In the Bernstorf hospice: quality of life and dignity until the last hour

In the Bernstorf hospice: quality of life and dignity until the last hour

In the hospice in Bernstorf, many people experience a phase of change and inner peace. Monika, 63 years old, arrived there in mid-May 2025 with a diagnosis of colon cancer and describes her arrival as emotional. “I was in very bad shape,” says Monika, who emphasizes that her quality of life has improved since her stay. In the safe space of the hospice, she now feels grateful and full of joy.

Marianne, 84 years old and suffering from lung cancer, has been in the same hospice for four weeks and reports on the better psychological support she experiences here. She occasionally smokes in the common room and enjoys the freedom to consume alcohol - one of the many special features the hospice has to offer. During her stay, she has received support from family to help her accept the diagnosis.

The Bernstorf Castle Hospice

The Hospice at Bernstorf Castle was opened in 2014 and can accommodate 16 guests, all in single rooms. It is a public provider responsible for not only physical but also emotional care. The food is freshly prepared daily and the hospice has a dedicated team of 52 employees who care for the patients.

The waiting list for the hospice shows how in demand the facility is; However, in order to be admitted, patients must prove that they have an incurable illness and receive a medical confirmation. On average, guests spend around 53.4 days in the hospice, which offers a certain amount of space for individual farewells and conversations.

Dignity and security in the hospice

The concept of a hospice is not only medical care, but also holistic care of one's own emotions and spiritual needs. According to an article by am-lebensende.de The hospice is a protected space in which people can feel comfortable in the final phase of their lives. It's about spending the last days with dignity and being pain-free.

“Almost 100 percent of our patients can die without pain,” confirms the head of the hospice, Alexandra Quandt. This shows how important the staff and individual support are. Monika also actively dealt with dying, while the fears she initially had were alleviated by the support of the team.

The hospice not only offers a safe environment, but also values ​​the involvement of relatives. They receive intensive support so that they can walk the difficult path into the last months of life together with the patient. The opportunity to have conversations and say goodbye is a central part of hospice life.

For anyone considering hospice care, the choice is crucial. The German Hospice and Palliative Association offers support, providing information and a directory.