“Hospice is not a place,” says Jennifer Van Etten, community outreach coordinator for Auburn Crest Hospice. “It’s a philosophy of care that enhances life as it nears the end for the patients and their families and friends. Even when medicine cannot provide a cure, it can offer comfort, care and assistance that can help maintain a better quality of life for the patient. This type of attention involves the aggressive treatment of physical and emotional pain and the utmost attention to the quality of life.”
Auburn Crest Hospice opened its doors in 2008, filling a great need in Bonner and Boundary counties, as there were many families, living in rural areas, who were being underserved. One of the few locally owned hospices in North Idaho, the owners live and share the values of the community they serve while offering more personal choices and options than larger agencies.
They serve areas extending to the Washington border to the west, Athol to the south, to the Canadian border to the north and the Montana border to the east.
As Jennifer says, “Hospice is based on the belief that through sensitive, appropriate care and the support of a helpful community, terminally ill patients and their families can begin to prepare to face the challenges ahead.” Auburn Crest Hospice provides a team of experts who specialize in understanding and treating pain, and will develop a plan of care to ease discomforting symptoms.
Hospice team members consist of physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, social workers, spiritual care coordinators, bereavement specialists, nursing assistants and a volunteer coordinator.
“We truly individualize care because we strive to know our clients as individuals with rich backgrounds, unique wishes and who deserve the choice to live every moment,” says Jennifer. “We humbly appreciate the opportunity to serve our clients, families and community. Our greatest desire is to honor them by helping to make the last days of life the best days possible.”
The family plays the most important role in hospice care, according to Jennifer. At Auburn Crest, their team recognizes how truly difficult the role of the caregiver can be and walk with them throughout their journey. The hospice team can facilitate access to community resources and provide valuable tools to take care of your loved one, allowing you to be the best you for your loved one.
Love and family is what inspires Jennifer and her colleagues each and every day. “We only have one chance to get this right,” she says. “I truly feel this is a blessing to be there and help all families and patients who reach out for our help. At the end of the day all that matters is the compassion and love this job brings.”
Hospice care is 100 percent covered by Medicare part A, Medicaid, VA, and most insurance provide hospice benefits for their clients. Under these, Auburn Crest Hospice is able to provide all hospice services including medical supplies and medication pertaining to the terminal diagnosis.
Auburn Crest Hospice has been caring for patients and families with love, dignity and respect for more than a decade. If you or a loved one is in need of care, comfort and support, choose to live every moment—even during life’s final months—with the help of Auburn Crest Hospice.
Auburn Crest Hospice’s Core Values:
Trust - We commit and we deliver to patients, families, partners, communities and to each other.
Accountability - We honestly accept personal responsibility for our choices, attitude and results.
Compassion - We care for patients and families with the same love, dignity and respect we give our own families.
Excellence - We provide exceptional care to every patient, every family, every day.
Education - We empower others with knowledge, skills, hope and confidence.
Auburn Crest Hospice
6541 Main Street / P.O. Box 473
Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805
Office: 208.267.0579
Fax: 208.267.0582