Ascend Hospice of Idaho

03/29/2026

We are here to walk along in the journey with our patients and their families and loved ones, bringing knowledge to normalize what doesn't feel normal, and compassion from all of our team during a time of uncertainty and intense emotions. ❤️

03/25/2026

Here is a checklist which may be helpful to some who are wondering if they would qualify for hospice services, or if a loved one would qualify for hospice services. Of course, this list is only a starting point, but it may be helpful to get you thinking about quality vs. quantity of life for you or a loved one. If you have any questions, we would love to discuss more - reach out anytime!

Photo from: https://helpfulhospicenurse.com/?p=42

We are available at 208-503-4400

03/17/2026

March 17th is not only St. Patrick's Day, but today is also World Social Work Day! March is also Social Work Month, and we are grateful to have these selfless individuals not only in hospice work, but every profession! Our hospice social workers help patients and their families/caregivers with general emotional support, grief support, assistance with resources, and more ❤️

03/11/2026

We had so much fun with this activity at Brookdale Lewiston. Many laughs and snacks were had, and seeds planted for flowers to bloom and welcome spring! We will be back in June for a summer activity where we will hopefully be able to plant what has grown into larger planter boxes! 🌸🌼🏵🌹 We were able to talk a little bit about what our agency does, and enjoy the company of many of the residents at the facility!

03/11/2026

❤️

“There is nothing more we can do.”

Seven words that can make the room fall completely silent.

Time shifts after news like this. What once felt far away suddenly becomes very close. Conversations change. Priorities become clearer. Even ordinary moments can take on new meaning.

You may hear phrases like comfort focused care, symptom management, or being encouraged to spend time with the people you love. These are incredibly hard conversations.

But here is something we want you to remember:
Out of treatment does not mean out of care.
There is still living to do. Still connection to be found. Still laughter, love, and meaningful moments waiting to unfold.
If someone you care about has received this news, do not rush them forward. Let them absorb it. Sit beside them. Listen. Your presence will matter more than any perfectly chosen words.

And if these are words you have heard yourself, please know you are not alone.
Hospice and palliative care surround patients and families with comfort, dignity, and compassionate support so that whatever time remains can be lived as fully as possible.

03/05/2026

Yesterday, March 3rd, was caregiver appreciation day! Caregivers for our hospice patients, both family and facility caregivers, are irreplaceable and we are so grateful to collaborate with caregivers who all have a heart of gold ❤️

03/03/2026

There is so much helpful information from this page. This particular post caught my eye, because it highlights a misconception that many have about hospice care. So many only see hospice as being involved in the final hours or days of someone's life. In reality, hospice can be so beneficial to patients and their loved ones for many months, or sometimes longer. It helps improve their overall quality of life, and provides a tremendous support for their loved ones and/or caregivers. I appreciated the quote at the end of this post - "Hospice guides and supports people who are in the final act of living."

Sometimes patients rally once they are with hospice care. I think it is because hospice is the expert in pain management and comfort care and brings that to the patient and family. Everybody begins to relax a little. You feel less alone, less isolated and have more knowledge about what happens as death approaches.
I know people think of Hospice as caring for those people that are dying but remember we are all dying. Hospice guides and supports people who are in the final act of living

02/26/2026

Exciting news for a resource we are lucky to have in our community!

02/25/2026

Just being physically and emotionally present with patients and their loved ones can make all the difference in the world.

When someone is sick or nearing the end of their life, we feel the urge to fix, to explain, to ease what cannot be undone. But they are not a problem to solve, they are a human being wishing to be seen.

Sometimes it is enough to simply walk through their door and sit. Let your presence be what reminds them they are not alone. There is no need to bring answers to questions that were never asked, no need for a polished performance.

And if you find yourself wondering whether you are doing enough, remember this: you do not have to arrive with solutions. You do not have to try so hard. Your presence is not small. It is not secondary. It is a gift.

You are enough. Just show up. Sometimes that is all that someone else needs.

xo
Gabby
www.thehospiceheart.net



02/24/2026

Have you heard of the "No One Should Die Alone" foundation? It is an amazing program which began in 2012 to "raise money for families who are unable to be with their loved ones," to ensure that "no one dies alone." This foundation is located in Illinois, but we would love to be able to bring that similar love to our local hospice patients!

Our goal is to search for volunteers who are interested in sitting with and offering support and companionship to our patients who have family or loved ones who are not able to be with them at the end of life, whether it be because of finances, distances, etc. If this is something that catches your attention, please reach out! We would love to talk more ❤️

https://nosdaf.com/about/

Reach out to Amanda at 208-301-8868 or amanda@ascendhospiceid.com if you are interested in learning more!

02/20/2026

In need of continuing education? Check out this course on Foundations of Palliative Care, authored by our social worker! The accompanying book to go with this course has some great information on both palliative and hospice care!

https://aihcp.net/pc-500-foundations-of-palliative-care/

There is an endless amount of education on end-of-life care, grief, and more through the American Institute of Healthcare Professionals, check it out!

Foundations of Palliative Care online CE course provides students with perspectives from a physician with extensive experience in palliative care. Students will learn...