Skilled Nursing Archives - St. William's Living Center

February 17, 2025 / By St. William's Living Center / Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

St. William’s Living Center, Laurie Lahman Volunteer, Honored with Prestigious Award

St. William’s Living Center is thrilled to announce that Laurie, a dedicated volunteer at St. William’s Living Center, has been awarded the LeadingAge Minnesota District C Volunteer of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates Laurie’s unwavering commitment and significant contributions to enhancing the lives of seniors in at St. William’s Living Center.

Laurie has been a dedicated volunteer at St. William’s Living Center for over six years, often accompanied by her kind-hearted sidekick, Ford. Together, they brought countless smiles to the residents through their weekly visits. Ford, a certified therapy dog, began his service at the age of two and continued until his recent retirement in April 2024 due to an Achilles injury. Despite his injury, Ford logged over 320 service hours, with Laurie right by his side, offering conversation and friendliness that made their visits even more special.

Laurie recognizes the importance of animals in improving the mood and overall well-being of older adults. She began volunteering with Ford at Hospice of Douglas County, where they visited residents on hospice at St. William’s Living Center. Seeing the joy that Ford brought to the residents, Laurie expanded their visits to include all residents. Laurie and Ford quickly became a highlight of the week for many, with residents eagerly anticipating their visits.

Laurie’s exceptional commitment to the residents is evident in her actions. She remembers conversations from week to week, providing an ear to vent to, a shoulder to cry on, and a laugh when needed. Prior to Ford’s retirement, Laurie began visiting St. William’s Living Center twice a day, bringing Ford in the morning and returning in the afternoon to do manicures.

Laurie goes above and beyond in her volunteerism by truly caring for the residents as her family. She has even opened her home to residents, inviting them to see her farm animals and visit Ford after his retirement. Laurie’s dedication is clear, as she often visits residents outside of her scheduled volunteer times, showing that her volunteer work is not just a task but a passion that fills her cup as much as it does the residents’.

One heartwarming example of Laurie’s exceptional volunteerism is her Christmas gesture. Laurie, who also enjoys quilting, made fabric Christmas ornaments with a “Merry Paws” greeting and a Ford “signature.” She delivered these ornaments to each resident, reminding them that they are thought of and loved, especially during a time that can be difficult for those far from family.

Laurie’s recognition as the Leading Age MN District C Volunteer of the Year is a testament to her selflessness and the positive difference she makes in the lives of those she serves. St. William’s Living Center extends heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Laurie for her outstanding service.

About LeadingAge Minnesota

Driven to transform and enhance the experience of aging, LeadingAge Minnesota works alongside its members, caregivers, advocates and consumers to collectively shape the future of aging services and ensure older adults in every community live with dignity, meaning and purpose. Together with more than 60,000 caregivers, LeadingAge Minnesota members provide quality care, services and support to 70,000 older adults every day in independent senior housing, assisted living communities, adult day, in-home care and skilled nursing facilities.

February 5, 2021 / By St. William's Living Center / Skilled Nursing • Veteran/ 0 Comments

Veteran Care: What Does it Mean to be VA Contracted?

Did you know that the VA contracts with community nursing homes to care for aging veterans?

As a veteran, you have options when you’re in need of skilled nursing care. You aren’t limited to only those facilities run by the VA.

At St. William’s, we are proud to say that we are one of the few skilled nursing facilities in the area that’s contracted with the VA for veteran care.

Keep reading to learn more about what it means to be VA contracted.

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Services We Offer Veterans

Nursing homes run by the VA are often hard to get into and might be located many miles from friends and family. If you opt for a community nursing facility, such as St. William’s, you can get the top-notch care you need while staying local.

Our facility offers veterans individualized medical care. Nurses work with your doctor to develop a care plan that’s best for you. Whether you’re staying with us short-term to recover from an injury or surgery, or you’re here for a longer stay, our staff is here for you with 24-hour care and support.

We offer a range of therapy services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Our state-of-the-art physical therapy room offers all the tools you’ll need to strengthen your muscles and improve joint function.

At St. William’s, we understand that, as a veteran, you may have unique obstacles to overcome on a day-to-day basis. Our mental health professionals work with veterans one-on-one to ensure they can manage the stress of daily life. Simply having someone to talk to can make a huge difference in your quality of life.

