Laura Jean Pulscher was diagnosed with ALS back in 2016, and after nearly 10 years of living with the disease, she passed away this July.
“She loved music, she loved art, poetry, she loved understanding the world around her in a physical sense, she loved to study theology and the Bible,” said Laura Jean’s husband, Toby Pulscher.
Considering Hospice Care
Due to ALS, she was unable to walk or move her muscles. The couple had talked about hospice care on and off for several years. Eventually, a couple months before her passing, it was something the two were considering.
“The pain that she was experiencing was getting more and more intense and more difficult to manage, and that was really the deciding factor for her,” Pulscher said.
That led the Pulschers to meeting Mindi VandeKamp, CNP at the Dougherty Hospice House.
“I actually went to their home to be able to start discussing what our hospice can offer, what we can do, and to talk to according to what was going on in her life at that time,” said VandeKamp. “I just wanted her to feel like she had the time to ask the questions to get the information and to make decisions that she felt comfortable with and that aligned with her goals and her values.”
What is the Dougherty Hospice House?
Laura Jean moved to the Dougherty Hospice House, where she and her family could get the support they needed.
“I also like them to know that it’s a team approach, so when they come they are going to be seeing lots of different people that are a part of the team and we really try to tailor that to their individual needs and what is going on with them or with their loved ones,” said VandeKamp.
Part of that also included a worship service outside that Laura Jean had requested.
“That’s what she wanted and they were able to accommodate all of her wishes in that regard and let family be close and present and share in that experience,” said Pulscher.
“We were able to have our music therapist as part of the process and Laura Jean had certain music that she wanted to hear, and Toby was able to lead us in prayer,” said VandeKamp.
While it was an emotional time, the support the Pulscher family received in hospice turned this difficult moment into one filled with comfort and care.
“In hospice, the important thing is comfort, the important thing is care, and empathy, which is something that was refreshing to have, and all the staff members of the Dougherty House, the care they provided, certainly had her comfort as the number one priority,” said Pulscher.
A few years before her passing, Laura Jean was even able to write a book called “Stories,” despite being unable to physically speak. Learn more about hospice care options or call 605-322-4663.
