As the end of life nears, having the comfort and support of our hospice care team at your side can bring a sense of peace to you, whether you are the patient or their family.
Our hospice healthcare professionals are specially trained to care for the patient’s emotional, physical, and spiritual needs during the last six months of life. Hospice care can be provided in the home, serving Des Moines, Henry, Lee, and Louisa counties in Iowa, or in the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House. The hospice care team focuses on improving quality of life at the end of life, managing pain and other symptoms, and helping patients and their families understand the dying process.
On the banks of the scenic lake located on the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center West Burlington campus, is our Hospice House. Designed to provide a peaceful retreat for patients at the end of life, this six-suite home is more than a building. The full team of healthcare professionals who care for the residents of the hospice house provides comfort to the patient and the family. If you are interested in finding out more about the hospice house, speak with your hospice nurse or call 319.768.3350.
Now accepting new patients—physician's order required.
Your care team
- Physicians
- Registered nurses
- Medical social workers
- Certified nursing assistants
- Therapists, including physical, occupational, speech, massage, pet and music
- Chaplains, if requested
- Volunteers
Services provided
- Medication management
- Disease management
- Personal care
- Counseling and support
- Arrangement of medical supplies and equipment for use in the home
- 24-hour on-call nurse support
- Communication with healthcare providers
- Bereavement support after the patient’s death
Grief support
Bereavement program
Our care doesn’t end when a patient passes away. 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.
The program includes:
- Individual grief counseling
- Supportive telephone calls and education
- Memorial services
You can find out when our free workshops and support groups are offered on our Event Calendar.
Library
The Grief Support Library is located in the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House and is open to the community. Books may be checked out for one month at no cost. The Grief Support Library is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. This community benefit is made possible by a grant from the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 150.
Donations
Generous donations of money, items, and time help us provide the best quality care to patients and their families as they transition to hospice care. Every gift will be used to enhance or expand the care we provide to our community members at a most precious time in their lives.
Volunteering
There are many ways you can volunteer your time with our hospice program. Our goal is to align your talents with the needs of our patients. We have volunteer opportunities available with our in-home care, as well as, at the hospice house. These include:
- Making lap blankets or crocheted angels – every patient receives a handmade lap blanket, and every family member receives a crocheted angel. If this is where your talent lies, please call 319.768.3374.
- Patient companions
- Family support – running errands
- Front desk/office work
- Fundraising
All volunteers will participate in a four-part training session and orientation. Learn more about volunteering at Great River Health.
Patient testimonials
