Colorado VNA Hospice & Palliative - Hospice Grief Support Group

Colorado Visiting Nurse Association has cared for our patients in their homes for over 100 years, and that model of care is gaining renewed attention from hospitals and physicians nationwide. National Public Radio recently explored why this option is a good bet for patients with serious or long-term conditions.As more health systems look to offer home care, patients and their loved ones benefit. Colorado VNA helps coordinate our home health clients medical teams, secure necessary equipment, and provide hands-on treatment.NPR points out that studies suggest better outcomes for patients who receive care at home. We know that our patients are more comfortable in their own space, with their loved ones and pets by their side.

Hospice and palliative care play a vital role in providing comfort, support, and dignity to patients and their families during challenging times. Within this compassionate field, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) serve as invaluable members of the healthcare team. They provide essential support, enabling patients to receive the highest quality of care while enhancing their overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of Certified Nursing Assistants in hospice and palliative care settings and shed light on their indispensable contributions.Compassionate and Personalized Care:One of the fundamental principles of hospice and palliative care is to prioritize the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients. CNAs excel in delivering compassionate care, fostering a sense of trust and security for individuals navigating their final journey. By establishing meaningful connections with patients and their families, CNAs can better understand their unique needs, fears, and desires. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the utmost attention and assistance during their most vulnerable moments.Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):Certified Nursing Assistants are trained to provide essential support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which encompass routine tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding. In hospice and palliative care, patients often face physical limitations, discomfort, or cognitive impairment. CNAs skillfully navigate these challenges, offering gentle and dignified assistance that promotes patient independence and self-worth. Their presence allows patients to maintain their sense of identity and dignity while facing the physical and emotional changes associated with their condition.Monitoring and Reporting:In hospice and palliative care, accurate and timely communication between healthcare professionals is crucial for providing comprehensive care. CNAs are on the front lines, closely observing patients conditions, monitoring vital signs, and promptly reporting any changes or concerns to the nursing staff. Their vigilant eyes and keen observation skills serve as an early warning system, ensuring that healthcare providers can respond quickly to any emerging issues. By bridging the gap between patients and the rest of the care team, CNAs contribute significantly to the overall well-being of patients.Emotional Support for Patients and Families: The end-of-life journey can be emotionally overwhelming for both patients and their loved ones. Certified Nursing Assistants offer much-needed emotional support, lending a listening ear, and providing a comforting presence. They are often trusted confidants who provide reassurance, empathy, and understanding during moments of fear, anxiety, or grief. By establishing genuine connections, CNAs help alleviate emotional distress, fostering an environment of trust, compassion, and acceptance.Facilitating Communication and Collaboration:CNAs are integral in fostering effective communication and collaboration among the interdisciplinary team in hospice and palliative care. They serve as a crucial link between patients, families, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. By relaying patient preferences, concerns, and updates, CNAs ensure that everyone involved is on the same page, resulting in cohesive and coordinated care. This collaborative approach maximizes the quality of life for patients and ensures that their wishes are respected.Certified Nursing Assistants play an invaluable role in hospice and palliative care, offering compassionate support, personalized care, and essential assistance to patients and their families. Their contributions in providing physical and emotional comfort, monitoring patients conditions, and facilitating effective communication are immeasurable. As we recognize the importance of CNAs, it is crucial to appreciate their dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that every individuals end-of-life journey is as comfortable and dignified as possible. Questions please call, 303-698-2121. 

Colorado Visiting Nurse Association is pleased to announce that Julie Nunley joined the organization as president Sept. 7.We are excited to have Julie join Colorado VNA, said Tim Bowen, president and CEO of theCare Synergy Network, a collaborative of not-for-profit home health, hospice and palliative care providers across Colorado. Her years of excellence in nursing and health care organizations make her an excellent fit. We are looking forward to Colorado VNA continuing to offer excellent care across Colorado under her leadership.I am honored to join CVNA and the dedicated team that continues the tradition of excellence in caring for our patients, families and our communities, Nunley said.Nunley is an experienced health care leader who was most recently a Vice President and the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital. She began her career as a nurse in 1984 and has been serving in leadership roles for more than 20 years, including as a chief nursing officer for 13 years and a CEO for five years in both not-for-profit and for-profit health care organizations.Nunley has also been active in her community and profession by serving on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Organization of Nurse Leaders as the Director of the Northeast District and as a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American Association of Nurse Executives.Tricia Ford, who has served as interim president, will continue to serve Colorado VNA in a transitional role as Nunley acclimates to her new role.

Beginning in February, there is an undeniable rush of activity as we get ready for Valentines Day in many facets of our life, whether at home, at work, or in school. Purchasing a Valentines card or gift for a loved one receiving hospice or palliative care this month may be a nice gesture, but there are a lot of other heartfelt ways to let a hospice patient know how much they mean to you. Here are five ways to show someone you care this Valentines Day through acts of kindness and love.Decorate Their Room for Valentines Day to Brighten It UpGiving someone a Valentines Day room makeover can be a thoughtful and original way to lift their spirits. Holiday-themed decorations (even outside of Valentines Day) are an easy way to break up the monotony that hospice patients may face sitting in their room because many hospice patients dont get much change of scenery on a daily basis.Before hanging your Valentines Day decorations, be mindful of anyone who may have a sensitivity to the color red. Your loved one will still know how much you care and will ideally find a welcome sense of comfort and cheer in their daily routine even if you need to utilize different hues like lavender or pink.Keep up Current Holiday TraditionsIts crucial to maintain traditions, whether its Valentines Day or another holiday, especially when offering end-of-life comfort care. The knowledge that their illness is disrupting the lives of their loved ones is among the worst emotions a hospice patient may experience. Find a way to include them in your customs on important occasions like Valentines Day so that you may continue the practice.A Dose of Extra One-on-One TimeValentines Day is about showing your loved ones that you care, therefore for a patient who is unable to go out on a date or purchase a card or gift for their family, it may be a very challenging day. Spend more time this month visiting a loved one who is receiving hospice care, especially on the day of the holiday. Look for strategies to extend your trips. Bring pictures, engage in board games, or request personal narratives from them. Youll probably discover that making these pleasant memories has been as beneficial to you as it has been to them.Create a Special TripEven if they are receiving hospice care, many patients can still do and experience a lot. Find something your loved one likes and schedule a Valentines Day date to do it together if that is the case. Visit someone they havent seen in a long time or take them to a favorite location. When they bring gifts to their other hospice caregivers, think about going with them. Bring the outing to them if they are unable to leave the house; invite a friend over, watch a movie, or prepare a special Valentines dinner or meal.The Little Things Go a Long WayConsider helping with routine care tasks as a Valentines Day suggestion and act of kindness because a hospice patient may find it difficult to provide personal care. Receiving services for their hair, nails, or cosmetics can be quite uplifting for people emotionally. For patients receiving care at home, try changing the bedding, cleaning the windows, or setting their bedside table clear. Sometimes helping out with even the tiniest activities may be a great way to show someone you care.