Hospice of the Red River Valley is a not-for-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.
Signs of Compassion Fatigue & How to Cope with It
by Staci Metzger, LMSW Caring for a loved one can be fulfilling and one of the best gifts you can offer. Along with the rewards, caregivers face many challenges and stressors, including compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is a special kind of burnout that happens to caregivers as a result of providing care to a person who …
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Hospice CNA Discovers Full-circle Connection with Patient
Angie Judd has cared for hundreds of patients in her four-plus years as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) with Hospice of the Red River Valley. In early February, a chance encounter with a patient revealed an unexpected connection. The experience reaffirmed for Angie why she loves her job. As a “float” CNA, Angie travels wherever …
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Personal Loss Leads to Career in Helping Others with Their Grief
The death of a loved one can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s a life—whether the death is expected or not. The grief that follows is a natural part of life, but navigating grief can be difficult, especially given the daily demands of life. Part of Hospice of the Red River …
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The Ministry of Presence: 4 Tips to Practice Being Present in the Moment
by Vickie Haverkamp, Dr. Div., M.Div., RN When I think of presence, I think of my grandfather. He always made me feel like the most important person in the world because he gave me his undivided attention, genuinely engaging in our conversations and free time together. I knew he listened and was not concerned about …
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Loneliness: Grief’s Unintended Guest
by Jennifer Messelt, MSW, LCSW, LGSW After a loved one has died, you may feel like you are consumed by your grief—and often loneliness—especially if you had a close relationship with the person who died. Even though you may be surrounded by others, the physical and emotional void left by the person’s death may be …
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Last Act of Love: Loving Son Reflects on Caring for Parents, Hospice Support
Arlyn Mogck was the planner. A licensed public accountant with a mind for detail, it was ingrained in his personality. In fact, he had mapped out his life in three equal segments, with a purpose to each: The first 30 years was for starting a career and family. The next 30 was for setting him …
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