Nurse pours tea for two elderly women

Choosing the Right Setting for Your Loved One

Choosing an alternative to a current living environment can be a sensitive subject. It can be especially challenging when your loved one does not want to make a change. Relocating to a less independent setting is an individual decision and requires a great deal of thought and preparation. When is an independent setting no longer appropriate? When safety becomes an issue....

knitted hearts

6 Tips for When Siblings Share Caregiving

Siblings who share the care of a parent sounds like a great fairy tale, but the reality is, it is a challenge. My siblings and I shared the care of my mother until her death from ovarian cancer. The experience was rewarding, stressful, humorous, frustrating and downright life-consuming in an already busy world. But, cancer does not wait for...

10 Tips to Help You Handle the Challenges of Caregiving

Caring for someone in your home is never an easy task; yet, it can be one of the greatest gifts you give. Being a caregiver requires patience, understanding and love. Although there are many positive things that happen when caregiving, there are also many challenges. Knowing that these challenges will occur may help alleviate some of the stress. Challenges You...

The Gift of Presence

The Gift of Presence: Tips for Visiting a Terminally Ill Family Member or Friend

If you’ve ever visited a friend or loved one who is terminally ill, and not very responsive, you may wonder whether your visits are making a difference. Some of the questions we hear include: "I don’t feel like I am doing anything" ... "The person is asleep, or falls asleep, during my visit. Should I wake them? Should I stay?" ... "What...

child and adult decorate a tree during the holiday season

Celebrating the Holidays When a Loved One Has Alzheimer’s

by Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter Editor's Note: At Hospice of the Red River Valley, we've been privileged to partner with the Alzheimer's Association on a number of educational programs. In recognition of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, we have asked the Alzheimer's Association to share timely information with our readers who may be facing the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. The Holiday...