Occupational therapists work with veterans to help them become more independent. They can help you to re-learn how to feed and clothe yourself, do chores around the house, and cook for yourself. Occupational therapy might be just the thing you need to get back on your feet after a stroke or injury.

Are You Eligible?

According to the VA website, if you served in the active military, naval, or air services, you may be eligible for VA healthcare benefits. Visit their site to check specific eligibility requirements and to sign up for health care benefits. Once you’re signed up for benefits, you can learn more about what the services VA can help with.

There are three different types of nursing facilities that the VA will cover. State-owned veteran homes and VA-owned facilities, as well as community nursing homes such as St. William’s. Only the facilities contracted with the VA will qualify for benefits, so it’s in your best interest, as a veteran, to choose a facility like St. William’s who works with the VA and understands the process.

Veteran Care Done the Right Way

At St. William’s, we value veterans. They fought for freedom and served our country bravely. Now it’s time for us to serve them.

January 22, 2021 / By St. William's Living Center / Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

Why St. William’s for Senior Care? It’s the Home with a Heart!

It can happen in the blink of an eye – a fall, a sudden illness, a stroke, or a heart attack.

When a situation arises where you need a skilled nursing facility, you don’t want to rush into a decision. That’s why it’s important to prepare. Get to know your local nursing home before a medical issue forces your hand.

In this article, we’ll show you why St. William’s Living Center is an excellent choice for senior care.

Five-Star Medicare Rating

The best way to compare nursing homes is to use Medicare.gov. Each nursing home in the country is given a star rating through Medicare. The overall star rating is based on the following factors:

Health inspections
Staffing
Quality of resident care measures

Each year, nursing homes undergo a thorough inspection by the state. The inspection looks over all areas of nursing home life including housekeeping, food safety, medication management, and protection from abuse.

The staff rating is based on the number of staffing hours per resident per day. Quality ratings measure how residents are doing at the facility. Inspectors take into account activity levels, weight management, pain management, and up-to-date vaccinations.

It’s not easy for a nursing home to receive an overall five-star rating, but St. William’s has done it many times over. On our most recent survey, we received above-average scores in all three areas of care and a much-above-average overall score.

Everything You Need in One Place

St. William’s is a skilled nursing facility, but we offer so much more! Our outpatient therapy services are available to residents and to community members alike.

Physical therapists help patients recover faster from surgeries or illnesses and provide the necessary support for those who need a little extra help moving around.

We offer occupational therapy to help residents regain strength and get back to the activities of daily living. Our therapists help with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other duties around the home. They also teach techniques for energy conservation and joint protection to prevent future injuries.

Our speech pathologists give the gift of speech to those who have lost their way. They help patients regain the ability to swallow, feed themselves, and communicate their needs.

As a resident at St. William’s, you or your loved one will have access to all of our therapy options as well as a diverse activities schedule, full dining room, and beautiful outdoor spaces.

Our Senior Care Staff is Second-to-None!

At St. William’s, we have a full staff of qualified RNs, LPNs, and CNAs to meet your senior care needs. We work with you and your doctor to come up with a personalized care plan that manages your nutritional, pharmaceutical, and social needs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, St. William’s staff members have taken great strides to make life better for our residents. Visitor restrictions have put many residents in risk of mental health issues. But the staff at St. William’s has risen to the occasion by helping residents communicate with their loved ones via video chats and window visits and by providing much-needed companionship.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

The first round of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was administered to staff and residents on January 13, 2021. The second dose of the vaccine will come in February.

We are so excited to share that there are currently NO active cases of COVID-19 at St. William’s and we will be able to welcome back visitors on Monday, January 25, 2021. Please refer to our visitation guide for more information on how to visit your loved ones.

As we come closer to a time when COVID-19 is no longer a threat, we want to thank the community for your support. St. William’s is more than a senior care facility – we are the home with a heart!

January 13, 2021 / By St. William's Living Center / Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy • Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

Benefits of Short-Term Rehab at St. William’s

The days and weeks following a surgery or an injury are critical. Going home is not always the best option. You may lack the strength and mobility you’ll need to get back on your feet and back to your regular routine.

Short-term rehab is an excellent option if you’re looking for a bit of extra help while you recover. In this article, we’ll share the benefits of taking a few days or weeks to recover at St. William’s Living Center.

Recover Faster

Trying to get back on your feet when you’re all by yourself can be really tough. Even with a caretaker near, recovery can be a stressful process if you or your caretaker don’t have the proper skills. You may suffer from extreme fatigue, mobility issues, and lack of strength.

