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 calm. Monika, 63 years old, came there in mid -May 2025 with the diagnosis of colon cancer and describes her arrival as emotional. "I was in a very bad constitution," said Monika, who, however, emphasizes that she has gained quality of life since her stay. In the protected room of the hospice, she now feels grateful and with joy.

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

The Hospiz Castle Bernstorf

The Hospiz Schloss Bernstorf was opened in 2014 and offers space for 16 guests, all of which are accommodated in embedding. It is a public sponsor who is not only responsible for physical, but also for emotional support. The dishes are freshly prepared every day and the hospice has a committed team of 52 employees who ensure the patient.

The waiting list for the hospice shows how in demand the facility is; For an admission, however, patients must have an incurable illness and receive medical confirmation. On average, guests spend about 53.4 days in the hospice, which offers a certain room for individual farewell and conversations.

dignity and security in the hospice

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

"Almost 100 percent of our patients can die painlessly," confirms the head of the hospice, Alexandra Quandt. This shows how important the staff and individual care are. Monika also actively dealt with dying, while the fears she had at the beginning were alleviated by the support of the team.

The hospice not only offers a safe environment, but also attaches importance to the inclusion of relatives. These are intensively supported in order to go the difficult path into the last months of life together with the patient. The possibility of having talks and saying goodbye is a central component of hospice life.

For everyone who deals with the thought of taking advantage of a hospice stay, the selection is crucial. The German Hospice and Palliative Association, which provides information and a directory, offers support.