Bluegrass Care Navigators Celebrates 25 Year of Providing Hospice Care in Jessamine County

March 13, 2023

In March, Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) celebrates its 25th anniversary of providing hospice care to Jessamine County residents. Since January 1, 1998, BCN has provided expert, connected care to nearly 4,500 patients in Jessamine County. 

“Thank you to the patients and families of Jessamine County who have put their trust in us to provide end-of-life care to so many individuals, to offer bereavement services and provide support to the community,” Kathryn Perry, Executive Director of the Lexington regional office, said. “We’re committed to continued service and providing expert, compassionate care at just the right time.” 


In 1978, a group of volunteers began a hospice service in Lexington. After growing into then-named Hospice of the Bluegrass throughout the 1980s, the non-profit merged with Hospice of Jessamine County and began providing hospice care to patients and families in Jessamine County in 1998. 


“Seeing firsthand how BCN staff care for those individuals that are seriously ill or at the end of their life, is a perfect example of true compassion,” Ronda May, Executive Director of the Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce, said. “Tending to the family’s needs, all while caring for their loved ones, takes a special type of person and that is exactly who the BCN staff are, special people.  The care, support and attention to detail they bring provides such ease to families during these difficult times.  We are so blessed to have BCN providing care to our families in Jessamine County when they need it most.”  


Bluegrass Care Navigators provides hospice care to approximately 270 families in Jessamine County each year. In addition, the organization provides free grief care services to anyone in the community who needs support after a loss, as well as PACE Care, home primary care, transitional care, dementia care, adult and pediatric palliative care, and integrative medicine. 



The services provided from BCN’s Lexington regional office, which supports both Fayette and Jessamine counties, are made possible by more than 75 local clinical and administrative team members and over 100 local volunteers. 


“We are so grateful to the patients and families in Jessamine County who have allowed us to serve them during a difficult season,” Liz Fowler, President and CEO of BCN, said. “We value the trust these families give us by allowing us into their lives and homes and appreciate our team members who consistently provide expert and compassionate care.” 


Bluegrass Care Navigators provides hospice care in 32 counties across central, eastern and northern Kentucky. Hospice care provides physical, personal, emotional and spiritual care to patients and families who are no longer receiving treatments to cure their terminal illness, but instead choose to improve comfort and quality of life.  As a nonprofit organization, no one is turned away from Bluegrass Care Navigators based on ability to pay for hospice services. 


For more information, call 855-492-0812 or visit www.bgcarenav.org. 


Mother's Day flowers on pink backdrop
April 30, 2026
For many, Mother’s Day can be a particularly challenging day after the loss of a mother or maternal figure. This day often brings back waves of grief—even if you thought you had already worked through those feelings. Everyday moments, like passing by Mother’s Day displays in a store or seeing flowers, can unexpectedly trigger emotions and memories. As you navigate this difficult day, it is essential to give yourself permission to grieve. Take time to reflect on the joyful moments and cherished traditions you shared with your mother.
March 24, 2026
Marla Sowers was never defined by titles though she held many. A pianist and Miss Morehead State University, a valedictorian, a beautiful singer, and an excellent writer, she carried the practical wisdom of her farming family into everything she did. As a public school elementary music teacher, Marla shaped hearts by inviting students to see kindness as strength. When a dementia diagnosis altered the rhythm of her days, her husband Richard cared for her at home and then with the help of an assisted living facility for as long as he could. After several years, the facility referred her to Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) for hospice services.
Bill Papania's mother
March 24, 2026
When Bill Papania thinks about Bluegrass Care Navigators, he doesn’t just remember the end of his mother’s life, he remembers the time, comfort, and connection Team BCN made possible.
The Coleman Family
March 19, 2026
In 2024, the Coleman family’s world was shattered with a devastating cancer diagnosis and unexpected loss of Jessica, devoted wife and mother. Kyle and his three daughters were overwhelmed by grief and the daily reminders of life without her. They connected with Bluegrass Care Navigators’ (BCN) grief team whose compassionate support and counseling helped the family find comfort, connection and the tools to heal together.
Bluegrass Care Navigators Expands Bluegrass Transitional Care Program with Grant Award in Partnershi
March 17, 2026
Expansion will improve access to care and chronic disease management for high-risk patients across Laurel, Jackson, and Whitley Counties
Callie, one of our volunteer therapy dogs
By By Callie, Volunteer Therapy Dog (and very good girl) March 2, 2026
Hi. I'm Callie. Most days, my job is simple: walk into rooms with my human, Mary, wag my tail, and let people know they’re not alone. I’ve been doing this therapy dog work with her for a while now, and I take it very seriously, even if I’m small and fluffy.
Doug and Lois Gates, one of our hospice families.
February 25, 2026
For Lois and Doug Gates, home has always been a place of purpose, faith and shared life. Married for more than 63 years, the couple met as teenagers, built a family through adoption, and spent decades serving others together. Their moments together became even more precious after Lois received a serious diagnosis two years ago. After undergoing surgery, the cancer recurred, and the couple chose to forgo additional treatment and live the best quality of life possible with support from Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN).
PACE participants at Thanksgiving meal
February 17, 2026
The Bluegrass PACE Care team and participants kicked off the holiday season with their annual Thanksgiving lunch. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and joy, as everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and each other's company. The PACE team continued to celebrate the holiday season with fun activities in the weeks to come.
Bluegrass Care Navigators provides care in person and via phone
By Lisa Lewis, Support Center RN February 17, 2026
As a Support Center RN, I’ve witnessed many moments of compassion, but few have touched me as deeply as the call I received from a patient’s wife in our Pikeville region. She shared how our nurse, Tiffany Little (RN), provided care with such warmth and dedication that her presence brought genuine comfort and support to their lives.
Tim and Helen Hoffstedder
February 17, 2026
Team BCN brought compassionate, personalized care to Tim and Helen Hoffstedder during a challenging chapter in their lives. After receiving a dementia diagnosis almost seven years ago, Helen’s family did their best to care for her at home. When she required additional support, they moved her to ColdSpring Transitional Care where she could receive high-quality care around the clock. In February 2024, she began retaining fluid and had difficulty breathing. The team at ColdSpring Care referred the family to Bluegrass Hospice Care and that extra support brought her husband Tim immense reassurance.