Donald’s end of life experience. Unfortunately, hospice is still misunderstood and not well known by the general public. Many people are still missing the opportunity to have the assistance of hospice during this challenging period.
Hospice focuses on maintaining a person’s quality of life during the last several months of life. Usually the patient and family have chosen palliative or comfort care rather than aggressive treatment. Contrary to popular belief, hospice care professionals may be involved several months prior to the actual death. During this time hospice provides the proper management of the patient’s medical care, in addition to important social work, spiritual counseling, and volunteer services critical to the family.
The Rocky Mountain Hospice team manages physical symptoms as well as offers emotional and spiritual support. Eligible patients may suffer from a range of medical conditions such as cancer, end stage heart, lung or neurological disorders.
Many times the diagnosis is not clear other than the obvious symptoms of a patient’s declining physical condition through decreased mobility, strength, and other symptoms easily identified through a physical assessment by a physician.
Rocky Mountain Hospice’s Medical Director assists in the supervision of end of life services. Additionally, the patient’s family physician is involved with developing the patient’s care plan. A multidisciplinary team approach is instrumental to the success of hospice care.
Not only does Medicare and Medicaid cover hospice care, but most insurance companies also include a hospice provision in their benefit plans.
Additionally, since Rocky Mountain Hospice is a nonprofit organization, charitable donations are accepted from major corporations, individuals, and other community resources to cover the care for those who are unable to pay for services.
Rocky Mountain Hospice firmly believes that all people should be able to end their lives with dignity in the comfort of their homes with the support of health care professionals dedicated in assisting the patient and family through this very difficult period. The Rocky Mountain Hospice team assists the patient and family through this life transition without the unnecessary pain and discomfort often associated with the dying process.
Rocky Mountain Hospice and its affiliate companies have provided care to Utahns for 13 years. Rocky Mountain Care is committed to the health care needs of Utah’s rural communities. The company values its connection to the citizens of Price and surrounding area.
The public is encouraged to seek more information regarding this wonderful service by visiting the office at 60 East 100 North, or calling637-8070. Rocky Mountain Hospice is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For hospice patients and their families, help is just a phone call away.