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A dementia diagnosis can bring many questions for patients and families. What changes should we expect? How will care needs evolve? And when might hospice become an appropriate source of support? One important place to begin is understanding that dementia is not a single disease. It is an umbrella term for conditions that affect memory, thinking, reasoning, behavior, communication, and […]

Putting together a puzzle can be rewarding. But when one piece is missing, it can be hard to focus on anything else.  Your eyes keep returning to the empty space. Grieving the loss of a spouse can feel similar. Your loved one was part of your daily routines, future plans and sense of home; therefore, without them, life may feel […]

Working in hospice care is a difficult but rewarding profession. Many find it hard to understand how such a proximity to serious illness and death could be a blessing, but read on to hear how Kristie Szarpa, Mountain Valley’s senior vice president of practice management, found joy in serving as a hospice nurse. Blog author: Kristie Szarpa MSN, ANP-BC, ACHPN […]

Mountain Valley was the recipient of a very special gift from a dedicated Eagle Scout with a heart for hospice service. While completing requirements to be recognized as an Eagle Scout, Nathan Dowell, son of Mountain Valley CFO Barry Dowell, chose to benefit the Woltz Hospice Home with a service project. Through his work on the project, Dowell planned and […]

In April, Mountain Valley celebrated a significant milestone at the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home, marking 15 years of dedicated care for patients and families. The event, led by Tracey Dobson, Mountain Valley’s president and CEO, included remarks from agency leaders and tours of the facility for donors and community partners. Tracey reflected on the past 15 years, emphasizing […]

“I think the holidays are about “togetherness” and we have that Hallmark image of the perfect family. When a loved one has died, all of the messages are about “togetherness” and yet the person you want to be together with is no longer here.” – David Kessler For many people, the holiday season is a special time of year marked […]

The tradition of the challenge coin Recently, Mountain Valley introduced a challenge coin presentation as part of our We Honor Veterans program activity. Military Veterans receiving care at Mountain Valley are presented with a challenge coin in recognition of their dedication and service to our country, honoring their military history. Challenge coins are a unique and cherished tradition in the […]

Mountain Valley has announced that Hugh Chatham Health and Northern Regional Hospital will be the presenting sponsors of the upcoming 40th anniversary gala and fundraiser. We are so excited to be celebrating 40 years of service to the community with a special fundraising gala on Saturday, October 21st at Cross Creek Country Club in Mount Airy. The evening will include […]

In February, former President Jimmy Carter and his family made the decision to enroll in hospice care. Unsurprisingly, this news spurred nationwide expectations that Mr. Carter would soon be passing away. Now, 6 months later, Mr. Carter remains in his home in Georgia spending time with his loved ones. The former president’s decision, while sobering, is a wonderful gift to […]