About Us
Dr. Cary Stewart, our Medical Director, played football for BBHS in the 1980's and had found a calling to practice medicine while helping the team with first-aid. After graduation, he studied at Point Loma Nazarene College and Loma Linda University and completed his residency at UC Irvine. With over 20 years of experience in hospice care, Dr. Stewart's passion for our community inspired him to establish the mountain's first and only local, community-based hospice in 2013.
At Bear Valley Hospice, our goal is to provide the highest quality care possible so our patients can remain local. As a small, streamlined team of professionals, we can provide timely, personal, and exceptional care without the overhead and distraction of larger corporations. Our commitment to our community also includes donating a portion of our income to local non-profit organizations as well as volunteering our time and efforts to various community events.
We strive to serve this community with the same honesty, respect, and compassion that makes these mountains such a special and cherished place.
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The Choice is YOURS
Bear Valley Hospice understands the unique needs of living in a small mountain community and is dedicated to providing quality, compassionate care to our friends and neighbors. We are available 24/7 with over the phone triage support and a rapid response time for crisis intervention.
Administrative Support
Our administrative team is 100% locally based and here to support our patients and their families every step of the way. From guiding through the admission process to coordinating medical supply delivery, our office staff ensures that you have everything you may need. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and we are available by phone 24/7.
Bereavement Services
Our Social Workers provide mental health services to patients and their families including bereavement and grief support for families for up to one year after their loved ones have passed. Social Workers also provide additional support in making mortuary arrangements, connecting families to local resources, filling out paperwork, and ensuring the overall health and wellness of our patients and their families.
Clinical Support Services
Bear Valley Hospice provides a minimum of once a week visits from an RN/Case Manager as well as Home Health Aide visits two to three times per week depending on patient and family needs.
Your RN/Case Manager will complete a comprehensive assessment upon admission and then follow up weekly with medication administration, patient monitoring, and maintaining an effective plan of care. RN/Case Managers make daily visits to the home during the few days of the patient's life in order to facilitate a peaceful passing for the patient and to provide additional support to their families.
Home Health Aides can help with baths or showers, dressing or undressing, preparing meals, etc. as well as help with daily tasks such as eating, keeping the living area clean and clutter free, hair and nail care, and more.
Spiritual Support
Chaplains provide direct spiritual care, maintain religious and spiritual connections to community groups, and even facilitate funeral or memorial services if requested by the patient or family. Our Chaplains can also support families of patients by leading prayers, songs and hymns, or other religious practices in the home. Chaplain services are optional for patients however, Medicare does require that Chaplains complete a comprehensive assessment of all hospice patients.
Volunteer Support
Our team of locally based, highly trained volunteers is here to provide respite and companionship to our patients and their families as well as support with bereavement services. Volunteers are a crucial part of the patient care team as they can help with running errands, preparing meals, performing housework, and much more!
Mission
Our mission is to provide our patients and their families with community-based, compassionate, and genuine care.
Vision
It is our vision that every resident of the mountain will be able to receive professional, compassionate, and community-based hospice support, enabling them to live in the mountain through all stages of life.
Commitment to Patients
We recognize the unique physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of each person receiving hospice care in the home. We strive to extend the highest level of courtesy, safety and service to patients and family/caregivers, visitors, and each other. Located in Big Bear, our staff can serve your needs with the prompt attention you deserve.