Monument Health Home Health and Hospice

08/14/2026

Friday mornings are better with good company and better coffee. ☕ A few weeks ago, our Monument Health Home Health and Hospice team was treated to breakfast goodies from the crew at 107.1 KSLT — and Kara stopped by in person to deliver it, along with a prayer over our agency that our team won't forget anytime soon. 🙏

Small gestures like this remind our caregivers why this work matters. Thank you, Kara and the whole KSLT team, for thinking of us.

08/09/2026

Meet Janice Heien, CNA!

Janice has been part of Monument Health since April 2006, helping provide compassionate, patient-centered care and making a difference in the lives of patients and families throughout our communities.

Q: Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to become a provider at Monument Health Home Health and Hospice?
A: I originated from Central South Dakota on a farm/ranch. After taking care of my parents, and especially after caring for my dad, I decided to take care of people instead of paper.

Q: What unique qualities or experiences do you bring to your role as a health care provider?
A: My kindness, empathy, and compassion.

Q: How do you approach patient care to ensure patients feel heard, supported, and valued?
A: I listen and take the time to understand their needs for the day. I direct their requests to the appropriate discipline when needed.

Q: What are some of the key ways you create a positive experience for patients?
A: Helping patients have the best day they can despite their disability and making sure they are set up for safety and well-being.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Monument Health Home Health and Hospice?
A: I like working for Monument Health. I feel like I am making a difference in the communities and area we serve.

Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? How does this help you connect with patients?
A: I am an organist and pianist for two churches, and I enjoy sharing my experiences with patients.

Q: Can you share a fun fact or something unexpected about yourself that patients may not know?
A: I am a cat lover, walker, gardener, and I always look for the positive side of life.

08/06/2026

Meet Michelle Sieveke, Director of Home Health and Hospice!

Michelle has been part of Monument Health for 25 years, helping provide compassionate, patient-centered care and supporting patients and families through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Q: Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to become a provider at Monument Health Home Health and Hospice.
A: My grandfather was on hospice services and I was helping provide care for him at home. The team approached me about becoming an aide for them.

Q: What unique qualities or experiences do you bring to your role as a health care provider?
A: I have worked in home health/hospice as an aide, LPN, RN, supervisor, manager, and now as a Director.

Q: How do you approach patient care to ensure patients feel heard, supported, and valued?
A: I think it is important to make sure you are present in the conversations. I try to ensure I give patients my undivided attention and I always remember who their loved one is and what they mean to them.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Monument Health Home Health and Hospice?
A: I love meeting the wonderful families that we get to support during this difficult time in their lives. It is an honor to be involved in their loved ones care.

Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? How does this help you connect with patients?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my 4 grandchildren.

07/26/2026

One of the most difficult parts of caring for a loved one with advanced illness is the uncertainty.

Some days may feel better than others. Patients may experience periods of stability, difficult days or temporary improvement before further decline.

These changes can feel emotional and confusing for families, but they are often part of the natural progression of serious illness.

Hospice teams help patients and families navigate these changes with comfort, support, education and compassionate care every step of the way. 🤍

07/19/2026

Meet Neriza Meniel, Nurse Aide!

Neriza has been part of Monument Health for 11 years, helping provide compassionate, patient-centered care while supporting patients and families with kindness, empathy, and compassion.

Q: Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to become a provider at Monument Health Home Health and Hospice.
A: It has always been my dream to become a nurse, but due to financial reasons and obligations, I became an accountant back in the Philippines. When I came here, I worked in a nursing home and discovered how much I love caring for the elderly.

Q: What unique qualities or experiences do you bring to your role as a health care provider?
A: I was employed with Monument in 2014, and I’m still here because I truly love what I do for my patients as an aide. A caring heart, compassion, and my faith are key in my role as a health care provider.

Q: How do you approach patient care to ensure patients feel heard, supported, and valued?
A: I put myself in their situation by listening to their stories, understanding their needs, and showing empathy while also learning about their backgrounds.

Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? How does this help you connect with patients?
A: I love going to church and spending time with my family and friends. During the summer, I also enjoy spending time with my flowers.

Q: Can you share a fun fact or something unexpected about yourself that patients may not know?
A: Funny thing is, I’m always jumpy! If someone startles me, I scream.

07/12/2026

In Episode 3, current director Michelle Sieveke shares her journey from starting as an LPN under founding director Dodie Brown to now leading Monument Health Home Health and Hospice.

Having grown up within the program, Michelle reflects on the lessons, mentorship and experiences that shaped her career and the continued commitment to caring for patients and families across the Black Hills.

🎥 Watch the next conversation in the series below:
https://youtu.be/sk9ltP0Gk88

In Episode 3, current director Michelle Sieveke shares her journey ...

07/05/2026

A common misconception about hospice care is that “nothing is being done.”

In reality, hospice care is active, compassionate care focused on:
-pain and symptom management
-emotional support
-patient comfort
-dignity
-peace

The focus shifts from curing illness to helping patients live as comfortably and meaningfully as possible.

06/28/2026

Alan has a one-liner:

You need three things to survive: something to do, something to love and something to look forward to.

What incredible words to live by.

At 85 years old, hospice volunteer Alan Snorteland has spent years giving back to others, transforming his own grief into compassion, connection and purpose.

06/21/2026

In Episode 2, former director Marcia Taylor reflects on what hospice truly means and the strong, comprehensive program she inherited from founding director Dodie Brown.

Through compassion, teamwork and a commitment to caring for patients where they call home, Home Health and Hospice continued to grow and evolve for families across the Black Hills.

🎥 Watch the next conversation in the series below:
https://youtu.be/npCfYPp6Gt0?si=V9HJONlkvtl7NDT3

What does hospice really mean?In Episode 2, Marcia Taylor reflect...

06/14/2026

Many people believe hospice care is only for the very end of life.

Because of this misconception, families often wait longer than they need to before reaching out for support.

In reality, hospice care is designed to provide comfort, guidance, symptom management, and emotional support over time, not just during the final days.

Earlier hospice support can help provide:
🤍 better symptom management
🤍 emotional and caregiver support
🤍 help navigating difficult decisions
🤍 more meaningful time together
🤍 improved comfort and quality of life

One of the most common things hospice teams hear from families is:

“We wish we had called sooner.”

You do not have to navigate this journey alone.