Studies have shown that people who participate in focused rehabilitation programs immediately after a medical procedure or stroke recover faster than those who don’t. With help from a dedicated staff of care professionals, you’ll get back on your feet faster.

You may benefit from short-term rehab if you’ve suffered from one or more of the following:

Surgery
Joint replacement
Stroke
Injury
Neurological issues
Illness

On-Site Therapy

Many doctors prescribe physical or occupational therapy after a surgery. You’ll get the most out of your therapy appointments if you can take them on-site at a short-term care facility. You won’t have to worry about traveling to appointments and risking further injury by moving around too much before your body is ready.

Physical therapists work with you to regain mobility and strength. You’ll receive a personalized therapy program that gives you the training and tools you need for proper recovery. Your therapist will also teach you exercises to do when you go home to lower the risk of falls or future injuries.

Occupational therapy focuses on improving coordination so you can tackle day-to-day tasks with greater ease. Your occupational therapist can help you relearn how to cook, clean, do laundry, and complete other activities when you go home.

24-Hour Care

Having a whole team of care professionals on-site to help you is a really beneficial part of short-term rehab. Other care professionals include nurses, nutritionists, and social workers.

Nursing care is especially important during the first few days after your hospital stay. They’ll help you keep track of medications, make sure you’re getting enough food and water, and can assist in bathing and toileting, if necessary. At St. William’s, we are a veteran contracted facility and can work with the VA on the right care plan for you.

You’ll also have access to other amenities including a full menu of dining options and organized daily activities to keep your brain and body active. During the warmer months, you can enjoy the outdoors in the community courtyards without worry of falling and risking further injury.

Get Back on Your Feet with Short-Term Rehab at St. William’s

Short-term rehab is an excellent option for those who aren’t quite ready to return home after a medical event. If you fall into this category, know that we’re here to help.

June 2, 2020 / By St. William's Living Center / Assisted Living • Healthy Living • Mental Health • Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

What Does “Getting Old” Mean?

What is the definition of “Getting Old”? Is “getting old” about a person’s age or maybe it really has nothing to do with the number of years a person lives?

There are good and bad connotations about “getting old”. There are true hallmarks of becoming older, such as doing things slower than usual, forgetting more easily, getting wrinkles, and needing more rest than before. No doubt, age usually begets a breakdown in our physical and mental capabilities; but, does that actually mean we are “getting old?”. Does “getting old” really have to do with declining health and succumbing to its struggles or is it more about life experiences and the value of what you have to offer?

Maybe “getting old” has more to do with the characteristics developed after being around for a long time. After battling through the thicket of life’s circumstances and succumbing to the many bumps along the way, what kind of outlook does an older person develop over the years? Of course, we are all different and respond uniquely as we journey down the road.

Those who have aged have a choice of “getting older”. Maybe “getting old” is when you are absorbed with the loss of what you had before or what you don’t have now?

Or, maybe the choice is to experience the maturity and thoughtfulness of this life. There is definitely some truth to the saying, “Wisdom Comes with Age”, although this is really determined by the one “getting old”. Wisdom is about looking through the lens of what really matters; yielding to a backlash of experiences, seeing the forest and not just the trees, summarizing life’s issues, and deriving conclusions by gaining perspective or a well-rounded view of what is important. “Getting old” can be about building tolerance, patience, fortitude, understanding, focusing on what truly matters, having more confidence and feeling a calling or moral responsibility to speak up for the sake of the upcoming generations. “Getting older” may be a beautiful thing. What a ripe moment to enjoy life, if you choose to.

Claudia A. Liljegren, MSW, LICSW

April 2, 2020 / By St. William's Living Center / Healthy Living • Mental Health • Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

Hunkering Down with the Coronavirus

Here we are, hunkering down at home for a while. Who would have thought? How do we survive with each other during this time of crisis? This in itself can be quite the stressor unless we practice some good strategies.

Here are some of the mental health practices oftentimes reviewed in the literature that you can install in your home to make the time go smoother for everyone during the lockdown period.

