Hospice of the Red River Valley is hosting a free, six-week class series focused on caregivers residing in North Dakota. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is designed to provide caregivers with the confidence and support to better care for a loved one and themselves. All caregivers are welcome to participate.

Caregivers will learn valuable skills whether you provide care for a spouse, partner, friend or a child with special needs; at home or in a care facility; whether down the block or miles away.

Classes are held each Thursday from Oct. 15-Nov. 19 via online videoconferencing. Classes are from 1:30-3 p.m.

The classes give you tools to help:
-Reduce stress
-Improve self-confidence
-Manage time, set goals and solve problems
-Better communicate your feelings
-Make tough decisions
-Locate helpful resources

For more information and to register, contact Julie Rivenes at (701) 356-1503 or julie.rivenes@hrrv.org.

Attendees will need a computer with a webcam and internet capabilities. Login information will be provided to registered participants.

 

Health care professionals are invited to Hospice of the Red River Valley’s upcoming virtual Lunch and Learn as we continue to explore topics related to end-of-life care.

The next session will be held Tuesday, Sept. 8, from noon-1 p.m. Stephen Astrup, project and regulatory counsel with Hospice of the Red River Valley, will present “Making Sense of Health Care Directives.” This collaborative session will help attendees:

• Identify circumstances when a health care directive may be necessary
• Increase cross-discipline competence in understanding the importance of, and assisting in, the preparation of health care directives.

This event is free and open to all health care professionals. Pre-registration is required at bit.ly/hrrvlunchlearn. If you have questions, please email lunchlearn@hrrv.org.

Registered attendees will receive a link for the online RingCentral meeting.

Join us for the fifth annual JJ’s Hog Roast for Hospice on Friday, Aug. 21, and Saturday, Aug. 22, along the shores of Pelican Lake at 51943 County Hwy 9, Pelican Rapids, Minn., 56572.

The events include a car and bike show, music and a hog roast meal. Additional events include a petting zoo and hole-in-one and cornhole tournaments. For a full schedule of events and to register for the car and bike show, visit www.jjshogroast.com.

Jeffrey “JJ” Bruns, Jr., died at 28 in 2015 because of an accidental death. His family wanted to memorialize his name in a special way that reminded them of JJ’s fun-loving personality.

Hospice of the Red River Valley supported JJ’s family following his death. All events are free-will donation with all proceeds benefitting Hospice of the Red River Valley. Throughout the past four years, the event has raised nearly $18,000 to help provide hospice care to patients and families.

Primitive camper and tent spots are available both nights.

Schedule of events

Friday, Aug. 21

• 5 p.m. Potluck Dinner
• 7 p.m. Uptown Entertainment DJ Service

Saturday, Aug. 22

• 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Show and Shine Car and Bike Show – Suggested $15 donation to enter. G-Loc Digital Photography will be on site and will provide a free 4X6 print of your ride. Additional prints can be ordered with proceeds going to Hospice of the Red River Valley. Face masks will be available to entrants.
• 4 p.m. Hog roast dinner – Suggested donation is $10 per plate.
• 6 p.m. Balloon Memorial
• 7:30 p.m. Uptown Entertainment DJ Service

Follow the event on Facebook @JJsHogRoastCharity.

The Thundering Saints donated $10,000 to Hospice of the Red River Valley, generated from proceeds of the 12th annual Debbie Gabel Memorial Cancer Ride and Raffle, which was held July 25 in Valley City, N.D. The donation will be used to provide compassionate end-of-life care to those in Valley City and the surrounding communities.

The event founder, Rocky Gabel, holds the event in memory of his wife, Debbie, whom he lost to ovarian cancer in 2009. Hospice of the Red River Valley cared for Debbie.

This year’s ride started and ended at Boomer’s Corner Keg in Valley City. Hospice of the Red River Valley has had an office location in Valley City since 1998.

“We are so appreciative of this gift and support,” said Travis Christopher, development officer with Hospice of the Red River Valley. “The Thundering Saints’ continued commitment to supporting Hospice of the Red River Valley helps ensure compassionate end-of-life care will continue long into the future.”

