Hospice of the Red River Valley is a non-profit hospice that provides intensive comfort care to enhance quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Our site shares patient, caregiver and volunteer stories—demonstrating how hospice allows people to live well, and tools and resources about end-of-life and grief.
The Journey Home: Reflections on Grandma’s Passing
by Jordan Weeda Here we are. No more poking and prodding. No therapeutic goals to achieve. No pandemic protocols. No hurried doctors and nurses. This is a world of quiet voices, laughing great grandchildren in the other room, smells of food wafting from the kitchen, hand holding, hair brushing, foot rubbing, resting—just being. Grateful to …
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10 Ways to Help a Grieving Friend
by Kriston Wenzel, LBSW, CT We struggle to know what to do when a friend loses a loved one through death. We want to say the right thing and hope in so doing, we’ll be able to “take the pain away.” However, that’s not how grief works. There are no “right words,” and the pain …
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How to Recognize, Cope with Anxiety at the End of Life
by Renda Brooks, LPN People who are in the final stage of their life and their loved ones face many challenges, and anxiety is often one of those challenges present during this phase of life. It’s natural for people to feel anxious because of the uncertainty or fear of dying. Anxiety is a natural response …
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What is Estate Planning, Why Does it Matter?
by Stephen P. Astrup, JD Estate planning helps you manage and document many important decisions to ensure they are carried out after your death, including wishes for your finances, health care and property. It may seem daunting, but it’s a worthwhile process that can make life easier for you and your loved ones. Research suggests …
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Celebrating Holidays When Your Loved One is Ill
by Heather Larson, LSW, CT Holidays are typically a joyful time filled with celebrations, gatherings and merriment, but it can be a stressful and emotional time when a family member or someone close to you is dealing with an illness. My family and I were in this situation in 2017 when my beloved grandpa was …
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Respite Care: What is it & Why Should Families Use it?
by Renda Brooks, LPN Caregiving is a labor of love, a commitment that’s often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—nights and weekends included. The responsibilities and constant demands of care, especially when caring for someone who is facing end of life, can take a toll on even the best and strongest caregivers. We …
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