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, 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 facility is designed to accommodate up to three guests at a time, ensuring each person receives the attentive, personalized care they deserve.
​Comprehensive and Compassionate Care
At The Bardo IGH, 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.
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A Model Home for End-of-Life Care
Situated in Inver Grove Heights, our home serves as an exemplary model for Bardo homes across Minnesota and beyond. Unlike traditional hospice facilities, The Bardo IGH is not a federally licensed hospice home, offering an alternative setting where individuals can spend their final days surrounded by nature and tranquility. Our model challenges conventional notions of end-of-life care by emphasizing the importance of a peaceful, nurturing environment that feels like home.
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Inspiring Change Beyond State Borders
The success of The Bardo IGH as a model home is not confined to Minnesota. Our innovative approach has the potential to inspire similar initiatives in other states and regions, encouraging a shift towards more personalized, compassionate end-of-life care settings. As awareness grows around the benefits of such environments, we hope to see more communities adopting our model, creating spaces where individuals can experience a dignified and serene transition.
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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 compassionate, home-like settings, The Bardo IGH 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.
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The Bardo IGH is more than just a sanctuary for those in their final days; it is a beacon of hope, illustrating the power of compassionate care. 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.
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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. ​​​​
We are not hosting terminal guests at this time. To stay in touch, please join our mailing list. For specific questions, email: info@thebardo.com
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Residential Care
Enjoy peaceful surroundings of natural sanctuary, expert staff and volunteers, and a beautiful home setting.
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Round-the-Clock Volunteer & Staff Care
Compassionate care from staff & volunteers, with family members welcome to stay and offer their personalized care.
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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 to provide holistic and compassionate care around the clock. The Bardo staff and support team creates a social model of care for a dying person and their loved ones. Guests will work with their hospice provider for ensure direct medical care.
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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 your chosen hospice provider.
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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.
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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: ​
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Personal grooming and care
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Therapeutic touch and comfort measures
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Education and guidance on the dying process
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Music and song at the bedside
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Peaceful presence and companionship
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Listening to and honoring life stories
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Vigil sitting and fire keeping
Services We Cannot Provide
Skilled nursing care or 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.
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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.
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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.
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Looking for guidance?
We're here to help you navigate through our programs and offerings to see how they can meet your specific needs.
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Our 30-minute information session is free of charge and can take place in person, via phone, or on Zoom. You can fill out our interest form to request a free information session, and to let us know more details about the services you are curious about. Once we receive your information, we will reach out to you promptly to discuss how we can best meet your needs.
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Please refer to our Services section for specific resources, classes, or experiences tailored to your needs.
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You can also sign up for our mailing list here or send us an email at info@thebardo.com to learn more about how we can support you. Let us guide you in the profound power of compassionate care and the dignity of life’s final chapter.
“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