“Call now. Don’t wait.” That’s the message Wilma Erven wants everyone to hear because she’s lived it.
Since the passing of her husband, Lee, in 2023, Wilma has made it her mission to share their story and encourage other families to reach out to HopeWest before it’s too late.
“I cannot express how important it is to make that call. Don’t wait,” Wilma said. “It’s absolutely critical to get your loved one into that wonderful service.”
Wilma credits HopeWest’s palliative and hospice care programs with giving her husband precious time; time they may not have had otherwise.
Without HopeWest, the months leading up to Lee’s passing could have been filled with stress, confusion, and the overwhelming burden of managing his care. Instead, the HopeWest team guided Wilma and her family through every step, allowing them to focus on what mattered most.
“Family was everything to Lee. More than anything, he wanted us to be together,” Wilma shared. “Thanks to HopeWest, we got to spend extra special time with him.”
HopeWest can’t always change how long someone lives, but we can help change someone’s experience by offering comfort, guidance, and support during life’s final chapter.
“Sometimes curing an illness is no longer an option,” said April Krutka, Hospice & Palliative Care Medical Director at HopeWest, “but there is always something we can do to help a person, and their loved ones, live as fully as possible.”
There’s a common misconception that hospice care is only for the final days or hours of life. That’s not true.
“The earlier we get involved, the more we can help,” Dr. Krutka explained. “Too often, families call in the final days, when we could have offered support for months.”
Wilma is grateful she didn’t wait.
Knowing when to call isn’t always easy. A good rule of thumb, according to Dr. Krutka, is this: if treatments are not helping like they used to, pain and symptoms are becoming harder to manage, or your loved one is going to the ER or hospital more frequently, it’s time to call.
And if it turns out it’s not time just yet, that’s okay. HopeWest can still help guide you, connect you with the right support, and make a plan for when the time does come.
Like Wilma and Lee, many families face uncertainty and fear when they first contact HopeWest. But from the very first visit, every phone call, and every moment of care, that fear begins to fade, replaced with confidence, support, and a sense of peace.
With HopeWest, families receive:
• Help managing medications and symptoms
• In-home support
• 24/7 phone access to a care team
• Fewer hospital visits and emergency room trips
• Seamless coordination among healthcare providers
• Volunteer support and family-focused care
• Grief support and education every step of the way
“I’m so glad I made that phone call,” said Wilma.
One of Lee’s final wishes still lives in her heart.
“One of the very last things my husband said to me was, ‘I want you to give the same love you gave me… to HopeWest,’” Wilma shared.
Today, Wilma honors that wish as a dedicated volunteer. She donates nearly 40 hours a week, helping with office work, supporting fundraising events, and sharing her story to inspire others.
About HopeWest
HopeWest is a nonprofit organization committed to profoundly transforming the way communities experience aging, serious illness, and grief. Each year, we serve more than 3,700 individuals with exceptional care. With 94% of families saying they would recommend HopeWest, we continue to be a trusted source of comfort, healing, and hope for generations to come.
If you have a loved one who may benefit from our services, don’t wait. Call 970-241-2212 or visit bit.ly/hopewest-dont-wait to connect with us through our online contact form.
