Home Health and Hospice caregivers make a remarkable difference for the patients, families and communities they serve. Here in the Yampa Valley, we are fortunate to have had Home Health services available through Northwest Colorado Health since 1964.
Northwest Colorado Health is the only provider of Home Health and Hospice services in Moffat and Routt counties. Each year, staff travel more than 100,000 miles to deliver care through 10,355 visits to more than 300 patients of all ages—all regardless of ability to pay. This commitment comes at a cost of nearly $1 million annually in unreimbursed care, due not only to the high number of uninsured and underinsured patients, but also to reimbursement models that fail to cover the true cost of care. Ongoing community support is essential to ensure that the region’s most vulnerable residents can continue to age in place.
That is why Northwest Colorado Health recently launched a three-year campaign to raise $3 million in support of services for the region’s rapidly growing aging population. The campaign will sustain vital programs that allow older adults to remain in the Yampa Valley—whether at Casey’s Pond, The Haven, or at home through Home Health and Hospice services, which provides compassionate, patient-centered care to anyone who needs it. Community support is vital to ensuring these services remain in the community for years to come.
Home Health:
Home Health offers skilled, compassionate and personalized care in the comfort and security of familiar surroundings to help patients recover from illness or injury. While many people only think of Home Health care for older adults, it is a vital resource for community members of all ages. The Home Health team includes registered nurses, physical therapists, certified nurse aides, and medical social workers. Not only do they address your home care needs, but they also serve as advocates, answering questions, contacting your medical provider with concerns and connecting you to community resources.
In addition to insurance-covered Home Health care which requires a doctor’s referral, Northwest Colorado Health also offers private pay Home Health for those that would like to continue services or need additional support in their home for medical and non-medical needs.
Personal Care Providers and Homemakers:
Personal Care Providers offer in-home assistance with non-medical needs such as bathing, transportation to doctor’s appointments, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal prep and more. This service can be a good respite option for family members who are caring for disabled, sick or elderly loved ones.
Hospice and Grief Support:
Northwest Colorado Health’s Hospice program believes that everyone with a terminal illness has the right to live with dignity and comfort. These individuals deserve the opportunity for the best quality of life, spiritual support, limited pain and suffering, and optimal time with family and friends. While many believe that Hospice is only for the last days of life, patients and families can receive Hospice for 6 months or longer. Research has shown that entering Hospice earlier rather than later in the course of illness has many advantages for the patient and loved ones.
Hospice nurses are available 24-7 to assist patients, and specially trained and dedicated volunteers are available to cook meals, run errands and help families with other needs. Support for families is an important part of Hospice. Northwest Colorado Health also provides free grief counseling for one year following a loved one’s death, as well as bereavement support groups and events open to anyone in the community.
Join with community and honor the memory of a loved one before the holiday season at the annual Celebration of Light events. Candle jars will be provided as well as hot soups and refreshments, all are welcome. Events will be held:
- Thursday, December 4 at the Rollingstone Respite House in Steamboat Springs from 5:30-6:30pm;
- Thursday, December 11 during the Craig Chamber Holiday Mixer from 5-6pm in the Senior Social Center.
To learn more about Home Services available at Northwest Colorado Health, visit northwestcoloradohealth.org or call 970-871-7688.