The Faibault Area Hospice is committed to enhancing quality of life through comfort care, support and compassion for patients and their loved ones.
Hospice provides support and care for persons in the final phases of an incurable illness so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice recognizes dying as part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining quality of life.
Hospice exists in the hope and belief that through appropriate care, and the promotion of a caring community sensitive to their needs, patients and their families may be free to attain a degree of mental and spiritual preparation for death.
“It was three years ago last Saturday,” said Bruce Schreckenberg “since my brother died.” Bruce’s only brother, Todd Schreckenberg
died of complications to esophogeal cancer in 2008. During a bout of stomach flu, Todd vomited blood and went to the
doctor. Unfortunately, the diagnosis wasn’t good: esophageal cancer – a cancer difficult to detect before it is too late. During his
chemotherapy treatments, there were some signs of hope for recovery. But the hope for a prolonged life faded and soon Todd’s
family would learn the news: his cancer had spread to his lungs and liver. The reality of a beloved son/brother with terminal
disease settled in.
Coming to grips with his fate, Todd asked Bruce if he could take care of him. “When your dying, little brother asks you take care
of him, of course you agree.” After agreeing, Bruce went for a very long walk. He didn’t know what to do. “I just knew I would be
there for him.”
Later that day, Bruce picked up the phone and called District One Hospital about their hospice program: Faribault Area Hospice.
“We met the very next day. They lined up everything for us. The oxygen tank, equipment and medications were all at home
for us.” Hospice nurses and social workers made several visits during Todd’s month of hospice care. “They showed me how to
take care of Todd. I never sensed he was in pain. I couldn’t have done it without hospice.”
“I will cherish the last month of Todd’s life while in hospice care. When someone you love comes to terms with their demise, you
have conversations you have never had and will never have again with them,” said Bruce. “People say that he was blessed to
have me, but I was blessed to have him.”
After Todd died, Bruce continued to use the support of hospice through their bereavement program. “I really didn’t think I
would need it, but I do think the bereavement programs helped me through my grief.”
If you have questions about hospice, or are wondering when hospice is appropriate for your friend or loved one, please call
507.334.6451.