At HopeWest, we often say, “We meet you where you are.” But what does it really mean?
When you choose to trust HopeWest, whether for yourself or a loved one, our goal is to understand your needs, honor your wishes, and create a plan of care special to you.
For more than 30 years, HopeWest has had the privilege of serving western Colorado. Thanks to the generosity of donors, partners, supporters, and volunteers, we’ve been able to grow, adapt to the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, and respond to the needs of our community. Yet through all of this, one thing has never changed: we care for you in the ways you want to be cared for.
Until you’ve been in the shoes of a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, a family member searching for support for an aging parent, a spouse cherishing the last months with their life partner, or a parent guiding a child through unimaginable loss, “meeting you where you are” is hard to describe.
Kelly Thompson, Director of HopeWest programs in Montrose, has the privilege of witnessing countless examples of our mission in action. But none more personal or meaningful than his father’s story.
In 2018, his father’s health began to decline. As he watched the toll caregiving was taking on his mother, he knew his parents needed more support. Even with his connection to HopeWest, Kelly’s father was initially hesitant to enroll in care.
That’s when Julie Lowther, a HopeWest nurse of 25 years, came into their lives. She entered Kelly’s parents’ home with compassion, kindness, and reassurance. Sitting with Kelly’s father, she gently asked, “What do you think is happening to you?”
“Well, I’m dying,” he said frankly. Julie continued to listen as Kelly’s father reflected on his full and beautiful life. The conversation turned to what his wishes were and how he wanted them to be carried out.
In his favorite chair by the fireplace, his father said, “I want to stay right here.”
Julie listened. She reassured him and worked with the team to make his wishes possible. And Kelly’s father died exactly where he wanted to be, at home.
“Those final months brought so much comfort and peace to my mother and our family,” said Kelly. “And most importantly, my dad received the care he wanted, in the way he wanted to receive it.”
Kelly believes this experience would not have been possible without the guidance of HopeWest and through the generosity of his community, whose support is instrumental in allowing HopeWest to continue providing hope and healing to those facing the challenges of aging, illness, and grief.