Hospice of Sweetwater County

Hospice of Sweetwater County "A Special Kind of Caring Since 1983" Hospice focuses on palliative (comfort) care, rather than cure.

A medically directed, specially trained team of professionals and volunteers strive to meet the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs identified by the patient and family so they can concentrate on living as fully as possible. A seven member volunteer Board of Director's governs our Medicare certified, Wyoming licensed hospice. They are historically well informed and knowledgeable about

health care, legal, financial, ethical and regulatory issues. Along with quality care, these individuals assure accountability and transparency to our community and donors. President John Kennedy
Vice President Pam Ostdahl
Secretary Jan Torres
Treasurer Lori Hall
John Hay III
Dr. Gerard Cournoyer
K David Bodily MS, RN



STAFF

Executive Director Nicole Mandros, MS, RN
Director of Pt-Family Services Heidi Frandsen, BSN, RN, CHPN
Medical Director John A. Iliya, MD, FACS, Diplomate AHPM
Office Manager Tristan Finn
Nursing Stephanie Mlinar, MSN, RN, CHPN
Clairissa Roosa, RN
Alyssa Sperry, RN
Carla Lee, MS, RN
Holly Kofoed, RN
Tonia Gailey, BSN, RN
Candace Wuolle, RN
Keri Wiggins, BSN, RN
Shawna Welter, RN
Joel Chia Pineda, CNA

Social Services Amy Galley, MSW LCSW
Bereavement
Chaplain Jenny Boteler

08/15/2026

August 20 | 12pm PT / 3pm ET

08/14/2026

One of the most reassuring things I learned after Peyton died was that grief doesn't just break your heart.

It changes your brain.

Suddenly, I couldn't concentrate. I'd forget why I walked into a room. I'd read the same paragraph three times without remembering a single word.

I thought something was wrong with me.

There wasn't.

Researchers have found that overwhelming loss changes the way different parts of the brain work. The amygdala—our brain's alarm system—becomes more sensitive, always scanning for danger. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex, the part responsible for concentration, planning, and decision-making, doesn't function as efficiently under extreme stress.

That's why you may struggle to focus, forget simple things, or feel mentally exhausted.

The hippocampus, which helps organize memories and place them in time, can also be affected. That's one reason a smell, a song, or a certain date can make it feel as though your loved one died yesterday instead of years ago. Your brain isn't simply remembering the event—it can momentarily experience it as if it's happening again.

Learning this didn't lessen my grief.

But it did lessen my fear.

I wasn't losing my mind.

My brain was doing exactly what brains do after traumatic loss.

Understanding that gave me permission to stop fighting myself and start showing myself the same compassion I would have offered anyone else.

As life comes to a close, the body begins to change in ways that can sometimes feel unfamiliar or even frightening to fa...
08/13/2026

As life comes to a close, the body begins to change in ways that can sometimes feel unfamiliar or even frightening to families. 💜

Many of these changes are a natural part of the body slowing down — and understanding what is happening can bring a little reassurance during an incredibly tender time.

Hospice is there to help families understand what to expect, manage symptoms, answer questions, and provide support every step of the way.

And through it all, never underestimate the importance of simply being there. A familiar voice. A gentle touch. Holding a hand. Sitting quietly beside someone you love.

Sometimes, your presence is the greatest comfort you can give. 💜🌿

08/13/2026

I had a conversation with the daughter of a new hospice patient.

She asked, “Why didn’t my mom’s doctor tell us about hospice sooner?”

Her mother was doing Telehealth visits for over a year with her doctors because she was unable to leave her house due to edema from Congestive Heart Failure.

Her mother had been refusing to go to the ER for assessment/ treatment of her symptoms. Four times over the last year this was recommended. Four times she said no. She wanted to be at home. She did not want to return to the ER.

Her disease was advancing.

Her quality of life was declining.

Finally, the physician referred her to palliative care after more than a year of living like this.

The patient quickly found out that she qualified for hospice care.

She came on to hospice and, within a week, her symptoms were better managed.

Her daughter also now had the support of the hospice nurse, physician, social worker, chaplain, and bath aids.
She shared that she feels so much less alone in caring for her mom.

The daughter shared with me, her hospice social worker, “my mom has suffered needlessly for over a year because we didn’t know there was another option.”

