COVID-19: Safety, Vaccine & Resources Search HOSPICE CARE About Hospice When we hear "hospice," many of us think of a friend or loved one who has a very short time to live. Often, that's true. The beauty of hospice care, however, is that it can empower life. Anyone, of any age, is eligible for hospice care if they have a life expectancy of six months or less. Once your loved one enters hospice care, our team will help manage their pain, make them comfortable and provide emotional support to them and their family. Our hospice services help your loved one reach their end-of-life goals whether those are crossing off something on their bucket list, taking the last visit to their favorite park or anything in between – as long we can control their symptoms. Contact Us 2715 Highway 29 South, Suite 103 Alexandria, MN 56308 (320) 759-1270 Knute Nelson’s hospice care serves the communities of Alexandria, Baxter, Brainerd, Elbow Lake, Fergus Falls, Little Falls, Long Prairie, Morris, St. Cloud, Wadena and beyond. See below for specific location contact information. REQUEST INFORMATION Are you looking for yourself or someone you know? Self Someone Else Submit Frequently Asked Questions There are many questions an individual or a family has when it comes to Hospice care for their loved one. Below are answers to a few of the more common questions about hospice services. It is likely you will have more questions and we are here to answer them all. To inquire, please fill out the form above. When can you admit my loved one to Hospice? We provide informational visits and admissions 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. We can admit your loved one to hospice at any time (once we have a physician's order). What is covered by insurance? Hospice care is typically covered by Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans' benefits and almost all private insurance policies. (No patient is denied care based on inability to pay or coverage status.) If your loved one has a life expectancy of six months or less, they are eligible for hospice services. It covers everything related to your loved one's terminal illness such as medications for comfort, a hospital bed, medical equipment for mobility and visits by hospice staff. The sooner your loved one enters hospice, the sooner they receive extra care and compassion from our hospice team. What is the length of time someone can be on Hospice? Your loved one can initially stay in hospice care for six months. After that, the hospice medical director or another hospice doctor needs to re-certify that they are still terminally ill. While it isn't common, some patients have stayed on hospice for more than a year. Our Hospice Care Team Our hospice care team surrounds each of our patients with care and support. They meet regularly to ensure seamless communication, to coordinate care and make certain that the family's needs are addressed. We work closely with patients' primary physicians to manage and coordinate pain, discomfort, medications, and care. We're available when your loved one needs us, whether that's during the middle of a weekday or on a weekend evening. MEDICAL DIRECTOR Dr. Dan Kryder is the Medical Director for the Knute Nelson nursing facility and the Knute Nelson hospice program. He is an internal medicine physician at Alexandria Clinic of Alomere Health. Learn more. REGISTERED NURSES Registered Nurses continually assess the patient and their family. They determine individual needs, help your loved one remain comfortable, coordinate additional team members and support the patient and family. They also teach family members caregiving skills. HOME HEALTH AIDES Home Health Aides help with activities of daily living and personal care such as bathing. They also provide emotional support. THERAPISTS As part of your loved one's care plan, therapists provide physical, occupational or speech therapy to help reduce pain or alleviate symptoms related to their hospice diagnosis. SOCIAL WORKERS Social Workers coordinate resources within the community, help ease emotional or family challenges and help your loved one and their family plan for the future. They are also available to provide grief support for the family before and after their loss. CHAPLAINS Chaplains provide spiritual care to your loved one and their family. They also work with your loved one's clergy. Hospice chaplains honor and respect all spiritual philosophies. Enriching Hospice Services Our enriching hospice services are designed to help comfort our patients and their families during the final days, weeks, or months of an individual's life. HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS Approaching the end of life is mentally and physically exhausting for you and your family. It can be lonely, too. Hospice volunteers provide emotional support and companionship and they’re a crucial part of your hospice team. They’ll visit you in your home and may listen, talk, play games, watch movies or keep you company. They can also give your caregivers a break. Volunteers may also run errands, prepare meals and help with tasks around the house to support you and your family. Before serving you, volunteers receive hospice-specific training that covers topics like confidentiality, listening and grief. MASSAGE THERAPY When you think of massage, you might think of long strokes and pressure. For older adults, the technique may be different but the benefits are just as valuable. Learn more THERAPEUTIC MUSIC Our Therapeutic Music uses methods such as imagery, singing, playing an instrument and relaxation techniques to treat the social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Learn more BEREAVEMENT/SPIRITUAL CARE When you’re loved one is in hospice, you’re in pre-loss grief. After they die, the dust might settle, but the grief doesn’t end. Learn more HEALING TOUCH Healing touch practitioners lay their hands on or near patients to promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. It’s based on the idea that energy flows through each of us. When that energy is high, it’s easier to be happier and healthier. Knute Nelson Hospice Office Locations ALEXANDRIA 2715 Highway 29 South, Suite 103 Alexandria, MN 56308 (320) 759-1273 WADENA 618 Jefferson Street South, Suite 2 Wadena, MN 56482 (218) 632-1335 FARGO/MOORHEAD* 3361 45th Street South, Suite 100 Fargo, ND 58104 (701) 356-3803 *Care provided by Ethos Hospice Knute Nelson is a proud member of the We Honor Veterans program. About Us Give Back Careers Resident Communications Find a Location Request Information|Privacy Policy|ADA Statement Copyright 2020 Knute Nelson | All Rights Reserved | Website Designed & Maintained by Studio 78