Betsy McDougall
Told by Abbie Schrader, daughter
My mother, Betsy McDougall, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 58. Around the age of 62, it became more challenging to provide her care at home. To complicate matters, we were amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this time that we turned to Cedar Valley Hospice.
Cedar Valley Hospice allowed my father to keep my mother home for as long as possible while providing resources to help support their well-being. They assisted with medication adjustment, social support, spiritual support, and physical care to take some weight off my father’s shoulders. Once my mom, Betsy, was transitioned into Memory Care, we were so happy to know that Cedar Valley Hospice would continue to follow along in her care. They were there for both my mom and for our entire family as she transitioned through the stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.
On the night that my mother passed away, at age 64, her hospice nurse was there with us. She provided comfort and support in the middle of the night to us. She showed patience as we said our goodbyes. She was a source of strength for us. We were so grateful for her presence.
As our family moved forward after my mother’s death, we hope to make others aware of the kindness and support that Cedar Valley Hospice can offer.
Told by Dan McDougall, husband
Betsy and I spent 40 years together. She was my best friend. She still is. I think about her every day. We had two beautiful kids. My parents adored her, and we had the best time together. I loved her dearly. I tell my grandkids every day, you had a great grandma. They still do – she is watching over them.
Within our family history, there was a lot of Alzheimer’s Disease, so we kind of knew at some point we may need their help. In April or May of 2019, my nephew’s wife who worked for Cedar Valley Hospice, put us in contact with them to come and evaluate Betsy. She was still able to get around, but she needed some help and qualified for hospice. That action by Cedar Valley Hospice allowed me to continue caring for her in my own home, with their help, for over another year.
Their expertise and their knowledge were invaluable to me. They guided me to what was the best treatment for her. What a wonderful organization they are. I realized they are there to help you through this. They’ve done that. They’re experts. When you want something done with your plumbing, you call a plumber. These people have dealt with helping families through the dying process, and more people are going to need them. You don’t think so? Betsy and I never thought we would need them. Everyone is going to be touched by death or a health problem, and whether it’s them personally or somebody they know, who else better to help them through that journey than Cedar Valley Hospice?
You may not need Cedar Valley Hospice today, but somebody does. I donate because it’s like paying it forward to help those people today because tomorrow, you may be the one that needs it. Nobody knows the future… and when you need somebody to help, you’re going to be extremely glad that you picked Cedar Valley Hospice.”
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