SummitWest Care Feeds the Community Through the Hungry Hearts Program 2 years in a Row
Meals were delivered daily by our volunteer employees. Meals consisted of a pasta, bread
SummitWest Care proudly earned the #GJSTRONGFUND award through the City of Grand Junction, allowing us to feed the community for another year in a row. SummitWest Care was awarded $25,000. Compared to 2020, over 1700 households we delivered a warm meal. Recipients ranged from community members in need, Strive, Hilltop, Ariel Service Clients and our own patients.
Meals were delivered daily by our volunteer employees. Meals consisted of a pasta, bread and salad large enough to feed 4 people.
We are so thankful to have delivered meals for another year. During these times, we believe spreading kindness and taking care of our community is vital.
Check out our story featured in the Beacon Senior News:
HUNGRY HEARTS PROGRAM FEEDS MORE THAN THE BODY
By Jan Weeks
Isolation, anxiety, stress. In the time of COVID-19, thousands of people here on the Western Slope exhibit all of those. For seniors, these emotions can be especially debilitating. Sometimes all it takes is a prepared meal to lift spirits and reinforce the idea that someone cares. To that purpose, the Hungry Hearts program was born, facilitated through SummitWest Care.
Feeding hearts
According to Charleen RaaumCEO of SummitWest Care, the largest home care company in the Valleywhen the pandemic shut everything down, the care team met to brainstorm ways to show their clients and others that theyre not alone.
Were all about serving our community and providing a better quality of life. In team meetings we are always asking what we can do and thinking outside the box, Raaum said.
Since the virus left a lot of people wondering where their next meal would come from, employees saw an opportunity to do something, and that something was food.
Together with Andrea Smith, who oversees business development at SummitWest Care, the two worked to write grants to fund a program that would enlist local restaurants to prepare meals. They received funding from the #GJStrongFund, Caring for our Community Fund through Western Colorado Community Foundation and a donation from Western HealthCare Alliance. Though the current grant money has run out, the women have applied for more grants to keep the program going.
Employees volunteered to pick up meals from restaurants and deliver them. Smith kept track of the statistics.
Seven hundred employees volunteered to deliver meals to 470 households and 1,663 individuals, Smith reported.
Both women agreed that volunteering gave the employees much in return, including the pleasure of giving while receiving appreciation from those they fed.
The Hungry Hearts program is not limited to seniors and is free for recipients. In addition to easing food concerns, SummitWest Care reached out to the Department of Human Services, HopeWest, Strive and other agencies to serve those who might need some food and kindness in a time of uncertainty.
Someone cares
Katherine Hambek, 62, cares for husband Dave, 67, who suffers from heart failure and permanent nerve damage to his lower extremities, making him prone to falls. She thought she was doing a good job until SummitWest Care staff showed her ways to maximize care and save time by organizing chores, such as giving Dave medications on schedule, taking his vitals and helping him shower and get dressed.
Im a clean person, Hambek said, and I learned even more about how important cleanliness is. I even learned how to clean away spider mites that might spread disease.
The couple are pretty much homebound. One day, Hambek was feeling overwhelmed when a Hungry Hearts volunteer called to inform her that she'd be receiving a prepared meal. The small gesture made a huge difference.
It made us feel like we matter, and someone cares enough to help, Hambek said. She added that the chicken fettuccine and salad were delicious!
David White, 70, is responsible for his wife, Barbara, who's been hospitalized five times in four years for complications from rheumatoid arthritis and dementia. After her last hospitalization, long-term care wasn't an option due to the virus.
I had to step up and roll with the deteriorating situation. SummitWest Care trained me on how to best take care of her at home, White said.
Raaum delivered a meal that fed the couple for three days, giving White a much-appreciated break.
It was nice to be recognized for the work I do with Barbara. Hungry Hearts made my life easier for a weekend, and it was most welcome, he said.
White added that if further funding allowed the Hungry Hearts program to continue, he would view any more meals as a treat, rather than a necessity.
