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.
A Partner in Care: Ashley, N.D., Nurse Practitioner Recognizes Value of Hospice Care
Small communities in a largely rural state, like North Dakota, have an increasing aging population with access to fewer health care resources. Tara Brander, DNP, FNP-C, family nurse practitioner with Ashley Medical Center, is on a mission to change that. Tara is one of three nurse practitioners at Ashley Medical Center, which includes a 20-bed …
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Caregiver Grief When Caring for Someone with Dementia
by Heather Larson, LSW, CT You sit down with a deep sigh and soak up the few minutes of quiet and calm that are a rarity these days. Your mind has a harder time slowing down than your body. You may worry about your loved one getting hurt or lost, or whether they are receiving …
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A Love Like No Other: Parents Care for Infant Son with Help of Hospice
Gauge Niemeier had soft, wispy red hair—a trait his father Trent beams about because every generation of the Niemeiers has just one boy with red hair. His beautiful blue eyes were just like his mom, Brandi’s. Gauge’s spirit shined, exemplifying hope, light and unwavering resilience. He was the apple of his parents’ eyes. Gauge was …
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Signs of Complicated Grief & Ways to Cope
by Janel Ruby, LBSW, & Janna Kontz, MDiv We will all experience grief at some point in our lives. At its best, grieving is complicated. We may feel a variety of emotions when something in our lives has changed, been lost or has come to an end. It may be the death of someone important …
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A Family Affair: Siblings Enjoy Volunteering at Hospice of the Red River Valley, Heirlooms
For siblings Dave Brunelle and Janet Cox, volunteering is a bit of a family affair. The brother and sister duo enjoy offering their time and talent while giving back to others. Both share similar volunteer roles with Hospice of the Red River Valley and Heirlooms Thrift & Gift, a Fargo resale store benefitting Hospice. The …
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How to Talk with Children about Serious Illness & Death
When someone in your family has been diagnosed with a serious illness or is dying, it can be difficult to come to terms with what’s happening. It can be even more challenging when children are involved. Even in the face of a such a difficult situation, being open and honest with children is always the …
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