Sierra Community Palliative Care led by Hospice of the Foothills, is a collaborative program which includes primary healthcare providers, health care clinics and the local hospital to bring much needed comprehensive palliative services to Nevada County.

Our goal is to improve the long-term health of our patients. Services are provided at our clinic at Hopsice of the Foothills or in the comfort of your home.

Referrals and inquiries. If you or a family member could benefit from palliative services. We invite you to talk to one of our team members or your doctor can fax a referral to 1-877-550-1457.

Benefits of Palliative Care

  • Improved Quality of Life

    Improved quality of life through expert symptom management and personalized care plans.

  • Enhanced Emotional Well-being

    Enhanced emotional well-being for both patients and families, fostering open communication and understanding.

  • Empowerment

    Empowerment to make informed medical decisions that align with personal values and preferences.

  • Coordination of Care and Support

    Comprehensive coordination of care, ensuring seamless transitions between different healthcare providers.

  • Holistic Approach

    Holistic support that addresses physical, and emotional well-being, promoting a sense of comfort and peace.

Talk to the Palliative Team

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a specialized approach designed to improve the overall well-being of individuals dealing with serious chronic medical conditions. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness, alongside curative treatments. Our team of experienced medical professionals and social workers, collaborate to create personalized care plans that address physical and emotional needs.

Services We Offer

  • Our medical professionals specialize in addressing pain, discomfort, and other symptoms that may arise from serious illnesses, striving to enhance the patient's overall comfort.

  • We understand the emotional challenges that come with serious illness. Our team offers a supportive space to discuss feelings, fears, and concerns.

  • We facilitate open and honest discussions about treatment options, empowering patients to make informed decisions aligned with their values and goals.

  • Our team collaborates with the patient's primary care providers and specialists to ensure a seamless continuum of care, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations.

Meet the Team

  • Dr. Rene Kronland MD, FAAFP, FAAHPM

    Medical Director

    Dr. Kronland has lived in Nevada County since 1999, having relocated from Phoenix, AZ. She is board certified in both Family Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She specializes in chronic disease and chronic pain management.

    She serves on the Cancer committee at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital and is involved in efforts to further the development of more palliative care and end-of-life services in our county.

  • Emma Winfield, MSN, FNP

    Nurse Practitioner

    Emma Winfield is originally from England and now a resident in the United States for over three decades, brings a wealth of healthcare experience to her role. Her career has encompassed roles in diverse healthcare settings, including a specialty memory clinic, primary care, and emergency medicine. Emma holds an advanced certificate in hospice and palliative care nursing.

    After relocating to our community, Emma felt a deep calling to contribute to the field of hospice care, driven by her personal experiences supporting close friends through their end-of-life journeys.

  • Ashley Duran

    Palliative Care Navigator

    Ashley brings a decade of valuable experience as a medical assistant, primarily specializing in referrals and prior authorizations. Her educational background includes the successful completion of a medical assistant certificate program at Carrington College.

    Ashley is deeply passionate about ensuring that every patient feels genuinely heard and seen during their medical journey. She finds great fulfillment in her role at Hospice of the Foothills, where she actively contributes to dispelling the stigma surrounding hospice care.

  • We are so fortunate to have palliative care in our small community. Hospice of the Foothills is a caring and professional organization that supports our loved ones with compassion, honor, and dignity.

    Jennifer Malone, CEO Western Sierra Medical Clinic

Community Partners

  • Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital