Hospice Care at the Crossroads of Compassion and Expertise
Nov. 9, 2022
By Danielle Andersen
For family members and caregivers, the decision to transition a loved one into hospice care carries a heavy emotional toll.
If you are feeling fear and uncertainty as you search for a trusted hospice care provider, you are not alone. Before connecting with our compassionate Knute Nelson family, most children, spouses, and decision-makers face these trying emotions.
While every hospice care experience requires a unique, tailored approach, we wanted to share the experiences of Connie Spanswick. She is a member of our spiritual care family who joined us shortly after her father Bob transitioned through hospice care at Knute Nelson. By shining light on the full breadth of what Knute Nelson hospice has to offer, Connie’s story brings clarity during these challenging and often confusing times.
“I think honestly every one of us knows the inevitable. What's going to happen in life… It is scary because you know that it’s coming closer, but to be honest, that is such an amazing gift.”
Embracing Life at Knute Nelson
For Connie, Knute Nelson was much more than a hospice care provider alone. In 2019, her parents decided to make a full-time transition to senior living at Grand Arbor For Connie’s mom Sandy, the decision offered the best of both worlds. "We just couldn't take care of everything at our home, but we wanted to be together. This place offered everything for us."
After the move, Bob found himself in need of additional care, including short-term rehab, enhanced assisted living, and memory care. Through the continuum of care at Knute Nelson, Bob received comprehensive support all in one place. For Bob, the chance to stay close to Sandy made all the difference. “We’ve always been together for 62 years, and I’ll tell ya, life wouldn’t be the same without her. We’ve enjoyed each other for many years, and this is a place we can do everything.”
When the time came for Bob to enter hospice care, the decision was clear. In Sandy’s words, “we just couldn't see us making any other choice.” She quickly discovered the difference that a devoted and well-trained hospice care team can make.
What to Expect at Knute Nelson Hospice
With around-the-clock availability, the hospice care team at Knute Nelson brings holistic support to patients and their families, including physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
While attentive nurses ensure comfort, precise medications, and coordinated support, a blend of adjacent caregivers and service providers cover every additional consideration for a harmonious hospice experience. These include therapists, spiritual care providers, home health aides, trained volunteers, social services workers, enriching service providers, and beyond.
For Connie, these committed professionals brought invaluable peace of mind, further affirming her decision to choose Knute Nelson Hospice. “His room was filled with all his loved ones as well as the therapeutic musician, spiritual care provider, and social services worker. We were all surrounding his bed.”
Going Beyond Traditional Hospice Expectations
Before Bob's admittance into hospice care, Connie was already familiar with several members of the hospice care team. During the experience, however, the team’s full breadth further exceeded her expectations. Connie was discovering Knute Nelson Hospice’s enriching services.
While Bob was in hospice care, he experienced the soothing, restorative nature of healing touch. He also enjoyed the comforting and stress-relieving therapeutic music sessions. As Bob received tender, nurturing care, Connie was inspired by what she saw. “I would honestly say every service is beautiful.”
Bereavement Care Grounded in Compassion
At Knute Nelson, these services are available for up to an entire year, empowering family members with a sense of affirmation surrounding their loved one’s passing. To Connie, these compassionate professionals laid the foundation for future progress. “They’re an extended family, plus they give you tools on how to cope and heal.”
What she didn't know at the time was that her support group would go on to change her life’s trajectory for the better.
Connie’s Next Chapter
After connecting with the loving hearts that comprise Knute Nelson’s hospice care program through Bob's transition, Connie’s support group leader recognized her natural gift for spiritual care. From there, Connie found herself joining the spiritual care family at Knute Nelson Hospice just five months later.
As someone who understands the complex emotions and personal tribulations that families undergo throughout their loved one’s hospice care, Connie brings an invaluable perspective through her work. With Bob's hospice experience at heart, Connie has found a deep sense of purpose. “I have been honored to be a part of a lot of families in their final moments… I completely feel that my dad is looking down and very proud.”
About Knute Nelson Hospice
For family and loved ones, the end-of-life care process can feel uncertain and emotionally trying. That's why at Knute Nelson, our hospice care services bring compassionate, specialized support to your loved one while addressing the needs of you and your family. All the while, flexibility is a cornerstone of our service. In turn, we offer hospice care at one of our trusted locations or in the comfort of your home. No matter where we meet you, your comfort comes first. Likewise, we are available 24/7 through our on-call nurses and caregivers. Throughout the process, elevating your loved one’s quality of life is our top priority.
Getting in Touch
At Knute Nelson, we are here to support you and your family. For questions, inquiries, or help admitting a loved one into our hospice care program, we invite you to call us at (320) 335-8690 or fill out our hospice care request form. Thank you for reading, and we hope that Connie’s experience helped shine a light on the road ahead. In the words of Connie, “I would 100% recommend Knute Nelson Hospice.”
