Compassionate Hospice Care at HIA Heather’s House
Seeing a need to serve our communities with compassionate care at life’s most sacred moments, HIA Hospice, formerly Hospice of the Red River Valley, opened HIA Heather’s House in September 2025. This vision, more than 20 years in the making, became a place where patients and families could receive expert hospice care in a peaceful, home-like setting. Since opening last fall, HIA Heather’s House has served more than 200 patients and families from North Dakota and Minnesota.
For one Fargo family, the care they received at HIA Heather’s House became a powerful reminder of what compassionate end-of-life care truly means. From the moment they arrived, Mary Brady’s family shared they could feel the additional support surrounding them. The staff was welcoming, attentive, and accommodating providing comfort during an incredibly difficult time.
How Hospice Care Supports Patients and Families
Mary received hospice care both at home and at HIA Heather’s House, always surrounded by the compassion and expertise of HIA Hospice’s care team. Her children expressed gratitude for the guidance they received, sharing that the educational materials helped them understand what to expect during an unfamiliar and emotional experience. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, they felt informed, prepared and supported.
One of the family’s greatest surprises was how their mother seemed to improve after hospice care began. With her symptoms well managed and caregivers by her side, she experienced many meaningful days filled with conversation, connection and quiet moments together as a family.
One of the most cherished gifts came during the holiday season. Mary’s family never imagined their mother would still be with them for Christmas. Yet, thanks to the comfort and stability hospice care provided, she was able to celebrate one more Christmas surrounded by the people she loved most.
During this same time, Mary’s family experienced a devastating loss with the passing of her grandson. In the midst of their grief, the hospice care team supported not only Mary, but her entire family. They helped prepare her and ensured she was able to attend the funeral, giving her the chance to say goodbye.
The Impact of End-of-Life Care at HIA Heather’s House
After their mother’s passing, Mary’s family reflected on the journey with immense gratitude. They shared how meaningful it was that she was able to spend her final days with dignity, peace and compassion at Heather’s House.
Karen, Mary’s daughter, later shared a moment that has stayed with her. Needing time alone, she went into the chapel at Heather’s House and noticed a plaque on one of the pews that read, “In loving memory of Dad.” Thinking about the strength and guidance her own father had given her before he passed away, she chose to sit on that pew. Feeling emotionally exhausted and aware of her mother’s frailty, she quietly prayed, asking God to take her mother home to heaven that night. Mary passed away soon after.
For this family — and for the hundreds of patients and families served at HIA Heather’s House — hospice care meant more than medical support. It created a space for love, memory, dignity and presence during one of life’s most tender moments.
“The staff at HIA Heather’s House was very accommodating for our family, everyone was very pleasant, helpful and compassionate.”
– Mary’s Son