Family Finds Help, Peace, Comfort Through Ridgeview Hospice

Larry and Dee Enter of Watertown met while on a blind date. The problem was, they were on a double date with different people.

They began a long-distance relationship while Larry was teaching in Ohio and Dee was teaching in Michigan. Their love grew and they eventually married. They taught together in Cleveland for seven years before moving to Watertown so Larry could take an administrative role in the school district.

Larry and Dee enjoyed the Watertown community so much that they stayed here for 50 years to raise their five children. After Larry and Dee retired from teaching, they enjoyed time together traveling, growing flowers and taking long walks.

Eventually, Dee’s walks got shorter and more labored, and she experienced limited mobility in her arms when she walked. Her neurologist diagnosed her with Parkinson’s disease, a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Dee lived with Parkinson’s for 20 years with Larry by her side for comfort and care. But when the level of care became so great, Larry knew he needed help. That’s when he called Ridgeview Hospice.

“We were used to going to Ridgeview for our health care, so it was only natural that we would go to Ridgeview for hospice,” said Larry.

The team at Ridgeview Hospice provides many levels of support, from clinical support to music therapy, massage therapy, and visits with the chaplain and social workers. For 13 months, Ridgeview Hospice visited Dee’s home to help with everyday tasks that were becoming harder for Larry to do on his own, like moving Dee from her bed to her wheelchair or helping her eat.

“The hospice team is there to help with personal care so the family members can really be family members,” said Michelle, one of Larry and Dee’s daughters.

“When they are here for that many months, they become like family,” said Larry.

Music always played a prominent role in the Enter household, especially as their kids grew up. This is why the music therapy through Ridgeview Hospice was so impactful. Dee would find comfort singing hymns and her family gathered around her bedside to sing hymns together as she entered her blissful place.

According to Larry and Dee’s daughter Jenny, one of the true benefits of Ridgeview Hospice is that Dee could stay at home and receive such a high level of care.

“It was a peaceful but wonderful blessing to help her transition into what is now her ultimate bliss,” she said.

“I learned that hospice gave more services for a longer period of time—not just in those dying days—in helping to give my mom a quality of life,” said Larry and Dee’s daughter Amy. “They really did get to know her and appreciate her. And of course, they are caring for her and caring for Dad so we could focus on the time we could spend together.”

Not all communities have hospice services available, which is why Ridgeview Hospice is so beneficial.

“It is important to help families care for their loved ones at home and I’m thankful that Ridgeview makes that a priority,” said Larry and Dee’s daughter, Michelle.

“I’ve been dealing with people all my life,” said Larry. “They were ultimate.”

Learn how you can leave a legacy while helping provide local access to quality, state-of-the-art health care for our community. Contact Kelly Mulleady, CFRE at 952-777-5099 and kelly.mulleady@ridgeviewmedical.org today.