Navigating the End of Life Journey with Knute Nelson Hospice
Jun. 15, 2023
By Kaylee Yamry
Finding peace and comfort in the final days
Navigating the end of life can be difficult, and when hospice care becomes a real consideration for you or a loved one, uncertainty oftentimes follows suit. In some situations, family members may even find themselves in a race against the clock to make a sound decision, unsure of where to turn.
Terri Bursch, the Chair of the Knute Nelson Foundation Board, understands the nature of these time-constrained decisions all too well through her husband Fred’s hospice care journey. In Terri’s experience, “We had just seven days. We were told by the doctor that we needed to go home, call hospice, and prepare for his final days.”
Having seen the competence and compassion of our caregivers firsthand through her experience on the board, Terri put her full faith in Knute Nelson Hospice.
Addressing Uncertainty, One Concern at a Time
At the beginning of any hospice care journey, questions and concerns are a natural part of the process. Which services are available along the way? What happens if you need support in the middle of the night? Who comprises the hospice care team?
For these questions and many more, our Knute Nelson family is here to help you navigate the end of life journey. In the words of Terri, “They were open to really walking you through everything… They have real compassion, are never in a hurry, and are kind and gentle with their answers.”
We understand that for many of the loved ones and families we serve, hospice care is unfamiliar territory. That’s why we embrace a patient with a thorough approach to address your concerns as we paint a holistic picture of the road ahead.
Elevating the Hospice Care Experience with Our Life-Enriching Services
When you choose Knute Nelson Hospice, you can expect the highest quality of skilled nursing care, pain management, daily living support, and beyond. These comprehensive care options are made possible by our dedicated team of registered nurses, home health aides, spiritual care providers, and more. Through our life-enriching services, however, we go one step further.
In Terri’s experience, “they provided wonderful services. I was so happy with what was available to us, including healing touch and therapeutic music.” These services extend to massage therapy for physical and mental wellbeing, bereavement care for families, and more. While helping you navigate the end of life journey, we tailor our offerings to the unique needs of those we serve.
Looking After Family Members During Trying Times
Although unthinkable, life after loss can become an experience of affirmation through the support of a caring network. With 13 months of bereavement care, Knute Nelson Hospice puts trusted resources and dedicated support groups within reach. Ultimately, grieving is a process. In the void left after a loved one’s passing, we are there for you.
In Terri’s words as she reflected on the weeks and months after Fred’s passing, “I received wonderful support. All of the letters, follow-ups, and kindness that is given help you through the journey.” Experiences like these inspire our dedicated caregivers and volunteers to continue the life-affirming support they provide.
Choosing Knute Nelson Hospice
As an integral part of the Knute Nelson Foundation Board, Terri brings a unique perspective to her role as Chair. Her belief in Knute Nelson Hospice is a testament to the deep sense of purpose upheld by our entire organization. Best said by Terri, “It's not just the caregivers that are compassionate. It’s all the leaders. It’s the culture.” Learn more about the Knute Nelson Foundation.
To learn if hospice care is the right fit for you or a loved one, we invite you to take our free online assessment to learn more about personal care needs. If a phone call works best, we are available at (320) 335-8690.
