When you think of hospice, what comes to mind? If your mind jumps to death and despair, the Lutheran Hospice approach might surprise you.

“There’s the perception that hospice is this tragically sad place,” said Dr. Eric Bryant, a Lutheran Hospice palliative care physician. “But I see a lot of these amazingly happy and positive moments here.”

When Cynthia Andersen and Denise Black-Andersen had their family member pass away from COVID-19 at Lutheran Hospice, they recalled the experience as ‘heartbreaking, but very uplifting.’

The Lutheran Hospice team made it possible for them, and his wife, to say goodbye to their family member. “I believe they went beyond compassion,” said Cynthia.

Denise added, “They give special treatment to every patient. It wasn’t just our family. They do that for every family."

Jennifer Carroll, the Inpatient Lutheran Hospice Clinical Manager, encouraged this universal special treatment. Jennifer finds daily joy when holding somebody’s hand or guiding families through their hospice journey. “We can’t do this work without you,” she said. “Without the donors.”

With generous Lutheran Foundation funds, Lutheran Hospice provides services such as:

• Pet therapy
• Bereavement education at local community centers & churches
• Grief support for families 

“Working in hospice care is more than medicine,” said Dr. Bryant.

If you are interested in donating to the Lutheran Medical Center, or would like to learn more about their Hospice care, visit the Lutheran Medical Center Foundation.