How can we help you?

For most people, going on hospice might feel like it’s the end of the line. For Eunice Wunderlich, it was an opportunity to learn about herself and get stronger. After growing up on a farm and staying there until retirement, Eunice eventually moved to Velva where she then began to go through a tough battle with health.

Falling on ice was just the beginning, which ultimately resulted in a shattered shoulder and fractured pelvis. After having surgery, she then proceeded to stay at the care center in Velva for seven months. Hoping this would be the end of this health journey, it unfortunately was not.

Upon returning home after the seven-month stay at the care center, Eunice had fallen a few more times and ended up going back to the hospital briefly. It was during that time that she learned things were going to change significantly when she heads back home.

The doctor told Eunice that she had a blood clot in her heart and her kidneys were failing, suggesting that her daughter should take her home and put her on hospice. Hearing this news was difficult and a life-changing moment, however, it proved to be life-changing for the better thanks to the positive outlook and mentality that Eunice carried with herself every day.

“I did keep a positive attitude. I really needed to. As it turned out, it was for the better. I got stronger during those months, so being on hospice ended up being good for me,” Eunice said.

It was last March that Eunice went on hospice, thinking that the end of her time was near. However, after being on hospice for three months, Eunice was told that she did not have to be on it anymore and that her condition was improving.

“The doctor told one of my daughters that I had a blood clot in my heart and my kidneys were failing, so they suggested that they took me home and put me on hospice. So far, I’m on heart medication and the pills are working because I’m still here. As far as the kidneys, they are still OK. I was all prepared that I was in my last months, but here I am.”

While Eunice acknowledged that it was tough at first because she did not know what to expect and took things day by day, she used her time on hospice as an opportunity to take care of things she normally would not have and focused on learning a lot about herself.

“During the three months I was on hospice, I learned a lot about myself. I sort of miss the people that would pop in to see me. I just really did learn a lot through hospice, and it was a life-changing time for me. I got a lot of things done which I would not have done if I wasn’t on hospice. There were a lot of personal things that were taken care of and I’m very thankful for that.”

Since she graduated from hospice, Eunice has been able to drive herself around town again, go to clubs and meetings with her friends, go to church, and do activities of daily living like laundry and cooking, which were all things that were put on hold during her recovery.

For those that are struggling with the thought of going on hospice or are looking for motivation during a difficult time, Eunice believes that trying to maintain positivity to the best of your ability can go a long way.

“I would say don’t be discouraged because a lot of times you don’t know what’s going to happen. For me, I got much better and I’m glad I went through that. Being on hospice did a lot for me, even though I felt scared at the beginning. But in the end, it all went very well.”