Bluegrass Care Navigators Marks Anniversary of Hospice Care Center in Hazard

Care Navigator • May 27, 2021

This May, Bluegrass Care Navigators is celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the Greg and Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center in Hazard. Since its opening in 2011, more than 3,500 patients have benefitted from this inpatient facility for hospice care.


The care center provides a comforting place for patients and families when symptoms cannot be controlled in the home, or the family is unable to provide the care that is needed for a loved one at home. The center enables families to remain involved in the patient’s care while benefiting from the full-time nursing and physician services.


In 2011, Bluegrass Care Navigators was honored to receive a lead gift for the Hospice Care Center in Hazard. Today, the Greg and Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center provides end-of-life and respite care for patients who struggle to manage symptoms at home, in a setting designed to comfort both the patient and their loved ones.


“We are proud to celebrate ten remarkable years made possible by the generosity of Greg and Noreen Wells. We look forward to providing many more years of service to patients and families,” said Monica Couch, Associate Vice President of Eastern KY Operations for Bluegrass Care Navigators.


Located in Hazard to serve southeastern Kentucky, the hospice care center features 12 private patient suites with outdoor patios, and multiple family areas. Specially trained staff and volunteers carry out a patient-focused plan of care developed by the hospice team in collaboration with the patient, family and attending physician. Both patients and families can receive emotional and spiritual support from Bluegrass Care Navigator social workers and chaplains.


“Everyone deserves compassionate and expert care when facing a serious illness,” said Stephanie Greene, Chief Hospice Officer for Bluegrass Care Navigators. “Our care center allows us to extend that opportunity to patients who are unable to be cared for at home.”


Bluegrass Care Navigators provides hospice care in 32 counties across central, eastern and northern Kentucky. In addition, the agency supports those facing serious illness or chronic disease with private duty nursing, home primary care, transitional care, adult day health care, and palliative care services.



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


Mother's Day flowers on pink backdrop

How To Honor Her Memory on Mother's Day

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.

Bluegrass Care Navigators Supports Families Through Every Step

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

Bluegrass Care Navigators Provides Family with More Moments

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

Bluegrass Care Navigators Offers Hope, Support and Connection to Grieving 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

Bluegrass Care Navigators Expands Bluegrass Transitional Care Program with Grant Award in Partnership with Saint Joseph London

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

Pawsome Volunteer Brings Comfort When It Matters Most

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.

Bluegrass Care Navigators Redefines Hope through Hospice Care

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

Bluegrass PACE Participants Celebrate Thanksgiving & Holiday Season

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

Pikeville Team Goes Above and Beyond to Provide Comfort and Care

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

Person-Centered Care Makes a Difference for the Hoffstedder Family

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.