Gentiva Hospice

It can be challenging to know when the right time is to consider care. As your partner in patient care, we are available to lead or participate in conversations about hospice with patients and their families. We can also help ease the anxiety of transitioning from curative treatment to comfort care once a patient is determined to be eligible for hospice care. To learn more about how we can help your patients, please call our 24/7 nurse line at 1-888-GENTIVA (1-888-436-8482).

August is National Wellness Month – and as we take care of those around us, it’s a good reminder to take care of ourselves along the way. That means finding more ways to manage stress and embrace a little more happiness in our lives. Experts recommend practicing mindfulness in our day to day, from meditation to exercise. And of course, don’t skimp on those three big pillars of wellness: hydration, fruits and veggies, and quality sleep.

This month, we’re highlighting the importance of developing a healthy vaccine routine that goes beyond the traditional flu shot. From tetanus and shingles to the COVID-19 booster, don’t forget to ask about immunizations at your next checkup!

For our hospice and home health patients, there’s a special kind of bond that forms between them and our incredible aides. Their work is the definition of “personal touch” as they help with the simple basics of everyday life that can turn complex health situations into heartfelt moments of connection. If you share our passion for kindness and caring, we invite you to apply to join our team at https://www.gentivahs.com/careers/.

Sometimes, starting at the middle and working your way forward can make all the difference. July is the midway point in the year, and we hope you’ll join us in finding ways to make today, tomorrow, and all the remaining tomorrows of 2024 the very best they can be.

If you or a loved one is considering care, here’s a friendly introduction to an important member of our hospice team. The offers hands-on physical care to both ease symptoms and provide comfort for patients. They also help educate families and caregivers on recognizing symptoms and providing safe care. And because they’re engaged with every facet of care, they also coordinate care with the entire hospice team. It’s no small task, but it’s part of our team’s commitment to delivering extraordinary service with true compassion. To learn if hospice care is appropriate for you or someone you know, our 24/7 nurse line can provide guidance. Call us to find out how we can help you at 855-488-7026.

No matter how you celebrate Independence Day, from parades and fireworks to backyard barbecues, we hope you get to spend it with the people you truly care about. Happy 4th of July from our family to yours!

If you or someone you know could benefit from in-home care but you’re unsure what level of care is right for you, we’re here to help. Whether it’s personal care, home health, palliative, or hospice, our 24/7 nurse line can provide guidance. Call us to find out how we can help you at 855-488-7026.

Happy ! That means soaking up all the Vitamin D you’ve been missing out on, which is especially important for older adults at risk for lower levels. So be sure to stay hydrated and use plenty of SPF as you kick off your summer adventures.

Today is , a day to celebrate freedom while acknowledging the challenges of the past and present. As we commemorate this important milestone in our history, we stand passionately committed to a more equitable future for all.

At Gentiva, our are the eyes, ears and hands of our hospice teams. We asked Patricia what it’s like to work as one. She didn’t just share her day-to-day job duties – she shared her heart. Read her interview now: https://tinyurl.com/y7pfkcab

We wish you a very happy and hope it’s one that’s filled with treasured memories of the father figure who helped raise you.

Our hospice and home health aides dedicate their lives to the well-being of others, taking care of the everyday tasks our patients can’t take care of themselves. And while they’re always ready to extend a helping hand, this week we want to give them a round of applause for all they do. We truly appreciate the patience, wisdom, and kindness they bring to work with them every day.

Happy ! We like to think of it as more than just 30 days of Pride in June. Instead, it’s about the unlimited reasons we find year round to celebrate equality for all.

Today is a celebration for those who have survived cancer, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, and a gathering of support for families. We recognize the precious gift of life we’re each given as we raise awareness of the challenges of cancer survivorship – and we stand with survivors and their families as they continue their healing journeys.

According to the , over 6 million Americans currently live with the disease, which is also the most common cause of dementia. June is & Month, and we invite you to join us in supporting people across the world fighting Alzheimer’s through fundraising and awareness.

On , we honor the courage and sacrifice of our fallen service members. Their selfless dedication to our nation will never be forgotten.

For those that suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), there is real hope. We offer customized plans with a focus on patient comfort, education, and genuine support for caregivers. We also work tirelessly to encourage a reduction in hospitalization. If you have questions about home health or hospice care for patients dealing with COPD, we invite you to reach out to our team of 24/7 on-call nurses. Call now: 855-488-7026.

Today is , an occasion that’s near and dear to our hearts. Gentiva is proud to support veterans and their families across the nation, and we’re truly thankful for the men and women currently in uniform serving our country with unwavering courage and commitment.

