Collier Hospice Center At Exempla Lutheran Medical Center

It’s really hard to accept the knowledge that someone you love is going to die soon, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. However, you can get peace of mind that your loved one is well cared for and treated with dignity by taking them to Collier Hospice. That’s what I did, and I don’t regret that decision.
My dad was transferred to Collier Hospice from Lutheran Hospital. The nurses got him set up in his huge, private room. While we were waiting, a doctor came over to talk to us about him, and answered the questions we had. We visited him and left. He went downhill pretty quickly, which was to be expected when you stop treatment and go to comfort care. I doubt my dad was in any pain, and they made him as comfortable as possibly by looking at the subtle signs that he might have been in pain.
I spent just about the whole day before he passed with him. I came in a little after 4am. The nurses gave me a pillow, so I was able to doze a bit while holding his hand and listening to him breathe. I went home for a proper nap for a few hours and came back in the afternoon. I had nurses, volunteers, a social worker and other people come in and check on me and made sure I was okay and comfortable, too. The nurses gave me a lot of alone time with him, and it was not awkward to cry in front of them. They were so caring and compassionate during this difficult time, and I appreciated their support.
When my kids visited, they came to see my dad, then they went to hang out in the family lounge. There are a ton of books, movies, coloring sheets, and puzzles to entertain them. There are drinks available (I’m not sure what in particular, since I didn’t have any), and there is a sign that the staff would take care of the dishes. The social worker talked to my kids at my request, and gave me tips on how to talk to them about the situation.
The night he died, I had gone home to spend time with my family and to get some rest. They called me in the middle of the night to let me know that he had passed. It was peaceful and he was not alone. I was very thankful. I did not get to hear the Tibetan Singing Bowl and I did not receive a shawl. It’s okay though, because my dad received the best care possible, and that’s what really matters. If I had to do it over again, I would make the same decision without a doubt.

My grandmother was one of my closest friends and as she was nearing her transition, we tried to get her into a hospice near her home. They had a long wait, so we chose Collier Hospice instead. We are so glad we did.
I was blessed to be with my grandmother when she passed, but to be honest, I was an emotional wreck. One of the nurses, Jennifer, was there with us the whole time. She explained to me what to expect, what signs to look for, what happens when people pass on. Her presence offered such comfort during a tough time for me.
The staff, the volunteers, the location, the facility, and the peaceful and loving atmosphere are fantastic. The family and my grandmother were completely impressed by, and grateful for, the care we ALL received from the Collier Hospice. They even let the family members know they offer bereavement counseling and groups at no charge.
When Grandma died, I got on my mobile to call the family. Jennifer went to the nurse’s station and struck a Tibetan Singing Bowl, which resonated throughout the facility, marking Grandma’s transition. Jennifer knew I was on the phone, so she mouthed, «that was for your grandmother.»
Such respect and caring, from start to finish.
I can’t recommend Collier Hospice enough.

It feels strange to write a review for a hospice center, but I really think I should.
Before my mother passed we knew she’d have to be transferred from the hospital to a hospice. We looked into the ones in our area and were quite frankly worried. We wanted her in a special place, somewhere serene, clean, pleasant. And then we found Collier’s.
My mother wasn’t there very long so my experience is based on a few days only. I can say definitively that the nurses are absolutely caring, compassionate and true professionals. The doctors take their time with you, explaining everything from illness to progression to timelines. And when it comes to this type of thing, you need to know.
The staff will also do almost anything to accommodate a dying person’s wishes. There’s the story of a dying man who missed his two horses. If you walk through Collier’s you’ll see a newspaper article detailing how the staff rolled this man’s bed outside so his two horses could come say goodbye to him. While we were there a very large family had rolled their family member into a courtyard where they played music for her and gathered one last time.
The facility and grounds are absolutely lovely. Tended gardens outside, courtyards, flowers, trees. Inside the rooms are spacious, clean, comfortable, upscale. Impeccable, all of it.
They have volunteers that make shawls for the patients at the hospice. My mother got a really soft, pretty pink one which I was able to keep. I thought that was really special.
I just can’t say enough about Collier’s, except thank you.