The Turner family had always been close-knit, but their bond was tested when Emily found herself as the primary caretaker for her father, Paul. Emily tirelessly cared for him, but as the illness progressed, she found herself overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. 

After a series of difficult nights, Emily reached out to The Denver Hospice for guidance. In a private meeting with Susan, a compassionate team member, Emily expressed her concerns and fears. Susan listened intently, asking probing questions to understand the family’s needs better. Through their conversation, Emily felt empowered and began to see hospice care as a viable option.

Ultimately, Emily and her siblings decided to place Paul in The Denver Hospice’s Inpatient Care Center for specialized and compassionate end-of-life care, lifting the burden off Emily and allowing her to focus on being present with Paul without the primary caregiver responsibility.

Established in 1978 to address the community’s need for palliative and end-of-life care, The Denver Hospice is now the largest and oldest non-profit hospice in the area. Offering a comprehensive range of services, including routine home care, continuous home care, general inpatient care, and respite care, they cater to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Accredited by ACHC and recognized as a Level 5 Veteran’s Hospice and National Jewish Hospice, The Denver Hospice is renowned for its commitment to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and their families during life’s most challenging moments.

The team at The Denver Hospice supported Paul and his family, addressing their emotional needs and guiding them through the complexities of the dying process. They offered insight into what to anticipate and how to cope with the forthcoming loss. Their regular check-ins and education on the signs of Paul’s transition reassured Emily and her siblings, fostering unity during this challenging time.

One fall afternoon, while Emily was visiting her father, she mentioned she was starting to see snow in the mountains. Overcome with sentimentality, Paul said he was disappointed he’d never see snow again. Paul, a passionate skier, found serenity amidst the powdery landscape. Emily relayed the conversation to Susan and was astonished to learn the hospice could help. Working with community resources and local connections, Susan acted quickly to pull off a small miracle. An ambulance arrived to take Paul on one final mountain adventure, the interior adorned with paper snowflakes. His family joined him on the hillside, and Paul was propped up in his gurney and given a snowball. Paul delighted in having one last snowball fight with his children.

After Paul’s passing, Emily was grateful for The Denver Hospice’s continued support. Susan and her team assisted with funeral arrangements and provided bereavement counseling to Emily and her siblings, helping them navigate their grief.

The Turner family’s experience with The Denver Hospice is a testament to the power of love and compassion. In their most challenging moments, they took comfort in knowing that they were not navigating this journey alone. At every turn, The Denver Hospice stood by their side, providing guidance, understanding, and a shoulder to lean on. The hospice team’s dedication to honoring Paul’s life and ensuring his final days were lived to the fullest was nothing short of extraordinary.

Hospice and palliative care grant individuals in our community the autonomy to shape their final days with comfort and enhanced quality of life. Thanks to the compassionate assistance of The Denver Hospice, the Turner family savored each moment with Paul. Now, whenever snow falls, Emily fondly thinks of her father and the cherished moments they shared.

Congrats to The Denver Hospice for being voted Top 3 Best Hospice Care in the 2024 Best of Mile High awards programs! All winners and finalists can be found here.