Thundering Saints, Inc., is the nonprofit organization that organizes the event to raise money to help individuals fighting cancer. Visit www.thunderingsaints.com for more information.

The 12th Annual Debbie Gabel Memorial Cancer Ride has been scheduled for Saturday, July 25, in Valley City, N.D. The ride starts and ends at Boomers Corner Keg, 264 E. Main St. Registration is open from 9-11 a.m. Kickstands are up at noon, rain or shine.

The event founder, Rocky Gabel, holds the event in memory of his wife, Debbie, whom he lost to ovarian cancer in 2009. Hospice of the Red River Valley cared for Debbie. Proceeds from the event benefit local cancer patients and Hospice of the Red River Valley. 

For more information, visit www.thunderingsaints.com.

Thundering Saints Inc. is the nonprofit organization that organizes the event to raise money to help individuals fighting cancer.

The Thundering Saints also donated $10,000 to Hospice of the Red River Valley in December 2019, generated from charitable gaming proceeds in Valley City. The donations are used to provide compassionate end-of-life care to those in Valley City and the surrounding communities.

 

Staci Metzger, lead social worker with Hospice of the Red River Valley, has successfully passed the Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker Certification (APHSW-C) examination.

Staci, LMSW, LGSW, APHSW-C, is of the first three social workers in North Dakota to earn the certification, which is offered through the Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network. She has been with Hospice of the Red River Valley since August 2014.

“Staci’s passion and dedication to providing excellent care is a great example of our team of highly trained professionals and our continued commitment to the highest quality of care for those we serve,” said Liz Sterling, director of education, quality and ancillary services for Hospice of the Red River Valley.

The APHSW-C is the first evidence-based certification for social workers in hospice and palliative care. The program was developed as leaders in the field recognized the special skills and knowledge that social workers bring to the practice of hospice and palliative care.

Recipients of the certification must have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work; have completed a minimum of post-degree experience in hospice and/or palliative social work; attested to practice in accordance to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics; hold state licensure in good standing to practice; successfully pass the certification exam; and commit to ongoing professional development.

One of the world’s leading advocates and educators is bringing her knowledge to the region for anyone living with or caring for individuals with dementia.

“A Day with Teepa Snow” is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The event will be held online, and registered attendees will receive a Zoom link and password prior to the event.

To register and for more information, visit bit.ly/teepaJune24. 

Teepa Snow is an occupational therapist with 40 years of clinical and academic experience. Her Positive Approach to Care provides practical and effective strategies and techniques for individuals and agencies seeking to enhance care and support for those living with dementia and their care partners. Her resources are geared toward professionals, family members, the public and people living with brain changes.

A Day with Teepa Snow consists of four 90-minute sessions. The cost is $50 for professionals. Continuing education credits are available for social workers, registered nurses, licensed mental health counselors and psychologists. Marriage and family therapists in North Dakota can also earn CEs.

The two afternoon sessions are free to non-professional family caregivers.

The sessions include:

9 a.m. Changing Resistance to Care to Participation in Care

• This session will instruct learners in effective strategies for helping people with dementia during personal care and reducing resistance to care.

11 a.m. Sorting Out the Three D’s: Delirium, Depression and Dementia

• This session will help providers recognize and respond more accurately to reduce “non-helpful” hospitalizations, delays in medical attention for acute illness, non-treatment of treatable conditions, and premature discharge of residents who might be able to stay in the community.

12:30 p.m. Using a Positive Approach to Care

• This session will help providers manage their own behaviors for improved outcomes and interactions, and provide learners with strategies and methods of providing help to people with dementia that recognize losses and use retained abilities to promote positive outcomes in interactions.

2:30 p.m. Understanding Yourself as a Caregiver and What You Need

• This session will help caregivers recognize and appreciate their role, as well as understand what is needed for them to maintain their role.

Continuing Education Credit is provided by Commonwealth Educational Seminars for the following professions: North Dakota and Minnesota registered nurses, social workers, licensed mental health counselors and psychologists, and North Dakota marriage and family therapists. You must attend full sessions to receive credit.

