Outlook for hospice care in Minot area following suspension of Trinity’s services

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – Last week, we told you about Trinity Health suspending its hospice services.

Families are raising concerns about what this means for those who rely on this kind of care in our community.

When Trinity Health ends its hospice services, that will leave two providers in Minot, one of which is HIA Hospice.

Staff member Brenda Iverson said the need for this type of care goes far beyond the area.

“We have been told over and over, ‘If you don’t come, nobody is here. It doesn’t allow us to stay in our community,’” said Iverson, the director of marketing and community relations.

The nonprofit serves 64 counties across North Dakota and Minnesota and has had a presence here for more than four decades.

Last year, we reported on the opening of its services in the Magic City.

“That is a decision nobody should have to make because the access to care is not there,” said Iverson.

From Stanley to Bottineau and beyond the northwest region, providers like Peggy Cales travel to patients’ homes or to long-term care facilities.

“The fact that we’re able to support them in their home— they don’t have to worry about going through the hardest part of their lives alone,” said Cales.

With Trinity suspending its Home Health and Outpatient Hospice services, that support is more critical than ever.

Recent data from the CDC show nearly two million Americans receive this type of care.

“You don’t go looking for hospice care. It’s something that comes to you at a stage of life,” said Iverson.

Iverson knows this personally.

“But I’ve lived hospice care. I’ve lived it myself,” said Iverson.

Hospice service is usually for end-of-life care for people with months to live, but Iverson said it’s about helping a person and their loved ones live their best lives for whatever time they have left.

“It’s a conversation you just don’t want to have because it means saying goodbye to someone you love,” said Iverson.

As families impacted by Trinity’s closure look for new providers, other services in the area are ready to support.

CaringEdge in Minot is the other hospice provider, according to the state Health and Human Services.

The HHS website indicates there are currently around a dozen providers across the state.

Among those is Heart of America Medical Center, which serves seven counties in central North Dakota and has been providing hospice care for more than 30 years.

Trinity Health told us Thursday that they are still providing Home Health and Outpatient Hospice services while they figure out the transition.

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