Have a routine – Grab onto some structure. Most of us are accustomed to some kind of structure, be it work duties at our jobs or school assignments at school. Now, with chaos arising at the home-front, having a routine is a good thing to incorporate; sleeping and eating schedules, exercise times, social distancing contacts, designated chores or duties, selected fun time with new and creative activities, and school and work time slots with designated breaks. It doesn’t have to be a prison for everyone, but it surely doesn’t have to be WWIII! Studies have shown that having a routine can help reduce boredom, reduce anxiety and depression and lead to more healthy patterns of coping. This format at home can then allow more energy to deal with other more important things that need to be tended to.

Don’t stop exercising because the gym is no longer open – Physical exercise is synced with good mental health. Get that heart pumping, build those muscles and make that body move. Cramped quarters can be a problem, but figure out how you can make it work – even if you have to have a shared group exercise program in the living room, or if you can find some exercises that allow you to stay in one place. It doesn’t take a genius.

Spend time in nature – even if it is through a TV channel, video or internet. It is calming to your soul and it definitely helps your body relax. There is much research that has found time in “green” and “blue” space is associated with a reduction in anxiety and depression as well as helps reduce the risk of chronic health issues. Being out in the sunshine, breathing air outside (with good social distancing) is a good habit for both your body and mind. In fact, some studies indicate that the chemicals released from the trees; phytoncides” can increase the immune cells that help keep the body healthy.

Re-arrange, clean out or organize your home – It makes you feel productive, you gain a sense of control over times of uncertainty, and gives you time to focus on something else besides the news flashes and all the media clips about the Corona-Virus.

Give yourself some time to breathe, be quiet, and meditate. It helps your body calm down, have better insight as to what is happening, and maintain a sense of internal control and confidence that this too shall pass.

Continue with your support team as you maintain social distancing – We are social creatures and need each other; that is how we were made. Take time to reach out and connect.

Keep your empathy at the forefront – While experiencing the sense of being home-bound, you now can realize what so many people regularly experience throughout their much of their lives. Reach out. – but don’t touch – at least not yet. Empathy is a great experience that makes you feel good all over. Doing acts of kindness and thinking of others before yourself all have huge mental health benefits. It provides you with a sense of purpose. It also helps you the opportunity to climb out of yourselves and give a bit of support and kindness to someone else that also needs it.

Be thankful – Recognizing your blessings, being grateful, trusting in a spirit greater than yourself can be hugely beneficial to mental health. Practicing thankfulness with others not only improves your mood, but those recipients of such grace. Don’t judge. Realize that we are all likely doing the best we can with what we got. Sit back and relax. We will get through this.

Claudia A. Liljegren, MSW, LICSW

Psychotherapist

March 15, 2020 / By St. William's Living Center / Assisted Living • Healthy Living • Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

Cover That Cough! Stay Safe with These Flu Prevention Tips

When was the last time you had the flu?

The flu is no fun, but fortunately for most people, it isn’t life-threatening, it’s just really annoying.

This changes as we age, however. Our immune systems lose steam and our bodies take longer to fight off common viral infections. The flu is extremely dangerous for the elderly, especially those who live in close quarters with others, like in a nursing home or senior living center.

There are a few things we can all do to help prevent the spread of these diseases. Stay safe this spring with these flu prevention tips.

Cover That Cough

If you’re suffering from a cough, always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. According to the CDC, the proper way to cover a cough is by using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose while you cough.

Immediately discard the tissue and use a brand new tissue when you need to cough again. If you can’t find a tissue, cough directly into the upper part of your sleeve. Never cough or sneeze into your hand. Hands are the worst place to spread germs.

Practice Good Hand Hygiene

You may not realize it, but almost everything you do on a daily basis involves using your hands. This makes them the perfect breeding ground for collecting and passing along germs. Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent contracting the flu.

Proper hand hygiene starts with hand washing. Here’s the right way to wash your hands:

Wet hands with warm, clean water.
Apply soap and rub hands together to work up a good lather.
Scrub for at least 20 seconds, getting the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails.
Rinse hands with clean water and dry them using a clean towel or an air drier.

Always wash your hands after you sneeze or cough, even if you use a tissue. Wash your hands after you use the restroom and after changing dirty diapers. Also, wash hands before you eat anything or prepare food.

Leave Your Face Alone

Germs get into our bodies through our faces, including the eyes, nose, and mouth. Be conscious of how often you touch your face and make an effort to touch your face as little as possible.

If you do need to touch your face, make sure to wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer before you do. This is especially important if you’ve been around someone who is ill.

