Bluegrass Care Navigators Supports Families Through Every Step
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.
From the first visit, BCN’s hospice team honored Marla as the whole, beloved person she was, keeping her clean, comfortable and cared for. But the team also cared for her spouse, Richard, too, with regular phone updates, steady guidance and reassurance. That partnership let him exchange the stress of being her sole caregiver for the peace of simply being her husband and friend.
“One of the greatest comforts was knowing Marla was in good hands,” he said. “When I was home, I didn’t have to worry. I could trust that through the partnership with the facility and hospice, she was receiving the best care possible and being cared for with dignity and compassion. That peace of mind meant everything.”
After Marla passed, Richard began grief counseling with Mike Brown, (MSW, CSW) Bereavement Counselor at BCN. For Richard, those sessions weren’t about a cure. Instead, they offered him space to speak the hard things, hear astute reflections, and learn coping strategies he could practice on his own.
“Walking alongside someone like Richard is why this work matters,” Mike said. “Grief can feel isolating, but when we create a safe space for people to speak their truth, you start to see the weight lift. With Richard, I watched him move from carrying everything alone to rediscovering his own resilience and gratitude. Seeing his hope return, is the most meaningful part of what we do.”
As Richard moved from overwhelming grief to hope, he decided to become a donor and give his time as a volunteer to support other patients and families. By offering his professional skills in marketing, problem-solving and fundraising, he joins a team committed to bringing comfort, hope and dignity to other individuals and families like himself.
“I want to volunteer to help BCN and in honor of my wife and of the people who supported me during the 10 years I cared for her,” he said. “I’m grateful that no matter your skills, Bluegrass Care Navigators will find a place for you to help others.”
To learn more about our services for patients and families or to volunteer your time, visit bgcarenav.org or call 855.492.0812.