I wouldn't want to subscribe or receive meals all the time, but an occasional meal would be wonderful, he said.
You matter
SummitWest Care operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, offering both skilled nursing care and unskilled help
such as running errands and housekeeping. Its mission states,You matter, we care.
We really want to ensure that. Kindness is needed in this crazy time, Raaum said.
To that end, the organization offers in-home newborn and pediatric care, adult and senior care, and physical and speech therapy. Medicaid sponsors in-home support services (IHSS) that provide care, training and resources to assist family members and friends in caring for the elderly and disabled, or children with disabilities. Private insurances and private pay are also accepted.
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Volunteer Opportunities in Boulder, CO
You may want to volunteer after retirement, but finding the right role takes more than picking a cause. A weekly shift may fit your schedule, or you might prefer an assignment you can take on occasionally. Cultivates RSVP 55+ Volunteer Program helps people find local opportunities that fit the time and skills they want to offer. What Senior Volunteer Opportunities Look LikeVolunteer roles can involve direct service, such as shopping for groceries or providing rides, as well as work with partner organizations. A good match depends on the task and the commitment. Ask how often youre expected to serve, how much travel is involved, and what training or screening you need before starting. Cultivate RSVP 55+ Volunteer ProgramPhone: 303-443-1933 Cultivates RSVP program is part of AmeriCorps Seniors and helps adults age 55 and older find volunteer assignments. Cultivate says people can serve in its own programs or at partner sites in Boulder and Weld counties. Its partners work on needs such as food access, veteran support, and services for older adults and families. Ask About Onboarding and Volunteer SupportCultivates volunteer page outlines an onboarding process. Its RSVP information says supplemental liability insurance and mileage reimbursement are available to RSVP volunteers serving in Cultivate programs and at partner sites. Ask which requirements and benefits apply to the role youre considering. Why This Matters in BoulderA role is easier to keep when the location and schedule work for you. If you prefer to volunteer close to home, ask which partner sites are accessible by your usual route. If a role involves driving, ask how far trips typically go and whether you can decline a trip outside the area youre comfortable covering. How to Get Started1. Decide What You Can Offer ConsistentlyWrite down when youre available and what kind of work youd like to do. Tell the coordinator if you prefer working with people, handling a practical task, or volunteering with a group.2. Ask What Your First Shift Will Look LikeCall 303-443-1933 or start through Cultivates volunteer page. Ask who will meet you, what training is required, and whether you can begin with an introductory shift. Related Seniors Blue Book Categories Senior Organizations & Services Support Groups & Services Area Agencies on Aging
How to Organize After the Holidays
Hey there! Do you already have your holiday decorations put away, or will your Christmas tree be up until February? To be honest, I can be either person, depending on the year. This year, Ive been a little slow to pack up my garlands and lights, but thats ok. Organization doesnt mean being perfect all the time.The holiday season can bring fun and joy, but it can also bring chaos to the systems in your home. Theres a proliferation of stuff -- cards, packages, gifts of all kinds, decorations, wrapping paper, social engagements, emotions. After all the partying is over, we can be left with a feeling of overwhelm. As a professional organizer, here are my tips for how to handle all of the stuff that came into your house over the holidays and bring (a little more) peace to your home and heart: Decide what to keepThis is really the first (and most critical) thing to do as soon as youre ready to move on from the holidays. Take a look at everything that came into your house during the season and keep only what you truly want to have. I dont recommend keeping anything you dont love, need, or want, even if it was a gift (more on that below). If you shove that ugly sweater in a closet, forget about it, and discover it two years later, youll still have to make the same decisions about what to do with it. Decide what to do as soon as you can. Find a home for everything youre keeping (and put it there right away). If you are keeping a newer/different version of something you already own (for example, you got a nicer coffee maker for Christmas), consider donating or discarding your old item. In other words, follow the one-in, one-out rule if its appropriate.Let go of unwanted gifts Something I hear all of the time from clients is I dont really like this, but it was a gift and I feel guilty about giving it away.I know that gifts can be tricky. I think honoring the intention of the gift given to us is actually more important than holding onto the actual physical object. Usually, someone gives you a gift to show you that they care about you or because they hope youll enjoy it, not because they expect you to become the permanent caretaker of that object. (And if someone gives you a gift receipt, they dont mind if you return it dont feel guilty!)So how do I handle gifts I dont love? I go out of my way to thank the giver in a way thats sincere. I dont tell someone I loved a particular gift if I didnt, but I do thank them for thinking of me and for their generosity. If I dont want or cant use a gift, I pass it on to someone who can enjoy it more than me. That may mean