Codie Welsh, Manager of Volunteers and Grief Services at Providence at Home/Compassus Hospice of Sonoma County
At our regular meeting on November 6, 2025, Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary welcomed our speaker, Codie Welsh, Manager of Volunteer & Grief Services at Providence at Home with Compassus. Codie has a BA in Communications from UCSB and has been with Providence at Home/Compassus Hospice of Sonoma County (and its predecessors) for over 20 years. She loves working with and supporting others while leading the hospice’s community programs. One of Codie’s goals is to help educate the public about hospice programs.
Hospice is a form of palliative care that gained momentum in the 1970s. There are now over 5,000 hospice programs in the U.S. Local hospice programs currently serve approximately 240 people daily in Sonoma County. Providence Hospice began as Petaluma Hospice in 1977 and came to Santa Rosa Memorial in the 1990’s. Hospice care provides comprehensive support for patients and families during end-of-life situations. The hospice team usually includes nurses, therapists, grief counselors, spiritual care, home health aides, primary doctors, social workers, and volunteers who provide comprehensive support to patients and families. Codie recommended early referrals to hospice services rather than waiting until the final days of life, noting that with proper support, patients can sometimes experience extended lifespans and improved quality of life. People have choices of hospice programs. Hospice programs are typically covered under Medicare and follow the Medicare model, with in-network providers. Volunteers play a crucial role in hospice services, typically committing 2-3 hours weekly and serving in different capacities. The Providence foundation's fundraising efforts help provide additional support for patients and families who have financial needs. The organization also hosts community education events and participates in local gatherings, including an upcoming event on December 6th in Railroad Square.
One of Codie’s missions is dispelling myths regarding hospice. Codie mentioned that some believe that hospice will shorten lives. Incorrect; hospice provides comfort and counseling and neither hastens nor postpones death. A patient does not need to be at risk of imminent death; a prognosis of death within six months qualifies one for hospice services. Hospice is not assisted suicide; all necessary medical care, CPR, and medication directly related to the prognosis can be provided. Patients do not need a doctor’s referral. Hospice programs’ goals are to provide 24/7 support, help people live the best they can, and provide support to the patient and family.
Thank you so much, Codie, for the helpful program and explanation of hospice programs.
Click HERE to view a limited time recording of Codie's presentation.
