Caregiver's Corner

Caregiver's Corner is submitted by our Caregiver Consultant. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact us by sending a message from our contact page.

Friendly visits
Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners
Caregiver Corner by Lisa Porthan

Aging is a natural process of life. It begins the moment we are born. Yet strangely enough, many of us live under the illusion that we and our loved ones will never become old. When we or our loved ones reach old age we are often unprepared. Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners can be there to help you through the journey. NHRP provides support services that will enhance the quality of life for individuals who are aged, chronically ill or disabled and provides support for the caregivers and their families.

A very valuable support service we provide is friendly visits. Many elderly people in our community are homebound and have little to no communication with the outside world. A friendly visit from an NHRP volunteer can do wonders for these individuals. Research has shown that people live longer when they are surrounded by people they love. We are beings that thrive in community. It is not healthy to not have human contact. The connections that are made between the volunteer and NHRP participant are very powerful. Lifelong friendships are made and treasured memories created. Incredible stories are shared and history is carried on through these relationships. Volunteers and NHRP participants are amazed at the joy they experience from these new found friends.

NHRP also provides hundreds of rides for local and long distance medical appointments. Many individuals not only need a ride but someone to help them into the clinic and sit with them though their appointments. Many NHRP participants tell us they often put off going to the doctor because they didn’t know how they would get there or who could accompany them there. NHRP can assist our elderly community to get the medical attention they need and deserve. NHRP plays a keep role in the continuum of care for our aging population.


NHRP is also a wonderful resource for caregivers. Today many adult children are taking on the role as caregiver to their elderly parents. The role as caregiver can be both rewarding and very overwhelming. NHRP is able to provide often much needed respite care for the caregivers. Respite care provides a temporary relief for those who are caring for a loved one. It is important the caregiver has a strong support system so they are able to take care of their own needs as well.

NHRP can provide a key role in the journey of aging and caregiving. Whether it is a ride to a medical appointments, support group, friendly visit, respite care, exercise program or assistance in connecting with Hospice we are here to help. For more information please call Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners at our new number 218-365-8019.