When In Doubt, Stay Home

If possible, stay home when you believe you’re getting sick. This tip is especially important when it comes to keeping elderly family and friends safe from this dangerous disease. Skip your weekly trip to the nursing home if you have any symptoms of illness or have been around anyone who’s sick.

Follow These Flu Prevention Tips for a Clean Bill of Health!

By following these easy flu prevention tips, you can seriously reduce your risk of contracting and spreading the flu. And that’s what we call a win-win situation!

At St. William’s Living Center, we take flu season seriously. Our facility consistently receives a 5-star rating from Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare program. This rating includes criteria for flu prevention measures.
Call us today if you have any questions about the flu prevention tips we’ve outlined here.

March 6, 2020 / By St. William's Living Center / Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

St. William’s Consistently Rated 5-Star: What Does That Mean?

What do you want in a nursing home? Your list probably includes the following qualities:

Clean health inspections
A safe living environment
A friendly and supportive staff
Excellent resident care

What if you could get all of these qualities wrapped up in a newly remodeled facility that’s close to home? You can! St. William’s Living Center has consistently earned a 5-Star rating with Medicare.gov’s Nursing Home Compare program.

What goes into a 5-Star rating? Keep reading to learn about the four quality measures a nursing home must excel at to reach this prestigious honor.

Health Inspections

Once a year, the state conducts a detailed inspection of the nursing home facility looking for health violations. The nursing home must correct these violations and submit the corrections to the state for review. The star rating for health inspections is determined by the number of violations cited and the severity of those violations.

St. William’s consistently earns an above-average rating in this category with significantly fewer citations than the state and national averages.

Fire Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies, such as fire, weather-related events, and power failures, are especially dangerous for nursing home residents because of their limited mobility. Nursing homes must have the proper safety equipment and procedures in place to comply with strict government regulations.

Fire and emergency preparedness ratings are part of the health inspection and St. William’s ranks above-average in this category.

Staffing

It’s important that nursing homes have enough staff members to provide quality care for their residents. Staffing ratings are calculated by taking the number of residents and the number of staff members and figuring how much time each resident gets with staff members throughout the day.

Staff members include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), trained medical aides, social services, and activities. The higher the calculated time each resident gets with staff, the higher the star rating for the nursing home.

Since 2013, St. William’s has improved the direct care staff time by almost 10%. Recently, we have added a Resident Support position, help residents by answering call lights, assisting with meals, and participating in daily activities.

St. William’s regularly earns an above-average rating for staffing.

Quality of Resident Care

An excellent care rating is what St. William’s is most proud of. We consistently rate “much above” state and national averages in this category. Our residents receive some of the best care in the nation!

Resident care is rated by 17 different measures. Some of these measures include flu and fall prevention, risk of re-hospitalization, and the rate at which residents can return home after a stay. These measures are then broken down into short-term stay, long-term stay, and overall care quality to determine a star rating.

St. William’s: The 5-Star Home With a Heart!

At St. William’s, we pride ourselves as the home with a heart, serving the residents of Parkers Prairie and the surrounding communities with excellent healthcare!

Want to learn more about our consistent 5-Star rating? Contact us anytime for more information.

February 27, 2020 / By St. William's Living Center / Assisted Living • Healthy Living • Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy • Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

Prevent Falls with These Senior Exercises for Balance

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults?

Falls happen at all ages, but as we grow older, we lose muscle tone and our balance suffers. This leads to a higher risk of falling. Fortunately, balance, like any physical ability, can be improved with regular practice and exercise.

In this article, we’ll go over four senior exercises for balance that, if done regularly, can help prevent falls and keep your body strong and healthy for years to come.

The Tight Rope Walk

Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and your arms straight out at your sides, parallel to the ground. Pick up one foot and place it in front of the other to form a line, like walking over a tight rope. Pause for a second or two to make sure you’re balanced and then repeat with the next foot.

See how far you can go across the room with this exercise. It’s a great exercise for helping your brain and feet coordinate and developing strength in your feet and ankles. And, as an added bonus, you’ll develop strength in your arms and shoulders by holding them out at your sides.

Tree Pose

Tree is an ancient yoga pose that’s known to help improve balance. There are many variations of this pose, so you can adjust it to your skill level and increase the difficulty as you improve.

Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides. Pick up your right foot and balance on your left, holding your right foot just above the floor. If you have the ability, turn your right foot in, placing the sole of your right foot on your left inner calf to form a triangle wiht your right leg.

