“I will be forever grateful to Birchwood and the staff”

Bernie Mogck and her family appreciated the love and care their sister received in her final days

Fifty-three-year-old Mary had Down syndrome and was living in a group home when she suffered some painful strokes.

“Mary couldn’t explain to me what the pain was, but she just could not be hugged or touched,” said Bernie Mogck, Mary’s sister and legal guardian. “It was heartbreaking to see her in so much pain.”

Bernie took Mary to the doctor who discovered brain injuries caused by the strokes. Mary was so uncomfortable and miserable that she wasn’t eating and became less responsive. Her kidneys were beginning to fail and she was sleeping more than usual. Pam Beebe, RN, ConnectCare hospice case manager, was called for a consultation; Pam, Lona Oltmann, RN and other hospice team members, developed a hospice plan for Mary.

As Mary’s condition declined and her pain became increasingly difficult to manage, Bernie and the hospice team members determined that Mary would be best cared for at Birchwood. With ‘round the clock care, Birchwood offers residents like Mary a broad range of health care services, including medical care and medication management, spiritual and emotional support, personal care and special therapies. Residents appreciate a comfortable, home-like setting with eight private bedrooms, a kitchen, dining area, living room, four-season porch, chapel/library and laundry room.

“With the right medication, the caregivers at Birchwood were finally able to get Mary’s pain under control,” said Bernie. “At that point, we felt that it was OK for mom to visit Mary without becoming too distressed.” Bernie and her siblings, (a brother and three sisters, in addition to Mary) had decided earlier that it would be too troubling for their aging mother to see Mary in so much pain.

“With 24 hour nursing care and medication management, Mary’s pain subsided enough for her to be comfortable. She could be touched again,” said Beebe.  “Our hospice social worker and a Birchwood volunteer would hold her hand, watch TV with her and look through her family photos with her. Mary’s family could stay at Birchwood and be with her as family members – not as worried and concerned caregivers.”

“My mom was there with Mary for several days,” explained Bernie. “And I was able to be with her – right in her room – for the whole last week of Mary’s life. It was wonderful. I was so concerned that Mary would be scared if she was alone – because she seemed to be very fearful after the strokes. I was glad to be able to stay right there in her room during her final week, talking to her, reading to her and praying.”

The whole family was at Birchwood the night before Mary died.

“The Birchwood staff provided Mary with beautiful pajamas; they bathed her and kept her comfortable,” said Bernie. “I cannot say enough about Birchwood; they did everything possible to make her comfortable.”

Birchwood: The Mary Burich House

Birchwood offers individuals an alternative to being in a hospital, a nursing home, or their own home during the final stages of life. Referrals can be made by calling 320-234-5031 or 1-800-454-8616.