Did you know that strokes are the leading cause of disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States? Fortunately, there are risk factors within your control. This , we encourage you to learn about the ways you can prevent a stroke. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/56yf82hz

As life unfolds and circumstances change, our dedicated care team is here to meet you or your loved one wherever you call home. Whether you're looking for , , or , our team of professionals are here to support you on your journey. Learn more at: https://tinyurl.com/yh4jt9a8

As May marks , it’s something we take very seriously every year – from the elderly patient suffering under the weight of loneliness and depression to the overwhelmed caregiver coping with mental exhaustion. We see you, we stand with you, and we encourage you to reach out for the caring resources you deserve. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/59c6fnd6

Today, we’re wishing you and all the mothers in your life a very . Every cherished memory is a reminder of the lasting impact they make in our lives.

As more nursing professionals discover exciting new career challenges within home health and hospice, we asked our nurse leaders to share their inspiration, insights, and encouragement. You won’t want to miss what they had to say! Read now: https://shorturl.at/cjnzE

For Tessa, one of our talented , there are a few key things that let her know she did her job right. And one of them involves hugs. Read now to learn more about her unforgettable .

https://shorturl.at/gvSZ4

As we celebrate , we recognize the incredible of our like Amanda. Read about her journey in , from the lives she’s touched to the fulfilling she continues to build.

https://shorturl.at/bdvGX

Here’s to the wonderful work – and the team – at our Jefferson City, MO branch. They were just named Missouri’s Best Hospice by Missouri Magazine, and we couldn’t be prouder. It’s a true reflection of their unwavering dedication to their community – and the inspired compassion they bring to every challenge as they represent what our mission, vision, and values look like. https://shorturl.at/wADER

Missouri Magazine

For this year’s celebration, the theme is “Nurses Make the Difference,” and we couldn’t agree more! We want to recognize our dedicated and the -changing work they do in bringing comfort and care to patients every day.

It might surprise you to learn that the #1 way to stop germs from spreading is by washing your hands. gives us one more reason to protect our handshakes, hugs, and friendly high-fives with the ones we care about.

We’re thrilled to bring greater awareness to communication disorders and hearing health during National . That also means recognizing our team members who work with those affected by speech and hearing disorders. Thanks for all you do!

We are so excited to introduce Chaplain Luke Lilevjen. Luke became a chaplain in 2011 and brings experience in both military and hospice settings. He is retired from the Air Force and is currently active in the Army Reserves. Gentiva Hospice participates in the “We Honor Veterans” program, so his knowledge and personal experience will greatly benefit our veteran patients and spouses.

Luke loves being a hospice chaplain because it gives him the opportunity to help people explore and understand their spirituality when it is most needed. His favorite spiritual quote is, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Rev 21:4 ESV

We sincerely thank Sam's Club in Pueblo for their partnership. Sam's Club generously donates flowers for us to give to brighten the days for our patients. We are currently looking for donations of flower and bud vases for these flowers. Do you have any vases at home or work that you can donate? Call us at (719) 543-7847 or bring them to our office at 1320 Fortino Blvd, Suite C. Our patients, thank you!

Meet Dorothy, who has a passion and love for crafting. Her spiritual strength comes from caregiving through making crafts, such as the butterflies she holds, and giving them to our patients. Did we mention that she also receives care from Gentiva Hospice? Join our team of volunteers in Pueblo and Fremont County who have the privilege of working with patients like Dorothy. Call (719) 543-7847.

We look forward to hearing from you.

March is Social Work Appreciation Month, and we love our social workers. Meet Carol Castaneda, MSW, who shares, "I enjoy working with our patients and their families by bringing comfort and improving their quality of life. It is a great privilege to be part of this journey with them."

Gentiva Hospice in Pueblo proudly honors our own Tarasita Archer, BSW, during Social Worker Appreciation Month. For the past 15 years, Tarasita has been improving the quality of life for our patients, adding, "I love that patients and families allow us to partner with them on the most difficult part of life's journey. People allow us to enter their lives at tender, intimate times. I take this privilege as an honor and a calling."

We are proud of our Gentiva Hospice CNA team: Alicia Leal, Jonathan Ziatz, and Brieanna Sanchez. They provide compassionate personal care for our patients while treating them with dignity and respect.

Kelly Feeley, Rochelle Kelly Wristen, Monica Drummond, Amanda Trueblood, and Ellen Phelps had a great afternoon celebrating Valentine's Day fun at Belmont Lodge. The event was highlighted by the crowning of Queen and King Valentine!

We had a great time celebrating !

Ellen Phelps, Janet De La O, and Lisa Lopez are celebrating Wear Red Day and raising awareness of heart disease, especially in women.

Volunteers are the heart of hospice. They make a real difference in the lives of our patients and their families.

Volunteers hold a hand, share a story, crochet, make crafts, read, play games, bake, or help with light housekeeping. Military veteran volunteers support the special needs of our veteran patients and participate in pinning ceremonies. Administrative support, licensed pet therapy dogs, or music therapy are other areas of need.

Ellen Phelps is our volunteer coordinator. She has volunteer leadership experience with the USO and Red Cross. She loves working with volunteers because they give our most precious resource of time and have the biggest hearts and impact on our community.

To learn more, call Ellen at (719) 543-7847 or visit https://www.gentivahs.com/careers/volunteers/.