I recognize that there are some hospices out there that are trying to just make a profit. We’ve all seen the articles on fraudulent hospices.

And, there are so many more hospices out there that are filled with compassionate care providers who want to end the needless suffering that those approaching end of life can experience.

We all need to be community educators, making sure everyone knows the options that are available at end of life. We need to keep communicating with medical providers who can begin to refer sooner.

Everyone deserves quality care at end of life.

✨Meet the Team Wednesday's:Tristan Hall, Administrative Assistant Tristan has been a part of Hospice of Sweetwater Count...
08/12/2026

✨Meet the Team Wednesday's:

Tristan Hall, Administrative Assistant

Tristan has been a part of Hospice of Sweetwater County for six years and currently serves as the Administrative Assistant. She was born and raised in Rock Springs; she has a special love for serving the community she has always called home. One of her favorite parts of working in hospice is being able to support individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments while building meaningful connections with the patients and families she meets along the way.

Outside of work, Tristan has been with her husband for 13 years and they have been married for five. Together, they have two beautiful children who are the center of her world. She loves spending time with her family and watching her children learn, grow, and flourish through each season of life.

For Tristan, both at work and at home, it’s the relationships, connections, and little moments along the way that mean the most. 💜

08/10/2026

Six months on hospice is not an expiration date.

The six-month guideline is based on what doctors expect if the illness follows its normal course. It does not mean hospice care automatically ends when six months have passed.

If the person continues to meet hospice eligibility guidelines, the hospice doctor can recertify them and care can continue. Some patients remain on hospice much longer than six months. If someone improves and no longer qualifies, they may be discharged—but they can return later if their condition declines and they become eligible again.

Hospice isn’t about predicting an exact date. It’s about providing the right care and support at the right time. 💙

Follow The On-Call Hospice Nurse for more practical hospice guidance, and share this with someone who may need it.

08/07/2026

You’re allowed to miss them forever.
You’re allowed to grieve forever.

You’re allowed to cry…
Even if it’s been years.

You’re allowed to laugh…
Then break down over a memory 5 minutes later.

You’re allowed to keep their picture.
You’re allowed to say their name.
You’re allowed to celebrate their birthday.

You’re allowed to love them…
Forever.

Grief doesn’t have a finish line.

Love doesn’t have an expiration date.

So if your heart still aches…
Let it.

Some people never stop being missed.
And that’s what love looks like.

©️Parenting On Empty

✨Meet the Team Wednesday’s: Candace Wuolle, RN She has been an on-call Registered Nurse with Hospice of Sweetwater Count...
08/05/2026

✨Meet the Team Wednesday’s:

Candace Wuolle, RN

She has been an on-call Registered Nurse with Hospice of Sweetwater County since 2018. Her passion for hospice nursing began after her grandfather received hospice care during the final four days of his life. In that brief time, she witnessed firsthand the compassion, comfort, and guidance the hospice team provided to her family during one of their most difficult moments. Inspired by that experience, she chose to complete her final nursing school clinical rotation with Hospice of Sweetwater County and has been a valued member of the team ever since.

Outside of work, she has been married to her husband for 12 years and is the proud mom of two children. Their family also includes three dogs, two hamsters, and a lizard, making life both fun and full of adventure! She enjoys camping, traveling, cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles (Go Birds! 🦅), and spending time watching her children participate in dance and sports.

“I wish we had called hospice sooner.”Often, it’s because they didn’t realize hospice is about so much more than the fin...
08/04/2026

“I wish we had called hospice sooner.”

Often, it’s because they didn’t realize hospice is about so much more than the final days of life.
Hospice provides comfort-focused care while helping patients and their loved ones navigate this journey with confidence, compassion, and peace of mind. It creates space to focus on what matters most—sharing stories, holding hands, making memories, and simply being together.

If you or someone you love has questions about hospice, we’re here to listen, provide answers, and help you understand your options. There is never any obligation—just a conversation.🤎🕯️

One of the biggest misconceptions about hospice is that it means losing your independence. In reality, hospice is center...
08/03/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about hospice is that it means losing your independence. In reality, hospice is centered on your goals, your choices, and helping you live as comfortably and independently as possible. Every journey is unique, and we’re here to support what matters most to you. 💜

Address

333 Broadway Suite 220
Rock Springs, WY
82901

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13073621990

Website

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