When Ellen Richter moved into Aster Estates in the summer of 2022, her family was comforted by the “home-like environment where we trusted that Mom would receive expert care,” said Linda Richter, Ellen’s daughter.
But even though Pam Lewis, Aster Estates owner, knew her staff could provide many services, she didn’t hesitate to suggest hospice care to the Richter family.
“Shortly after Mom moved in, Pam recommended that we consider hospice services,” Richter recalled. “We are glad she did.”
Richter wanted to share her family’s experience at Aster Estates, a home-plus residence at 155 NW 10th Ave., in observance of National Hospice & Palliative Care Month in November.
“My brothers and I were looking for a place that could provide specialized care for Mom,” Richter said. “She was blind due to advanced macular degeneration and needed extra assistance with daily tasks. Our family was very fortunate to find Aster Estates.
“Pam and her staff provided the caring environment that Mom needed. She was able to relax and feel safe.”
Richter had some knowledge of hospice and its end-of-life care. However, it was only recently that she learned that services have expanded to include palliative care, which allows the person to be more comfortable.
“Hospice provided a hospital bed and other medical devices to make Mom more comfortable,” Richter said. “They also brought in supplies, medicines and, most importantly, several expert-care professionals to assist the Aster Estates staff.
“This combined team helped our family navigate end-of-life difficulties,” she continued. “The chaplain played guitar and sang familiar hymns to Mom, who was a musician and lifelong choir member. Everyone gave us confidence that our mother was receiving the care and attention she deserved.”
The Richter family had lived south of Great Bend, but after many years in the Kansas City area, Linda moved to Victoria to be closer to her parents. Her Mom “passed away peacefully” on Nov. 2, 2022.
Pam Lewis, RN, owner
Lewis noted that the theme of this year’s special month is “Courageous Conversations.”
“Our culture resists the fact of mortality and expects the healthcare system to always intervene,” Lewis noted. “But then there comes a time when having a ‘courageous conversation’ is important.
“These talks can mean the difference between having the type of death you want and one that doesn’t allow you to have any say in your own end-of-life journey.”
This journey is often “lonely and isolating but it doesn’t have to be. This is why it is so important for families to talk about what their loved one wants and what they don’t want.
“Hospice doesn’t mean giving up,” Lewis added. “It means shifting the focus to a quality of life. Many people that we talk to wish they would have considered hospice care sooner.”
Lewis contracts with local hospice agencies to support her staff.
Agencies provide registered nurses, additional nurse and medication aides, medical equipment, social workers and case managers. Chaplains are available for the asking.
“Overall, Aster Estates offers services for someone who needs just a little help with medications and personal care, palliative and hospice care, and everything in between,” Lewis summarized. “This continuum of care is so important because our residents can stay here with the people they know and trust.”
The staff is always available to families who can visit at Aster Estates anytime. “They are going through emotional trauma, wondering what’s next. We answer their questions and keep them informed.”
Aster Estates is located just north of Great Bend on McKinley; it is a state-licensed, 3,600-square-foot residence, with private suites for up to seven residents.
Features include: three home-cooked meals a day and snacks; swimming pool for relaxation with supervision; fishing pond; outdoor pool table and firepit; large outdoor sitting/activity area; and socialization and privacy.
