Everyday Matters at the End-of-Life with Mission-Driven Hospice Care

Know where to turn when a loved one is in need of end-of-life hospice care

Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, but hospice helps families navigate the pain of life’s end. Those with careers in end-of-life hospice care hope to demonstrate the other side of hospice: namely, the empowerment, support and grace it offers those in its care. KaLee Mohrman is the Senior Director of Knute Nelson Hospice. A longtime healthcare worker and no stranger to loss herself, Mohrman pursued a career in hospice after witnessing how her mother-in-law benefited from end-of-life care following a terminal cancer diagnosis. “Hospice care provided comfort for her and her entire family,” Mohrman said. “I have always enjoyed serving the elderly population and helping them during vulnerable times in their life.”

Hospice care with heart

For those families in need of end-of-life hospice care, education is necessary to take the next step. Some of the questions they have about hospice may involve where it occurs and who is providing care. “Hospice provides care anywhere a patient calls home,” said Mohrman, adding that Knute Nelson’s care staff is incredibly comprehensive. “Our hospice core team is comprised of a medical director, registered nurses, spiritual care providers, social services team and home health aides.”

Another frequently asked question about hospice is who qualifies and who pays. “If a patient has a terminal illness, certified by an M.D., with a life expectancy of six months or less, they could qualify for hospice services,” Mohrman said.

While hospice is primarily for these patients, it is also for the entire family. “Families go through all stages of grieving, starting when they find out their loved one has a terminal illness,” she said. “Our hospice team provides care and support for the entire family, focusing on emotional and spiritual pain, related to finding peace in knowing that their loved one is terminally ill.”

Mission-driven care

If you have a loved one in need of hospice, the choice of who to turn to can feel daunting. When looking into options, it’s important to look for a provider that fits your family’s needs and values. As a nonprofit with a mission to enrich the lives of everyone it serves, Knute Nelson has philanthropy at its core and is rooted in Christian values. “Knute Nelson’s core values are something that our entire hospice team lives by,” Mohrman said. “Our Christian heritage is something that we, as a hospice team, take pride in. Whether a patient is Christian or not, we support them throughout their journey – from beginning to end.” For those in need of end-of-life hospice care, it may also be worth considering the quality of medical care, taking into account both personalized care and innovation. Ask these questions: How will the provider take your family member’s situation into account and cater to their needs? Are the provider’s offerings comprehensive and state-of-the-art? “No individual is the same as the next, therefore we cater our care to provide the best quality to our patients and their families,” Mohrman said. Hospice is covered by most insurance, but Medicare is hospice’s primary payer. “We will never turn a patient away from our hospice program for their inability to pay for our services,” she said.

Along with a unique arsenal of ancillary services, including massage therapy, essential oils, therapeutic music, and even pet therapy, Knute Nelson has partnered with businesses to provide high-tech solutions for the patients they care for.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to help benefit our patients and their families,” said Mohrman, adding that the hospice provider partnered with Muse Healthcare, which uses data to help determine their patient’s needs.

Every day matters with end-of-life hospice care

It’s natural to feel strong emotions about life’s final stage, but with the right end-of-life hospice care, the last chapter can be a beautiful one. With this in mind, Knute Nelson even helps its patients check items off their bucket lists and achieve other life goals, so long as their symptoms remain under control. Mohrman said she has great respect for every patient in Knute Nelson’s care, which is why her team goes to great lengths to make everyday matter. She hopes their breath of value-driven services and individualized care are as rewarding to receive as they are to give. “We want our patients to live their fullest and best life,” she said. “We are honored to serve every patient that chooses our services."

Is it time to consider hospice care?

If you are unsure whether it is the right time to consider hospice care for yourself or a loved one, take our free online assessment to learn more about care needs and determine whether hospice might be the right fit. For additional questions or to talk with a member of our care team about your options, please contact us at (320) 335-8690 or fill out an inquiry form.