DYING AT THE BARDO

Our Mission is to restore reverence to the universal experience of death and
bring more meaning, beauty, and support to every moment along the way.

Dying at The Bardo

Nestled serenely among the aspen, pine, oak, and birch trees on 5 acres, The Bardo in Inver Grove Heights stands as a tranquil refuge, offering a comforting, home-like environment for individuals nearing the end of their lives. Our unique licensed facility is designed to accommodate up to three guests at a time, ensuring each person receives the attentive, personalized care they deserve.

To die at The Bardo, guests must:

Be enrolled with a Medicare-funded hospice organization
Have been diagnosed as terminally ill
Have chosen to stop curative treatment
Have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order
Have an Advanced Health Care Directive or Power of Attorney

Clinical Considerations:

Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) score typically below 40%
Must be free of active infectious or contagious diseases/conditions
Mental health issues will be considered on a case by case basis

How Admission Works:

Initial inquiry or referral
Conversation to assess needs and determine fit
Coordination with the hospice provider
Admission to The Bardo when space is available

Application Form

Bardo Agreement

Comprehensive and Compassionate Care

At The Bardo, we are committed to providing holistic end-of-life care that is compassionate and tailored to the individual needs of each guest. Our approach encompasses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support, allowing our guests to experience dignity and peace in their final days. We understand the importance of addressing all aspects of a person's being during this critical time, and our dedicated staff works to create an environment of warmth and understanding.

A Vision for the Future

Our vision extends beyond providing exceptional care; it aims to transform societal attitudes towards death and dying. By demonstrating the profound impact of nature, ritual, & compassion in a home-like setting, The Bardo aspires to redefine what it means to offer end-of-life care. We invite others to join us in this mission, advocating for environments that honor the dignity of life’s final chapter.

The Bardo is more than just a sanctuary for those in their final days; it is a beacon of hope, illustrating the power of compassionate care in a setting of nature. As we continue to expand our reach and influence, we remain committed to our core values, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to experience a peaceful and dignified end-of-life journey.

Why not a licensed hospice home?

Federally funded hospice homes are often difficult to initiate and sustain due to the financial structures tied to Medicare and other reimbursement systems. These models are typically designed for larger-scale facilities that can support high patient volumes and administrative overhead. As a result, deeply personal, community-rooted end-of-life care homes serve as are a solution and have been transforming end-of-life care across the country. Minnesota currently has no Omega Home models.

Residential Care
Enjoy peaceful surroundings of natural sanctuary, expert staff and volunteers, and a beautiful home setting.
Round-the-Clock Staff & Volunteer Care
Compassionate care from staff & volunteers, with family members welcome to stay and offer their personalized care.
Unique Approach to End-of-Life
Our approach to end-of-life focuses on dignity of the guest and family. We rely on the support of the land and use ritual to connect us back to nature and self.
Hospice Care Requirement
Guests are required to have their own hospice agency for medical needs, allowing our focus to remain on holistic support.

Compassionate End-of-Life Care at The Bardo

The Bardo staff, facilitators, and trained community volunteers, become an extension of your care team, providing holistic and compassionate care around the clock. The Bardo staff and support team create a social model of care for the dying person and their loved ones. Guests continue to work with their hospice provider to ensure direct medical care.

We work in close collaboration with local hospice agencies and hospitals to ensure a seamless referral, admission, and care process. Once a guest is admitted to The Bardo, we follow the hospice care plan provided by their chosen hospice provider.

Families are welcome to stay with their loved ones, especially in the final 24-48 hours, with accommodations for 1-2 provided for rest and reflection.

Hospice professionals—including nurses, social workers, bath aides, and chaplains—visit The Bardo regularly, just as they would in a private home. Our team acts as advocates for our guests, ensuring their needs and wishes are honored throughout their dying process.

Compassionate End-of-Life Care at The Bardo Could Look Like:

Personal care and grooming
Therapeutic touch and comfort measures
Education and guidance around the dying process
Music and song at the bedside
Peaceful presence and companionship
Listening to and honoring life stories
Vigil sitting and fire keeping

Services We Cannot Provide

Curative medical treatments, tube feedings, tracheotomy care, acute or in-patient level care, blood sugar management, physical therapy

The Bardo: Your Sanctuary for End-of-Life Care

The Bardo provides a unique space where individuals and families can find comfort, dignity, and support during the end-of-life journey. We are committed to reimagining how society experiences death, creating an environment rooted in compassion and community.

How We Support You

The Bardo is designed to support you from the moment of diagnosis through your final breath and beyond. We are a team of trained professionals dedicated to accompanying you and your loved ones on this significant journey. Whether you require support with the practical and medical aspects of this experience or wish to explore the deeper meanings of this precious life, we are here to provide unwavering support.

Personalized and Compassionate Care

At The Bardo, we recognize that each experience is unique. We offer the flexibility to design a support program that best serves your personal situation. Our compassionate care encompasses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support, ensuring dignity and peace for you and your loved ones.

If you're exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, we're here to help you understand whether The Bardo may be a fit. We offer a free 30-minute information session by phone, Zoom, or in person.

“I want there to be a place in the world where people can engage in one another’s differences in a way that is redemptive, full of hope and possibility.”

- bell hooks