Laurie Bauer

Review of Ridgeview Medical Center

We had to say goodbye to my dad on Monday 10/22/18...

We had to say goodbye to my dad on Monday 10/22/18 in the ER at RMC. This had been a nearly year long journey through the RMC system from the Ridgeview Chanhassen Clinic (special thanks to Dr Harter and Anna they continually go above and beyond) 212 s Urgent Care, a weeks stay at RMC, Home Care visits, Office visits to MHI, Dr Larson and Margot in Pulmonology, Pulmonary Rehab, Audiologists (he was very hard of hearing, imagine being hard of hearing and navigating all of this), Dr Kallestad (Palliative Care) and Hospice Care Team, the RMC Ambulance team and the RMC ER staff.
I can t say enough about the kind and compassionate care he received across the system. Aging is hard. The process of one s once healthy, strong and vital body gradually deteriorating is emotionally challenging and humbling. Through it all my dad (and us) were treated with the upmost dignity and respect.
I want to voice how exceptionally grateful we are for Dr Kallestad s palliative care and his recommendation/referral to Hospice Care. Which began in July 2018. I knew that Hospice Care was a special service but I had no idea just how special. They offer so much! I wish more people understood the scope of the care they offer. It doesn t mean that death is imminent it means that the condition is not curable but may not take a life for months. RMC s Hospice Care helped prepare and walk dad and mom through the process. They lightened the load substantially with their care but even more by being there to guide them and answer mom and dad s ongoing questions. He had an excellent team: Pam (Social Worker), Heidi (RN), Gina (massage therapist), Debbie (volunteer), Pastor Helmar. They are amazing people...truly angels.
Now the ER experience. We encountered more angels there on Monday. Although, we knew dad was going to die sometime we did not expect him die on Monday we were prepared for a slower process. He was playing a lively game of cards with us on Sunday evening. He woke up alert with what we thought was a urinary tract infection. We ended up taking him to the ER via ambulance because a UTI is treatable right.?.? However, He had fallen asleep before we d called 911 and he never woke up. The staff in the ER were so gentle, kind, respectful and patient. Death is hard, but they helped us all say goodbye to dad in the most loving way possible. They gave us the support and time we needed. It is a memory that I personally will cherish the rest of my life. Thank you to Pam (ER RN) for the big comforting hug when I told her that dad had passed. I had been hugging family all day but the hug from a total stranger meant so much...knowing people care is priceless.