This event is sponsored by Barnesville Area Helpers, the Minnesota Board on Aging, Hospice of the Red River Valley, Farmstead Living, Lakes Area Memory Awareness Advocates (LAMAA), Medica, Griswold Home Care of Fargo, Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging, Pelican Valley Senior Living and Senior Coalition – Cass & Clay Counties.

For more information on Teepa Snow, visit www.teepasnow.com. For questions about the event, contact Katharine with Barnesville Area helpers at katharine@barnesvilleareahelpers.org or (218) 354-7090.

 

Hospice of the Red River Valley is hosting a free, six-week class series focused on caregivers. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is designed to provide caregivers with the confidence and support to better care for a loved one and themselves. All caregivers are welcome to participate.

Caregivers will learn valuable skills whether you provide care for a spouse, partner, friend or a child with special needs; at home or in a care facility; whether down the block or miles away.

Classes are held each Thursday from May 28-July 2 via Zoom videoconferencing. Classes are from 1:30-3 p.m. with the exception of June 18, which is 10:30 a.m.-noon.

The classes give you tools to help:
-Reduce stress
-Improve self-confidence
-Manage time, set goals and solve problems
-Better communicate your feelings
-Make tough decisions
-Locate helpful resources

For more information and to register, contact Julie Rivenes at (701) 356-1503 or julie.rivenes@hrrv.org.

Attendees will need a computer with a webcam and internet capabilities. Zoom login information will be provided to registered participants.

The Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club recently announced this year’s Hospice Ride, held in February, raised $13,011 for Hospice of the Red River Valley. Thirty-six riders participated in the more than 200-mile event that took them from Naytahwaush to Walker, Minn., and back.

The Nightriders presented a check to Erin Hagen, development officer for Hospice of the Red River Valley, at their annual Snodeo, which was held March 6-8. Keith and Judy Francis were the top fundraisers and collected more than $3,000 in pledges for this year’s event.

Over the past 16 years, participants have raised more $130,000 for Hospice of the Red River Valley. The money raised helps provide medical, emotional, spiritual and grief support for hospice patients and their families.

“Everyone at Hospice of the Red River Valley is so grateful to the community of Naytahwaush, the Naytahwaush Nightriders and the surrounding area for their generous and continuous financial support of our organization,” Hagen said. “The funds raised by the annual Hospice Ride are an essential component in ensuring that Hospice of the Red River Valley will have the resources necessary to provide compassionate end-of-life care to our patients and their families in the Naytahwaush area.”

For more information about future events or membership in the Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club, please visit www.naytahwaushnightriders.com.

Health care professionals are invited to Hospice of the Red River Valley’s upcoming Lunch and Learn as we continue to explore topics related to end-of-life care. Lunch and Learns are held on the second Tuesday of February, March, April, May, August, September, October and November from noon to 1 p.m.

The next session will be held Tuesday, March 10, from noon-1 p.m. Rev. Aaron Suomala Folkerds, LMFT with Minnesota State University-Moorhead, will present “Working with Families at End of Life.” This collaborative session will help attendees understand:

• Understand how theory can guide your work with families
• Explore multicultural considerations around death
• Learn about how to talk about death with families and children
• Learn about the intersection between death and mental health.

This Lunch and Learn will be held at six Hospice of the Red River Valley locations:

• Fargo – 1701 38th St. SW
• Detroit Lakes – 1111 Highway 10
• Grand Forks – 2860 10th Ave. N., Suite 400
• Lisbon – 415 Main St.
• Valley City – 1240 W. Main St.
• Bismarck – 1400 43rd Ave. NE, Suite 212

The Detroit Lakes, Grand Forks, Lisbon, Valley City and Bismarck offices will connect via videoconference to the Fargo office, where the live presentation will take place.

This event is free and open to all health care professionals. Pre-registration is required because space is limited. RSVP online at bit.ly/hrrvlunchlearn by March 3. Participants may bring their own lunches; coffee and water will be provided. If you have questions, please send an email to lunchlearn@hrrv.org.