Hospice
A Place of Comfort, Care, and Compassion
Hospice is a service for patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less. Care goals change from treating the disease to providing comfort care. When patients are free of pain and other distressing symptoms, their energy can focus on what is important to them, leading to a better quality of life.
Great River Health Hospice provides end-of-life physical, emotional, and spiritual care to patients and families in Des Moines, Henry, Lee, Louisa, and VanBuren counties. Our Hospice is certified by Medicare and Medicaid.
Want to memorialize a loved one who spent time in hospice? Gifts from generous donors strengthen our program, provide discretionary dollars to improve patient experiences and support families during a difficult period of time.
Why choose Great River health Hospice?
We provide complete physical, emotional, and spiritual care in a patient’s home or our Hospice House.
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We have provided end-of-life needs to southeast Iowa residents since 2002 as the area’s only hospice house: a peaceful and cozy six-suite, one-story house along our West Burlington campus lake.
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We’re a locally owned and managed not-for-profit organization. Decisions are made based on the needs of local patients, families, and the community. Our staff members live nearby, assuring access to care when needed and a neighborly approach.
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We offer a comprehensive Music Care program. Trained volunteer musicians provide music to help alleviate pain, enhance memory, express feelings, improve communication, and manage stress.
- We have a higher percentage of nurses who are certified in hospice and palliative care than most other hospice care providers and more than 150 local volunteers who provide companionship, run errands, do light housekeeping, make quilts, and help with other meaningful activities.
- We take a holistic approach. Great River Health patients and their families receive comprehensive care. The transition into our care is smooth because we routinely work closely with the healthcare providers who serve you. We even offer free bereavement resources throughout the year for those needing help coping with grief.
- We provide access to quality care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay through our charity-care program.
When to call Hospice
The decision to request hospice care is a personal one. Generally, the earlier the patients and families begin to receive hospice services, the more they benefit. A patient should consider hospice care if:
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Activities of daily living have become difficult
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Pain is not well-controlled
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Symptoms are increasingly uncomfortable and difficult to manage
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Treatment will no longer cure the disease
Our Hospice team
A holistic team of Great River health practitioners, employees, and volunteers collaborate to provide the best comprehensive care for each patient. Our hospice staff includes:
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Physicians
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Registered nurses
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Social workers/grief support counselors
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Chaplains
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Certified nursing assistants
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Hospice House nursing aides
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Volunteers
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Pharmacist
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Dietitian
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Musicians
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Therapists – physical, occupational, speech and massage
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Community Relations Advisory Board
Our bereavement program
Our care doesn’t end when a patient passes. Because we recognize the time following a loved one's death is often difficult, we offer a 13-month bereavement program to help guide survivors through the grieving process. It includes:
- Individual grief counseling
- Supportive telephone phone calls and information
- A memorial service
Learn more about navigating grief at Great River Health by watching the video below.
Free community support groups and grief workshops are offered throughout the year. Find upcoming opportunities on our Calendar of Events.
Grief Support Library
The Grief Support Library at Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health & Hospice is open to the community and made possible by a grant from the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 150. Books may be checked out for one month at no cost. Other resources may be used in the house from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Supporting Great River Health Hospice
Generous donations of money, items, and time help us provide the best quality care to patients and their families during difficult transitions. We kindly ask you to consider supporting our efforts in one of the following ways:
Donate Financially
While health insurance helps cover the cost of medical care, Great River Health strives to continuously improve and expand Hospice resources available to patients and their families.
Donate SUPPLIES
Our Hospice House uses many of the same items you may already have in your home. Please review our wish list and consider helping us serve our families with a generous donation. Items can be dropped off daily between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Please include your name and address so we can acknowledge your donation. Questions? Call 319-768-3352.
Make LAP QUILTS AND CROCHETED ANGELS
Every patient receives a handmade lap quilt when they are admitted to Hospice. Family members and friends often sign or write memories on the back of the quilts. Patients’ family members receive crocheted angels. If you want to share your talents in making these gifts, please call 319-768-3374.
become a VOLUNTEER
Hospice volunteers may work with patients and their families in their homes or at the hospice house. They also help the program in many other ways, such as providing companionship to patients, running errands for families, doing clerical work, and planning fundraisers. Volunteers with previous hospice training also are encouraged to join our Hospice team. Only an orientation is required.
Volunteer requirements:
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Be at least 16 years old
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Pass a criminal background check
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Attend a four-part training