donating it to a charity, giving it away through my local Buy Nothing group, or regifting to someone who I know would appreciate it. Sort the trash and recyclingYou probably ended up with lots of boxes after Black Friday. Go through any extra packaging and recycle, throw away, or give away what you cant use immediately. My clients often have a ton of empty boxes they are saving for someday, but those boxes can take up a lot of space (and its likely that more will come into your home soon). Getting them out is one of the easiest ways you can make your home feel less cluttered immediately. If you have boxes in good condition, you can post them on your local Buy Nothing or neighborhood social media group for someone who is moving. Take another look at your holiday cardsBefore you shove them into a box, look at each card individually. Is this specific card something that will be meaningful to you in a year? 10 years? If its not, appreciate the person who sent it to you and recycle the card. If it truly is a keepsake, save it in an album or memory box. Evaluate your holiday decorMany of my clients struggle with accumulating and storing holiday decor. I recommend thinking about any decor you didnt put out this year will you put it out next year, or are you over it? Do you have more than you can use? Set aside anything you no longer love or want to donate next fall before the holidays (generally, thrift shops do not have space to store out-of-season items for long periods of time). And make sure to carefully store the items you do love and so you can enjoy them next year
Choosing the Right Corner of the Grand Valley for Your Next Chapter
If youve ever driven from Fruita through Grand Junction and out toward Clifton, youve seen how much variety fits into one valley. Same mountains, same sky, but each community has its own rhythm.Choosing where to live in retirement is partly practical and partly a matter of feel. Heres a friendly look at how to think about all three.A Quick Note Before We BeginEvery persons needs differ, so this is not a ranking. Its a set of questions and observations to help you decide what fits your life. Always visit in person if you can.Grand Junction: The HubGrand Junction is the largest community in the area and the center of many services. Residents have access to a range of medical offices, shopping, restaurants, and cultural options, including a veterans medical center for those who are eligible.Why people consider it: Closer access to healthcare and services A wide mix of neighborhoods and housing types Plenty of places to gather, from parks to local events Questions to ask yourself: Do I want to be near a lot of activity? Will I appreciate having services close by? Clifton: Close but CalmerClifton lies just east of Grand Junction. Many people think of it as a convenient, more residential option, with easy access to Grand Junctions amenities.Why people consider it: A suburban feel with nearby services Convenient connections to the rest of the valley Housing options that may suit different budgets (check current listings for specifics) Questions to ask yourself: Do I prefer a quieter setting without being far from town? How do I feel about driving to appointments or errands? Fruita: Small-Town SpiritFruita sits to the northwest and has a well-known reputation for outdoor recreation, particularly mountain biking, along with a lively downtown and community events. It is also close to the Colorado National Monument.Why people consider it: A distinct small-town identity Easy access to trails and open spaces A strong sense of community Questions to ask yourself: Do I want a smaller-town atmosphere? How far am I comfortable being from specialized medical care? Build Your Personal ScorecardRate each of these from not important to essential: Distance to doctors and hospitals Distance to family and friends Walkability or easy errands Quiet and privacy Access to nature and recreation Cost of housing and ongoing expenses Community activities and social opportunities Then compare the three communities against your list. You may be surprised by the result.Try Before You CommitSome ways to get a real feel for a place: Spend a weekend morning at a local coffee shop. Visit a grocery store, library, or community center. Drive the route to your doctors office at different times of day. Chat with people who live there. Visit in different seasons, if possible. A Local Guide Who Knows All ThreeCindy Amann of Bray Real Estate serves Clifton, Fruita, and Grand Junction as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. Her own story is a Grand Valley story. She grew up in New York and spent 25 years in the Denver area with her husband while raising their two children. After their son moved to Grand Junction, they bought a second home here, spent more and more time in it, and eventually made it their permanent home.She says she loves the smaller-town feel and what the valley offers, and she knows firsthand how a place can win you over gradually. As a REALTOR with more than ten years of experience, she focuses on listening to clients and explaining each step so they feel confident.Remember: The Best Place Is the One That Fits YouSome people want a lively hub. 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Discuss the options with a REALTOR and your financial advisor.What if Im moving from out of state? Visit if you can, and ask questions about local services, seasons, and community life. Cindy has made a major move herself and understands the process.Come See the Valley Through Local Eyes If youre curious about Clifton, Fruita, or Grand Junction, a conversation with Cindy is a friendly place to start. Visit her Seniors Blue Book listing to learn more and connect. More information can be found on her Seniors Blue Book listing.
