A Message from Boquete Health and Hospice Administrator Bev Tyler
As Administrator I am the contact person with the community for your immediate health needs. I carry the Boquete Health and Hospice phone and deal with any issues that come up. They include needs for equipment or help organizing care for people who are sick or dying. Often this involves a home visit to determine exactly what type of help is most needed.
As a registered nurse (foreign) I oversee the care that our teams of volunteers give to make sure that the clients' needs are being met. That includes both the person who is sick or dying and also their family and the people close to them. We have learned over the years what resources are available in the community and help link people with those resources.
It is a big job but I love it. I meet interesting people who are so very grateful for what we do. I get to receive their gratitude when the reality is that we are a group of many volunteers all working hard to make sure that you and your loved ones have as good a quality of life as possible.
How We Help 
IN A SPLIT SECOND, MY LIFE CHANGED Beginning a new life in Panama was filled with thoughts of tropical gardens to plant, glorious hikes and many new and exciting places to explore. In a split second, my fun-filled life changed last June when a ladder fell out from under me as I painted my kitchen. The doctors would diagnose me with a broken pelvis in both the front and back. To avoid surgery, I was required to lie on my back for 10 weeks, without putting any weight on my legs, and sitting for no more than 20 minutes at a time, only to eat.
I have always been a very independent person, and felt so hopeless, having to suddenly depend on the help of others. Family in the States wanted to help, but could not leave their homes and jobs to take care of me, and I could not travel on an airplane to be near them.
That is when a friend told me about Boquete Health and Hospice. I had not even thought of Hospice, because I was of the assumption it was for patients who were terminally ill. Boquete Health and Hospice is for many different levels of care. We came up with a plan based on my needs. The volunteers helped with housecleaning, laundry, animal care, meals, etc. They were like angels that came to my house and helped me through those miserable 10 weeks. Without their help, and the help of a couple dear friends, I don´t know how I would have endured that long period of time.
I am currently in the states with damage to my spine from the same fall, and having spinal fusion surgery in two days. I will have a 12 week recuperation period much the same as before. I have often wished there was a group of volunteers I could contact as I did in Boquete.
Had I been able to remain in Panama, I would have also become a Hospice Volunteer. I can think of no better way to make a difference in the Boquete community, and of helping people in need. By all means, if you are in need, please do not hesitate to call them for assistance. You will be relieved you did so.
Holley Hayes
The Vision and Mission Statements for Boquete Health and Hospice The vision statement for BHHF is:
Supporting a Healthy Community Our mission is to inform and promote community health and to support people with needs by providing information, equipment, and services.
As part of the mission to support a healthy community BHHF provides community information programs. On June 13, members of BHHF presented a program on falls prevention at the Tuesday Market. Merl Will-Wallace, Betty Landis and Laurie Collier were the speakers for the presentation. The following is a summary of the presentation:
To reduce the risk of falling at home:
- Remove clutter and walk carefully when there are potential hazards like throw rugs and pets.
- Use a sturdy stool with hand rails to get something you cannot reach.
- Do not use towel bars, sink edge, etc. for support because they could come away from the wall.
- Use a night light in the bedroom and bathroom.
- Immediately wipe up spills on the floor and use rubber backed bathmats to prevent slipping.
- Wear sensible shoes (no flip flops, heels, etc.)
- Stay active to maintain overall strength, endurance, and balance.
- Know your limitations. If there is a task you cannot easily complete, do not risk a fall by trying it.
Information provided by AOTA.
Blood Pressure Monitoring 
Boquete Health and Hospice offers free Blood Pressure monitoring every Tuesday at the BCP Tuesday Market from 8:30 to 11:30 am. Stop by and let our retired professional nurses monitor your BP on a regular basis and try to answer your health questions. Save the Date! BHHF will be sponsoring a Health Fair at the Boquete Feria grounds on October 22. The focus will be on traditional medical services needed by expats in the Boquete area. Be watching for more detailed announcements as the date approaches.
We are excited to present our new informational 1 minute video:
https://youtu.be/EbYmYqBRs3Y To Make a Donation: BHHF functions with the donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation. To make a financial contribution by check or cash contact Laurie Collier, our treasurer, at
lojocollier@yahoo.com to
arrange a place and time to pick up your donation.
For more information, visit our website:
www.boquetehealth.org
We also have a Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp/?ref=bookmarks
Please Like our page and Share the contents with your friends and families.
To Contact Us
Hospice/Health: 507.6781.9250
Blood Donor Program: 507.6590.2000
E-mail: boquetehospice@gmail.com
E-mail: boquetehealth@gmail.com
Confidentiality
All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence.
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