By Carrie Stenseth, LSW This fall, we’re offering a unique grief course in Fargo focused on widowhood. There are many unique grief challenges faced by widows and widowers. Many encounter a loss not only of their spouse, but also of their way of making it through life. After a spousal loss, grievers often struggle with [...]

By Roxanne Smedsrud, RN Because of their disease, many dementia patients are unable to report that they have pain. For family members or other caregivers of dementia patients, this can be a cause of concern.  In my years as a hospice nurse, I’ve learned you can sometimes ask dementia patients repeatedly if they are experiencing [...]

It’s National Assisted Living Week, and during this time each year we like to extend our gratitude to our partners in care working in assisted living facilities throughout our service area. Many times, people are surprised to learn that hospice care is available in assisted living facilities, nursing homes or even hospitals—wherever a patient calls [...]

By Amy DuBois I recently went on a patient visit with Pat, a certified nursing assistant (CNA). As a CNA, Pat’s job is to provide personal cares, such as bathing, feeding and light housework. I think this must be one of the most difficult jobs on earth, but Pat vehemently disagrees. In fact, Pat left [...]

By Mary Lou Dahms When my father died in 1998, the preferred method of voice communication was still telephone. During his illness, we played the telephone game. Whenever there was a change, or even just to let us know things were okay, my mother would get on the phone and begin the conversation with the seven [...]