ATLANTA, May 7, 2007 — Paula Montoney has been named general manager of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Atlanta. Montoney brings to her new position extensive business management skills and personal experience with hospice.
“My interest in hospice began when my mother became sick,” Montoney said. “There were very few options and hospice helped our family deal better with the many issues that arise during such a difficult time. A driving force in my work is knowing that I can provide a similar sense of peace to others.”
Community outreach is essential in Montoney’s new role. As general manager, Montoney is focusing on relationships with local members of the African-American spiritual community. She is planning a forum with local church leaders and ministers to discuss faith as it pertains to end-of-life care for African-Americans. Montoney’s responsibilities also include transitioning a new management team into the office and ensuring that VITAS’ vision for hospice care is well understood in the community.
Prior to joining VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Atlanta, Montoney worked for 11 years at Nursefinders, a staffing company specializing in health care professionals. In 1999, Montoney supervised the opening of the Nursefinders office in Atlanta.
“I enjoy working with patients and staff,” Montoney said. “Seeing the positive effect our employees have on patients is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role as general manager. Our patients are in their greatest time of need and our caregivers strive to provide the utmost in quality care,” she stated.
About Hospice
Because hospice is not a “place” as many believe, VITAS caregivers make visits throughout the community to care for patients in their own home, in nursing homes, and in assisted living communities. Hospice is provided in the home to better provide comfort, pain control and symptom management for a patient at the end of life. In fact, recent research published by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization found that most Americans would prefer to receive end-of-life care at home and think hospice professionals are the most knowledgeable in helping them do so.