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.
5 Conversation Starters to Talk about Death, Dying & End-of-Life Preferences
by Brenda Iverson I am a planner. Simple things, like planning out the week’s meals for our family, help me feel prepared for the hustle and bustle of the week ahead, especially with two teenagers in the house. We also make plans for many significant and life-changing events in our lives, including weddings, babies, vacations …
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Faith and Family: Dependable Hospice Care Keeps Grand Forks Man in His Home
A well-worn Bible lies within easy reach of Bob Becker’s recliner. The creased cover and dog-eared pages provide evidence of the many hours its owner’s hands have opened it. “I read it often and have read it cover to cover,” Bob said. “Every word holds some importance.” Each moment is increasingly important to Bob. While …
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Grieving the Loss of a Father – On Father’s Day
Father’s Day can be a difficult time for someone grieving the loss of either parent. It also can be awkward for friends and family wondering what to do with—or say to—the grieving person on this special day. We hope that you will join those who have found the following suggestions helpful in similar circumstances. Ways …
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With Dignity and Respect: Hospice Certified Nursing Assistants’ Role in Caring for Patients
It is National Nursing Assistants Week, a time to celebrate the professional contributions of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in providing high-quality, dignified care to patients. Hospice of the Red River Valley CNAs work with patients to provide individualized care based on each person’s preferences. Hospice CNAs help patients with personal care needs, including feeding, bathing …
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Caregivers: A Patchwork of Love
by Janna Benson Kontz, MDiv
In many ways, I believe a brightly colored quilt symbolizes life with intricately interwoven shapes, colors and patterns. And, although life isn’t always as bright, easy and beautiful as a quilt, it’s not all dark either. We need both bright and dark shades to create the beautiful pattern, just as in our lives. It’s the way life is, and if we let it, our “life quilt” will turn out to be a stunning pattern of...
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3 Ways to Use Mindfulness During Your Grief
by Stephanie Pritchard, LPC, NCC
Mindfulness has become a hot topic in recent years even though it’s been practiced for centuries. It’s a tool that can be used to address a variety of challenges that people face, such as anxiety, depression, overeating, problems in relationships, chronic pain and grief.
Fundamentally, mindfulness is more than having a general awareness of what’s happening around you.
Jon Kabat-Zinn is a well-known writer on the topic and defines mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way:...
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