Once you’ve mastered this, pick your arms up and raise them straight out at your sides, fingers stretched wide to mimic a tree leaf. Then reach your arms up over your head and touch your palms together.

Again, if you can’t do this on the first go, it’s okay to only do a portion of this pose to start. Finally, hold the pose for several seconds, then repeat on the other leg.

Sit, Stand, Sit

This simple exercise can make a big difference in your leg strength over time. Your legs are the base for your body, so the stronger your leg muscles, the more steady your base and the less likely you are to fall.

Start by sitting in a chair facing a wall. Leave enough space between your legs and the wall to allow you to stand up comfortably.

Touch the wall with your palms to steady yourself. Then rise up out of the chair to a standing position. If you need to, you can place your hands on the arms or seat of the chair and use them to help push you up.

Once you’re standing, sit back down in the chair and repeat the process 10 times, or as many times as you’re comfortable.

Mountain Pose

Mountain is another ancient yoga pose designed to help with balance. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands down at your sides. Face forward and close your eyes.

Mentally check in with your feet and legs. Feel your feet root to the ground to form a strong base for your body or “mountain”. Stand like this with your eyes closed as long as you like.

This seems like a simple exercise, but it’s very important for keeping your mind connected with your feet. The more aware you are of your feet and legs, the less likely you are to fall when you’re caught off guard.

Try These Senior Exercises for Balance

These senior exercises for balance are a great way to improve your balance from home. However, if you have a history of falls or recurring injuries, you should talk to your doctor about physical therapy to help with balance.

At St. William’s Living Center, we have a physical therapists on staff to help you with all of your exercise needs. Contact us today to learn about how physical therapy can help you recover and prevent falls in the future.

February 21, 2020 / By St. William's Living Center / Assisted Living • Healthy Living • Skilled Nursing • Veteran/ 0 Comments

What Is Hospice Care? 5 Facts to Know

Did you know that 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries receive hospice care annually? And that number is increasing with each passing year.

End-of-life care isn’t an easy subject for most of us to think about, but it is something that’s important to discuss with your loved ones. Many people don’t understand the many benefits of hospice care.

If you find yourself asking “What is hospice care?”, we’re here to help. Here are five facts to know about this special type of healthcare.

1. Hospice is Supportive Care

Rather than treating the underlying illness, hospice care focuses on supporting the patient through day-to-day life. Symptom control is the number one priority. By treating the symptoms of the disease, hospice caregivers make patients more comfortable so they can live their final days to the fullest.

A care plan is established for each patient by hospice professionals. This care plan is tailored to the needs of the patient and offers 24-hour support.

2. Hospice Helps with Daily Life Activities

Hospice is more than just healthcare. Care professionals help the patient with simple tasks like bathing, preparing food, doing laundry, and cleaning their home. They can also help family members learn how to do these activities so they can support their loved ones during difficult times.

3. Hospice Care Includes Emotional Support

It’s not uncommon for terminally ill patients to suffer from high levels of anxiety and even depression. Hospice care workers are specially trained to offer emotional support to those dealing with a terminal illness. They can even offer spiritual guidance if that is what the patient needs.

Hospice care workers are also a great source of companionship to the patient and their family members. They can provide some needed time off to family members who take on the brunt of the caregiving responsibilities.

4. You Can Receive Hospice Care in a Nursing Home

Most people believe that a loved one must be at home to receive hospice care, but that’s not true. If your family member lives in a nursing home, they too can receive hospice benefits.

Nursing home residents that opt for hospice care will receive regular visits from hospice nurses that are specially trained in end-of-life care. They’ll work with the nursing home staff to ensure that the care plan is working as it should and they’ll offer suggestions for therapy and other care procedures that can improve the resident’s quality of life.

5. Hospice is for the Entire Family

Hospice can be a benefit to the entire family, not just the patient. The hospice service will provide access to counselors during the illness and even after death, to help family members cope.

They’ll keep family members in the loop during the entire process and ensure that everyone’s wishes are respected. Daily meetings with hospice caregivers can offer family members hope and stress relief during these trying times.

What Is Hospice Care? It’s Your Choice

Hospice care is an excellent choice for those who are looking to live a more comfortable life during their final days. Talk to your loved ones about choosing hospice care when the time comes.

At St. William’s Living Center, we understand the difficulties surrounding end-of-life care decisions. Call us anytime to discuss hospice care options in Parkers Prairie.

Category: Skilled Nursing