St. Croix Hospice

10/21/2026

For Jim Schenk, seeing Caitlin Clark play in person was about more than basketball. It was about Mary Fran.

Jim and his wife, Mary Fran, shared 44 years of marriage and a love for basketball. Before they met in 1973, Mary Fran had spent 17 years coaching girls basketball.

When Mary Fran was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, everyday activities became increasingly difficult. But one evening in February 2023, a basketball game brought an unexpected moment of joy.

The Iowa Hawkeyes were trailing the Indiana Hoosiers by two points with just 1.5 seconds remaining. Caitlin Clark caught the inbound pass and launched a 3-pointer as time expired.

The shot went in, and the Iowa Hawkeyes won 86-85.

Just like that, Jim and Mary Fran had a new favorite basketball player.

“Every time Caitlin worked her magic on the floor, Mary Fran came alive again,” Jim recalled.

Watching Caitlin play became a cherished tradition, giving Jim and Mary Fran something to look forward to as her memory declined. They continued watching together until she passed away in August 2024.

But Jim kept watching, holding on to the memories they shared.

When St. Croix Hospice nurse Michelle Hernandez learned what Caitlin Clark meant to Jim, she surprised him with tickets to see the Indiana Fever play the Chicago Sky, just days before his 85th birthday.

At St. Croix Hospice, we believe meaningful care begins with understanding what matters most to each patient.

For Jim, it was never just basketball. It was Mary Fran.

10/21/2026

When we're young, a fall usually means getting back up and brushing it off. As we age, it's not always that simple.

Changes in balance, strength and bone density can make falls more likely to cause serious injuries, and one fall can set off a much bigger chain of events.

A broken bone can mean an ER visit, hospitalization and weeks or months of recovery.

A hospital stay can bring new medical expenses and time away from home.

Reduced mobility can mean rehabilitation, medical equipment and relying on others for everyday tasks.

And losing independence can bring frustration for older adults while adding new responsibilities for caregivers and family members.

That's why preventing a fall before it happens matters. It's not only about avoiding an injury — it's about protecting mobility, independence and quality of life.

10/20/2026

During Spiritual Care Week, we recognize the chaplains and spiritual care professionals who meet patients and families where they are — honoring individual beliefs, values and traditions while offering a steady presence through life's most significant moments.

Thank you for listening, supporting and simply being there when presence can mean so much.

10/17/2026

For lifelong car enthusiast and St. Croix Hospice patient Harry "PeeWee" Kincaid, there was no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than surrounded by family, friends and a whole lot of horsepower.

Over the weekend, Harry's care team in South Sioux City, Nebraska, teamed up with his wife, Sherri, and the Akron community to surprise Harry with one last car show in his honor.

Harry, a longtime mechanic and car enthusiast, spent much of his life building and racing cars. In fact, 12 of his 13 race cars were purple — his favorite color!

Car enthusiasts from all over the community came together to rev their engines and honor Harry.

A special thank-you to Social Worker Casey Gregg and RN Case Manager Rachel Sturgeon for helping make this meaningful day possible, along with Harry's family and the many community members who showed up to celebrate him.

10/15/2026

End-of-life care already comes with costs that aren't measured in dollars.

Caregivers give their time, rearrange schedules, miss work, lose sleep and take on responsibilities they may have never expected.

Finances shouldn't be another concern when considering hospice care.

For eligible patients, hospice care is covered through Medicare, Medicaid or most private insurance, including many of the services, medications, supplies and equipment related to the terminal illness.

There may be a lot for families to carry. The cost of hospice care shouldn't be one of them.

10/13/2026

Behind every care plan is someone connecting the pieces.

During National Case Management Week, we recognize the case managers who advocate for patients, coordinate care, connect families with resources and help people navigate complex healthcare decisions.

Thank you to the case managers who bring clarity, collaboration and compassion to every step of the journey.

10/13/2026

Imagine having an extra month with someone you love.

Research has found that patients who receive hospice care may live an average of 29 days longer than similar patients who don't receive hospice care.

That's 29 more mornings. More conversations. More time at home. More opportunities to simply be together.

10/11/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about hospice is that it means giving up.

In reality, hospice is about shifting the focus to what matters most.

It means choosing comfort over unnecessary hospital visits. It means honoring a person's goals and wishes. It means surrounding patients and families with a team dedicated to providing expert care, guidance and support.

Learn more about what hospice care is by visiting: https://ow.ly/zUUm50ZV7O6

10/09/2026

What does it actually look like when someone is actively dying?

Changes in breathing. Sleeping more. Eating and drinking less. Changes in skin color.

Some of these changes can be difficult to witness, especially when you don't know what's normal or what to do next.

Knowing what to expect can help you better understand what's happening, how to keep your loved one comfortable and when to call the hospice team.

Learn about the signs of active dying and how you can support someone through their final days:

Explore active dying expectations and how hospice care supports caregivers during this challenging time in a loved one’s life.

10/08/2026

Support doesn't stop when hospice care ends.

Our bereavement services are designed to help individuals and families navigate grief through education, compassionate guidance and ongoing support.

No matter where you are in your grief journey, we're here to help.

Learn more:
https://ow.ly/anEN50ZQNFj