Greetings!

Can you believe it—we’ve made it to the “ber” months! September is here, the air is cooling down, and the cozy season has officially begun. There’s something about this time of year that feels a little magical. Maybe it’s the promise of amazing fall colors, or maybe it’s the return of sweaters and warm drinks.

For us at Foothills Compassionate Care, the “ber” months also mean we’re counting down to one of our favorite celebrations of the year—our Moonlight Magic Gala November 7th! 

This special night brings our community together for laughter, connection, and the chance to support the mission that keeps us caring for generations of families, year after year.

As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, we’re already feeling the glow of anticipation. Moonlight Magic is more than just a gala—it’s an evening that truly captures the spirit of the season: coming together, sharing joy, and making a lasting difference.

So grab your calendar, invite your friends, and get ready to celebrate with us this November. The “ber” months are here, and we can’t wait to share their magic with you!

Heidi Wingo

Executive Director

This month marks an important milestone for our organization—it’s time for our accreditation survey with The Joint Commission. Being accredited by the Joint Commission is more than a seal on our door—it is a promise to our community. This recognition shows that Foothills Compassionate Care provides the highest quality of services, meeting the most rigorous standards of safety and excellence in healthcare.

Every three years, an independent team of experts reviews our practices, policies, and patient outcomes to ensure we are not only meeting national benchmarks but also continuously improving.

We are proud to share that Foothills Compassionate Care is the only hospice in our region to hold this accreditation. This distinction reflects both our team’s dedication and the trust our community places in us.

For families, this means peace of mind. They can trust that when they choose our care, they are choosing an organization that has been thoroughly evaluated for excellence, integrity, and compassion. For our staff and volunteers, it is both a validation of their dedication and a challenge to keep raising the bar.

In a field as personal and vital as hospice and palliative care, Joint Commission accreditation is a powerful affirmation that we are delivering the highest quality of services to those we serve.

At Foothills Compassionate Care, we imagine our most committed supporters plan to trust us with their care or the care of someone they love. The decision to seek hospice or palliative care is one of the most personal decisions a family can make. That trust begins with knowing the people who will walk alongside you.

We invite all Foothills Compassionate Care donors to meet and connect with our team, including:

• Medical Directors: Leaders in end-of-life and serious illness care.
• Patient Care Director: The specialist who ensures every care plan meets the highest standards.
• Nurses: Skilled professionals who bring comfort, dignity, and peace to patients and families.
• Social Workers: Providing emotional and practical support through life’s most challenging chapters.
• Intake Team: The first point of contact to help you understand services, eligibility, and next steps.
• Spiritual Care Team: Walking alongside patients and families with understanding.
• Hospice Aides: Delivering hands-on care with skill and compassion.
• Patient Volunteers: Bringing companionship, comfort, and an extra layer of support.

MEAL CHOICE

If you have registered but not yet notified us of your meal choice, please do so at your earliest convenience. Options this year are Butternut Squash Ravioli (Vegetarian) or Filet Mignon.

WINE PRE-ORDER

New this year! Pre-order wine for your table and skip the line!

Pre-ordered wine will be placed at your table (for full table reservations) or available for pickup under your name.

At Foothills Compassionate Care, we see our board members as more than just overseers; they are active advocates and ambassadors in our community, passionately working to ensure that the compassionate care we value so deeply continues to thrive.

Why consider joining our board? It’s about making a real impact. Board members provide strategic direction and oversight, helping to keep our organization vibrant and aligned with its foundational values. They are involved in various critical areas, including fundraising, networking, offering professional expertise, and strategic planning.

Joining our board isn’t just about what you can give; it’s also about what you gain. From leadership development and broadening your perspective to enriching your network and discovering new personal strengths, board membership is a journey of growth and contribution.

If you’re ready to be a part of something extraordinary, we would love to meet you.

County Fair Raffle Winner

August 14

Winner of the raffle held at this year's Nevada County Fair stopped by to pick up her prize! Thank you, Dignity Health, for inviting us to share your booth space!

Training

August 24

Our wonderful nurse, Kim, visited Brunswick Village for monthly in-service training.

A Visit with Spirit

August 24

Residents from Brunswick Village were treated to a visit from Spirit, our therapy mini-horse.

Falls Prevention Summit

SEPTEMBER 12

We'll be at this year's summit with a table and a speaker! Make sure to catch "Eating to Stay Steady" with Foothills Compassionate Care Community Relations Manager, Liz Dreher.

Meaningful Conversations

A FIVE-WISHES WORKSHOP

SEPTEMBER 15

This workshop focuses on the "human side" of advance care planning — the emotional clarity, relational trust, and honest dialogue that make your wishes truly known and respected.

I Wish I Knew

NAVIGATING CARE OPTIONS

SEPTEMBER 18

Join us for a three-part conversation on supportive care options available in the home and other care environments that could help meet your loved one’s needs — and your family’s peace of mind.

Community Insight

SEPTEMBER 24

Tune in to KNCO News Talk 830 every 4th Wednesday of the month to hear Foothills Compassionate Care with host Tom Fitszimmons.

Meet the Care Team

SEPTEMBER 24

We invite all Foothills Compassionate Care donors to meet and connect with our team, including Medical Directors, Patient Care Director, Nurses, Social Workers, Intake Team, Spiritual Care Team, Hospice Aides, and Patient Volunteers.

Volunteer Training

OCTOBER 27-31

Hospice of the Foothills volunteers provide caring & supportive services to patients and their families. Our 5-day training program thoroughly prepares volunteers to work with our patients, families, caregivers and all those we serve.

Are You a Legacy Donor?

If you have included Foothills Compassionate Care in your estate plans, we would love the opportunity to thank you, welcome you into our Legacy Circle and ensure your gift is used exactly as you intend.

Please complete our Estate Plan Intention form &/or contact: Mai Yang Lee, Director of Fund Development & Marketing.