What is hospice?

Hospice Care affirms life. We provide continuity of care with expert long-term staff who have years of hospice experience. Hospice exists in the hope and belief that through appropriate care and a compassionate community, patients and families may be free to attain a high degree of physical, emotional and spiritual preparation for end of life.

Anyone can refer anyone to Iowa River Hospice. We provide hospice services wherever the need is within our service area.

Starting a conversation about hospice options with someone you love can be difficult. Iowa River Hospice is here so you don’t have to take the journey alone.

Benefits of choosing your “Local Hospice”

Care is provided in the patient’s home setting or in our state-of-the-art hospice home. We provide 24/7 on call services for our outpatients that is staffed by 2 nurses to answer questions or provide care. Our staff live within a 40-mile radius of Marshalltown which provides quick response to the patient’s home.

In addition to nursing services, we provide hospice aides, chaplains, social workers, volunteers, music therapy, massage therapy and pharmacist consultation services to provide care and support to our patients and their caregivers. Bereavement and grief counseling is also available via support groups as well as individual conversations.

Is my loved one ready for hospice?

The presence of one or more of the below symptoms may suggest someone is eligible for hospice:

  • Serious illness with a six month or less end-of-life diagnosis from the patient’s health care provider
  • Decline in clinical status
  • Changes/increased assistance with daily activities (ADLs)
  • Increased hospitalizations or visits to the ER
  • Pain and/or restlessness that has become more difficult to control
  • Increased infections (upper respiratory, urinary tract, etc.)
  • Decline in mental status
  • Increased weakness, fatigue, drowsiness

What services does hospice provide?

Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits and most private insurance cover the cost of the hospice benefit. Services include: 

  • Access to Iowa River Hospice’s team of experienced professionals providing in-home care guiding the care plan (doctors, nurses, aides, spiritual care counselors, social workers and volunteers)
  • Symptom management available 24/7, including access to medications and necessary medical equipment (i.e. hospital beds, lift chairs, oxygen)
  • Education for illness, diagnosis and management
  • Help with care coordination and conflict resolution
  • Improved quality of life and less stress for patient, family and caregivers
  • Access to the area’s only Hospice Home for respite care or for short-term pain and symptom management