Redefining Hospice Care: The Story of Tim and Joyce Malmgren

How they discovered the advantages of early hospice care admission

As we consider hospice care for a loved one, we may find ourselves gravitating toward a ‘wait and see’ approach. In the process, we wait for conditions to get worse. As they do, we miss out on the many advantages of an early hospice care admission.

The question is, why do we wait? More often than not, the answer comes down to misconceptions. In reality, hospice care becomes a beautiful beginning for families and loved ones from all walks of life.

After health complications, Tim Malmgren was given just months to live by his doctor. In the days that followed, his wife Joyce gathered their family to discuss options. Knute Nelson Hospice was the clear choice to provide care from the comfort of home. Despite her decision, the road ahead was filled with uncertainty, questions, and concerns. In Joyce’s words, “I really didn't know what to expect because I had always heard that hospice was the end… but that wasn't the case.”

Offering reassurance through clear communication

For Joyce, hospice care was unfamiliar territory. As a result, she had questions about what to expect, who would be on Tim’s care team, when the visits would take place, and beyond. In her experience, “they came, and they explained everything. They were so good.”

For Joyce, some of the greatest reassurance came from our care team. By assembling a team of nurses, home health aides, therapists, volunteers, and more, we met the full spectrum of Joyce and Tim’s needs.

Relieving pressure for family caregivers

As the caregiver for a parent, spouse, or loved one, keeping up with medications, personal care, and other daily responsibilities can become overwhelming. For Joyce, even routine trips to get groceries or visit the dentist were cause for concern.

Through the 24/7 availability of our care teams, Joyce found peace of mind when she needed it most. According to Joyce, “They'd have somebody come, and they were here on time. I mean, I never had to worry that Tim wasn't being well taken care of.”

Going beyond comfort care

Although the comfort of those we serve is always a top priority, our care teams at Knute Nelson Hospice go one step further. Whether that's fulfilling an end-of-life goal, providing 13 months of bereavement care for families, or simply offering a hug after a visit, we treat those we serve like family.

The earlier we reach a loved one in need, the more time we have to make every moment matter. For Joyce, that meant discovering the full blessing that hospice care can be. Best said by Joyce, “they did so much for Tim that I couldn’t… The sooner your loved one begins hospice, the better things will be for them.”

Begin with our assessment

Joyce's newfound perspective on hospice care is a testament to the advantages of early admission. In her words, “You can't do it by yourself. Knute Nelson was 100% there for Tim and I. Don’t wait till the end because Knute Nelson Hospice is so great from the very beginning.”

For individuals with a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of six months or less, hospice care offers a path to comfort, closure, and affirmation. By taking our assessment, you can discover if hospice care is right for you or your loved one. Together, we can begin the beautiful journey that lies ahead.