In the heart of Hastings, Minnesota, community members recently gathered for a day of enrichment and camaraderie at the first annual Hastings Senior Expo, held at the Tilden Community Center. Among the vendors was an organization that provides a service of immeasurable value, Hospice of the Midwest, represented by Dana Bergerson, a passionate care advocate liaison.

Bergerson, who serves as a crucial link between the community and the organization, shared insight into the compassionate work of Hospice of the Midwest. With locations in Edina and Woodbury, Hospice of the Midwest extends its services to ten counties, including Dakota County, home of Hastings​.

Hospice of the Midwest's mission is rooted in individualized care and focuses on the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. The organization maintains a team of skilled nurses, home health aides, and therapists who provide a unique layer of support for those nearing the end of their journey. One of the organization's standout offerings is a music therapy program, where a therapist listens to a patient's heartbeat and synchronizes it to their favorite song, creating a deeply personal and comforting experience​.

Recognizing the significance of service and sacrifice, Hospice of the Midwest also has a special program for veterans. Bergerson shared a touching story about a veteran from the Vietnam war, who, without a family of his own, was welcomed home and honored by the organization's volunteer vets during a pinning ceremony. Not a single eye remained dry in the room during this powerful moment of recognition and respect. The organization also crafts veteran quilts and prayer shawls for the wives of veterans, evidencing their commitment to providing comfort and support even beyond their immediate patients​.

When asked about the services they offer specifically for seniors, Bergerson explained that Hospice of the Midwest provides comfort care, which includes assistance with daily living skills, medication management, and various therapeutic interventions like massage and pet therapy. The organization offers bereavement services to families for 13 months after a patient's passing, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support during times of grief and transition​.

Hospice of the Midwest's presence at the Hastings Senior Expo was more than just an opportunity for outreach; it was a chance to educate. Bergerson stressed the importance of recognizing that hospice is not just for end of life but also for those with a terminal illness. She advocated for a proactive approach to considering hospice care, suggesting that with proper planning, death can be a beautiful thing.

Bergerson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with the Hastings community and hopes for more chances to be part of such local events. She also expressed interest in joining the Chamber of Commerce in Hastings, further underscoring Hospice of the Midwest's commitment to community engagement.

In a world where conversations about death are often shied away from, Hospice of the Midwest, and advocates like Dana Bergerson, serve as reminders of the beauty of compassion, the importance of community, and the power of holistic care. Their message to the Hastings community is clear: think of hospice sooner than later. Not as a last resort, but as a choice for comfort, dignity, and personalized care in the final stages of life. A choice that Hospice of the Midwest is honored to provide​.