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SummitWest Care
Home Health 2800 Printers Way, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506SummitWest Care is proud to offer Home Health Services that deliver expert medical care directly to your doorstep. As a leading non-profit home healthcare provider serving Colorados Western Slope, we are committed to improving health outcomes and enhancing quality of life for individuals who need professional medical support in the comfort of their own homes. Whether youre recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or transitioning from hospital to home, SummitWest Care is your trusted partner in health.Patient-Focused, Personalized Home Health CareAt SummitWest Care, patient-centered care is more than a philosophyits the foundation of everything we do. We understand that every person has unique health needs, personal goals, and home environments. Thats why we offer individualized care plans designed specifically for your medical condition, lifestyle, and recovery journey.Our experienced team of licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists work collaboratively to deliver coordinated, high-quality care. We focus on fostering independence, promoting healing, and reducing the need for hospital readmission.Skilled Nursing Services at HomeOur skilled nursing services are provided by registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who are specially trained in home-based clinical care. These services include:Wound care and dressing changesMedication management and educationChronic disease monitoring (such as for diabetes, COPD, and heart disease)Pain managementPost-surgical recovery careCatheter and ostomy careWe emphasize education and empowerment, ensuring that both patients and family caregivers understand treatment plans and feel confident managing care between visits.Therapy Services to Enhance Function and RecoveryOur in-home therapy services help individuals regain strength, mobility, and independence after illness, injury, or surgery:Physical Therapy helps improve balance, coordination, strength, and endurance through individualized exercise programs.Occupational Therapy assists patients in adapting to their environment and relearning essential daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and cooking.These therapies are delivered with compassion and patience, helping patients make steady progress toward their functional goals in a familiar and supportive setting.Transitional Care for Hospital-to-Home RecoveryNavigating the shift from hospital to home can be overwhelming. SummitWest Cares transitional care services are designed to bridge that gap and ensure a smooth, safe recovery. Our interdisciplinary team provides follow-up care, monitors for complications, and helps coordinate with your primary care provider or specialist to prevent hospital readmission and improve outcomes.Our goal is to reduce the stress of transition and provide comprehensive support during a critical time in your recovery journey.Chronic Disease Management and Long-Term Care SupportFor individuals living with chronic or complex medical conditions, consistent and proactive care is essential. SummitWest Care specializes in long-term home health services for conditions such as:Congestive heart failure (CHF)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)DiabetesParkinsons diseaseStroke recoveryDementia and Alzheimers diseaseBy offering regular nursing visits, health monitoring, and coordination with your care team, we help minimize complications and promote a higher quality of life over time.Why Choose SummitWest Care for Home Health?Locally Based, Non-Profit Mission: As a non-profit agency, our mission is to serve the community, not shareholders. We reinvest in our programs, staff training, and patient care innovations.Experienced and Compassionate Team: Our home health professionals are not only clinically trained but also deeply compassionate, bringing warmth and respect into every home they visit.Convenient and Cost-Effective: Home health care reduces hospital visits, promotes faster recovery, and is often more affordable than facility-based care.Customized Plans of Care: We tailor every service plan to the patients specific medical and personal needs.Serving Colorados Western Slope with ExcellenceSummitWest Care proudly serves Mesa County and surrounding areas, delivering home health services to patients across the Western Slope. We coordinate closely with local hospitals, primary care providers, and community organizations to ensure continuity and excellence in care.If you or a loved one are in need of trusted, professional home health care, SummitWest Care is here to help. Let us bring the care you needright where you live.
