Hospice care is a set of specialty services designed specifically for individuals with late-stage illnesses and their loved ones, and includes medical, emotional, spiritual and grief support. Despite its many advantages, for both patients and their families, hospice is widely misunderstood. More often than not, hospice is synonymous with death, when in reality, its purpose [...]

2011 marked 30 years of compassionate end-of-life care provided by Hospice of the Red River Valley throughout eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. As we begin 2012, we remember our roots with nostalgia and pride, and reflect on the values embraced by our early dreamers and believers—respect for the dignity of people, belief in the [...]

With the support of Hospice of the Red River Valley, Bob and his daughters were able to care for their wife and mother at home during her final months. In this video, Bob and his granddaughter, Cari, share memories of their experience with Hospice and what it meant to their family. To read more about Bob and his [...]

By Michelle Langlie When someone you love is dying, it can be a very scary time. Along with the sadness of facing the loss, you may feel everything is out of your control, especially if you don’t understand the dying process. I believe by educating families and caregivers, it enables them to “take back” some [...]

By Mary Lou Dahms I recently listened to an online discussion moderated by Don Schumacher, president of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and featuring Dr. Ira Byock, renowned author, lecturer and practicing hospice physician. The focus was on dialoguing with individuals about their disease situation and the apparent path ahead. I have heard [...]