Home Our House Services Offered FAQs Autumn Reflections Event Stories and Tributes Memorials and Donations Volunteer News and Events Comments and Surveys Contact Us
Quiet Oaks Hospice House
P.O. Box 1241
St. Cloud, MN 56302
Phone 320.255.5433
Fax 320.240.7962
mailto:quietoaks@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions





How long can my family member stay?

Residents may come to Quiet Oaks Hospice House at any point in their hospice journey.  Although the length of stay for each resident will vary, previous experiences at Quiet Oaks Hospice House have ranged from as little as a few hours to as long as several months. Most residents are with us for 2 weeks or less, although many of our residents tell us they wish they had come sooner.


Who does Quiet Oaks serve?

We serve people who are "hospice certified" and whose primary treatment goals are based on comfort and dignity rather than a cure. We are equipped to provide care for people who are dealing with a number of different kinds of serious illness or conditions including:

Cancer
Cardiovascular Disorders
Renal Disease
Liver Disease
Lung Disease
HIV/AIDS
Stroke
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
Dementia


Residents with other terminal illness will also be served. You are encouraged to call Joe Bauer, Executive Director at Quiet Oaks at (320) 255-5533 Ext: 4 to determine if Quiet Oaks is best suited to serve your needs.


Are there any requirements for admission?

Residents of Quiet Oaks Hospice House must be hospice certified.  If a resident is not working with a hospice agency before he/she arrives, a local hospice agency should be contacted for services. Ask your doctor to make a referral to a local hospice agency.


How does someone become hospice-certified?

Hospice care begins with a doctor's referral, usually when the life expectancy of a patient is approximately six months. Because hospice care can only begin with a doctor's referral, you must be an advocate for your (or your loved one's) health care. Ask your doctor, "Is hospice care appropriate for me at this time?" The care in hospice is aimed at pain relief and symptom control rather than curing illness.

For information on admitting a loved one to Quiet Oaks, call Executive Director Joe Bauer at (320) 255-5433 Ext: 4 during business hours. Our nursing staff is available 24 hours a day to provide information and respond to your questions.


Does a resident ever leave Quiet Oaks?

Yes. Sometimes residents feel well enough to leave Quiet Oaks for short outings. Some have even felt well enough to return home.


What should a resident bring to Quiet Oaks Hospice House?

Click HERE for a checklist for residents and families.

How many resident suites are at Quiet Oaks Hospice House?

Quiet Oaks Hospice House has eight private resident suites.

How much does it cost to receive care at Quiet Oaks Hospice House?

The cost of staying at Quiet Oaks is $400 per day. This fee is all-inclusive and covers all nursing care and support services your loved one receives.

Our actual cost per patient, however, is approximately $500 per day. This shortfall is covered by the generosity of people, foundations and businesses who support Quiet Oaks and our mission, as well as by the many families who ask that memorials be made in their loved one's name.

We have a compassionate and competitive mindset. You are encouraged to contact our Executive Director, Joe Bauer, RN (320) 255-5533 Ext: 4 for further information. We strongly suggest that you make a visit to Quiet Oaks if you are considering residential hospice care for you or a loved one.


What are your visiting hours?

Quiet Oaks Hospice House does not have specified visiting hours.  Quiet Oaks is fully staffed 24 hours a day. Family members may visit at any time, day or night, or may stay overnight with loved ones in their private suite or in one of our guest rooms.


Are you Medicare certified?

Quiet Oaks Hospice House is not Medicare-Certified, though we exceed most Medicare standards.  However, residents at Quiet Oaks are still eligible to receive Medicare hospice benefits through their hospice agency while they are at Quiet Oaks.  This benefit will cover the cost of nearly all medications, special equipment, and a full range of hospice team services your loved one receives at Quiet Oaks.

Can pets visit?

Yes, the staff at Quiet Oaks Hospice House can make arrangements for special visits from beloved pets.

When did Quiet Oaks Hospice House open?

Quiet Oaks Hospice House opened its doors to residents and their families in October of 2008.

Is Quiet Oaks Hospice House a non-profit organization?

Yes. Quiet Oaks Hospice House became a registered non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in October of 2005.



Frequently Asked Questions about Palliative Care, Hospice Care,

Advance Health Care Directives and End-of-Life Issues



If you are interested in a presentation on Advance Health Care Directives and End-of-Life issues, contact us at (320) 255-5433.


What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care focuses on the relief of pain, stress and other debilitating symptoms of serious illness and provides a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life for people who are living with a potentially terminal disease. Dialysis for kidney failure is an example of palliative care.


What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care begins with a doctor's referral when the life expectancy of the patient is approximately 6 months. Hospice is not about giving up - it is shifting the focus from cure to quality of life and doing all that can be done to relieve suffering and promote comfort. Hospice is a philosophy of care that emphasizes the patient's quality of life, providing comfort and support to both the patient and the family during the remaining days, weeks or months of a patient's life.

Hospice care can be provided in a patient's home, nursing home or residential hospice house. The earlier hospice is involved, the more it can make the patient's final time as comfortable and dignified as possible.

We encourage you to talk with your loved ones about your wishes should you face a terminal illness. It is also very beneficial to create a Health Care Directive and to share that directive with your family and your health care provider.

If you are facing a terminal illness, ask your doctor, "Is hospice care appropriate for me now?" Your doctor will connect you with a hospice team that will help you make a well-informed decision that honors your wishes and provides you with the highest quality of life possible.

When is residential hospice care needed or recommended?

In many situations, hospice care can be provided in a person's home or at an assisted living facility or nursing home. However, if a person's symptoms become too difficult or complex to manage, residential hospice care may be very beneficial. Members of the staff at Quiet Oaks are experts at managing pain, nausea, breathing difficulties, anxiety, and other debilitating symptoms that can be present as a terminal illness progresses. Residential hospice care also enables family members to focus on their loved one and each other, rather than serving as full-time caregivers. If you are wondering if residential hospice care may be beneficial for you or a loved one, we encourage you to call us - and better yet, come for a visit. We will give you the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.


Links and Resources


Central Minnesota
Hospice Services

St. Cloud Hospital Hospice Services (320) 259-9375 www.centracare.com/hospitals/sch/services/homecare/hospice

Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice (320) 654-1136
http://www.hcr-manorcare.com/

Albany Area Hospice (320) 845-2121
www.hospital-data.com/hospitals/ALBANY-AREA-HOSPICE-ALBANY.html

Unity Family Home Care & Hospice (320) 631-5575
www.hospital-data.com/hospitals/UNITY-FAMILY-HOME-CARE-HOSPICE-LITTL340.html

Aging and End-of-Life

Minnesota Board on Aging
http://www.mnaging.org/

Aging with Dignity -Five Wishes
www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes.php

End-of-Life-Helping with Comfort and Care (Booklet)
www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/endoflife/


Health Care Directives

Minnesota Health Care Directive
www.mnaging.org/pdf/MSS103-F.pdf

Health Care Instructions Worksheet-Part II of MN Health Care Directive
www.mnaging.org/pdf/MSS104-D.pdf

Hospice and Palliative Care

Center to Advance Palliative Care
http://www.getpalliativecare.org/

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
www.nhpco.org/

Hospice Minnesota for care of the dying
http://www.hospicemn.org/