SummitWest Care
Non-Medical 2800 Printers Way, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506At SummitWest Care, we understand the importance of maintaining independence and dignity in the comfort of ones own home. As a non-profit, independent homecare provider based in Colorado, we proudly offer high-quality, non-medical home care services tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Whether you or your loved one needs short-term assistance or ongoing support, our compassionate team is here to help you thrive at home.Personalized Non-Medical Home Care in ColoradoOur non-medical in-home care services are designed to support daily living activities that promote comfort, safety, and wellness at home. These services are ideal for seniors, individuals living with disabilities, those recovering from illness or surgery, and anyone in need of daily personal assistance. From light housekeeping to meal preparation and personal hygiene support, we ensure our clients receive respectful and empowering care every step of the way.SummitWest Care proudly serves Grand Junction, Mesa County, and surrounding Colorado communities with a trusted team of professional caregivers trained to provide exceptional non-medical care under the highest ethical standards.What Sets SummitWest Care Apart?Non-Profit Mission-Driven Organization: We focus on patient-centered care, not profit margins. Every decision we make supports the health and independence of our clients.Customized Care Plans: Each care plan is built around your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle, with flexible scheduling and personalized support.Experienced, Empathetic Staff: Our highly trained caregivers bring not just skills but also compassion, patience, and dedication to every home visit.Access to Medicaid and Private Pay Options: We offer services through Medicaid waiver programs, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payment options, ensuring affordability and accessibility for all families.Our Comprehensive Non-Medical Homecare ServicesOur range of non-medical homecare services focuses on assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) all crucial to a safe and comfortable home life.Personal Care AssistanceOur caregivers help with:Bathing and groomingDressing and toiletingAmbulation and mobility supportMedication remindersTransferring from bed to chair or wheelchairHomemaker ServicesA clean and organized home promotes health and peace of mind. Our caregivers offer:Light housekeepingLaundry and linen changesMeal planning and preparationGrocery shopping and errandsCompanionship CareSocial interaction plays a key role in mental and emotional well-being. We provide:Meaningful conversation and emotional supportAccompaniment on walks or to appointmentsRecreational activitiesEngagement in hobbies and interestsServing All Ages and BackgroundsWhile many of our clients are older adults, SummitWest Care serves individuals of all ages. Whether you need assistance for a child with special needs, an adult recovering from an injury, or an aging parent, were here to help. Our non-medical care programs work in tandem with our skilled nursing and pediatric services to provide a comprehensive home healthcare solution.Funding and Insurance OptionsSummitWest Care offers flexible payment options to ensure our services are accessible to those who need them most. We accept:Medicaid waiver programs (including Home and Community-Based Services)Private insuranceSelf-pay optionsOur knowledgeable team will work with you to identify the most cost-effective solution, provide assistance with enrollment, and coordinate services efficiently.A Trusted Leader in Non-Medical HomecareWith years of experience and a deep commitment to the communities we serve, SummitWest Care has become a trusted leader in home-based care across Colorado. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to age in place or recover at home, supported by skilled, compassionate professionals who respect their independence and honor their life journey.Our caregivers dont just provide services, they build relationships. They create a safe, nurturing environment that supports physical health, emotional well-being, and social connection.If you or your loved one could benefit from non-medical in-home care services, contact SummitWest Care today. Our team will walk you through our intake process, develop a care plan, and connect you with the right caregiver match.