"Our family had dealt with HCI (Hospice of Central Iowa) both in-home care and the actually HCI facility. Our mother of 93 years of age was told by her doctor that he could no longer handle her medical affairs and she was living her last few months with assistance from HCI in-home nurse and aide. The comfort both the nurse and aide provided us with, was absolutely a remarkable experience! They always had smiles on their faces and were so gentle with Mom and it made us feel at ease (since we thought we were the only ones to give mom the love she deserved). The last month of mom's life, we transported her to the HCI Facility, we could not of been more happier with the way the nurses and aides handled mom. They really made us feel comfortable with our stay there. So gentle, compassionate and caring all of the staff was to not only Mom but all of our family. Since losing mom, we look back and could not have asked for a more comforting, caring and loving place for her last days of life. They prepared us and mom for her end of life and made our lives more acceptable for the loss of mom. I would recommend them to any family in our area to assist in any end of life experience. The whole staff are angels on earth!! "

Saint Jude Hospice operates eight hospices in four states. The mission of Saint Jude Hospice is to bring compassionate care into the homes of those suffering from a life-limiting or terminal illness. Hospice services are available for those who have decided, with the consent of their family physician, to receive comfort care rather than seek a cure for their illness. Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and individuals provide the funding for hospice services. No one will be turned away from our hospice services because of an inability to pay.Services:Medical CareDoctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists focus on the comfort and care of patients.Home Health / Homemaker ServicesNursing assistants attend to patients' needs such as bathing, grooming, and changing bed linens.Help with Daily LivingMedical social workers address family-life issues, work demands, and financial needs.Short-term Inpatient CareShort-term inpatient care may be provided in a participating hospice inpatient unit, or a participating hospital or nursing facility. General inpatient care may be required for pain control or acute or chronic symptom management that cannot be provided in other settings.Continuous Home CareContinuous home care may be provided during periods of acute crisis to maintain patients at home for a minimum of eight hours and up to 24 hours per day.Emotional and Spiritual SupportChaplains, clergy, counselors, and hospice volunteers offer understanding and support to patients and their families.Respite ServicesRespite services may be provided to relieve patients' families or other persons caring for the individual. These services can be provided in an inpatient or a nursing facility.Durable Medical Equipment and SuppliesDurable medical equipment as well as other self-help and personal comfort items related to palliation or management of a illness is covered. Medical supplies include those that are part of the written plan of care.MedicationsMedications are provided to aid in patient care and comfort. Medications that are related to terminal illnesses are provided at no cost to patients.Music TherapyPatients and their families are provided with the soothing sounds of instruments, played in their own homes, to calm and comfort.Bereavement CareTrained hospice staff and volunteers counsel family members during their bereavement at no cost to the family. Personal counseling, support groups, and classes are made available to families on an ongoing basis.Volunteer ServicesVolunteers are a vital part of the hospice care team. They serve as helping hands, companions, and sympathetic listeners. Volunteers assist with patient and family care as well as community outreach, education, and office needs. They also serve as speakers and educators and help with special events. Hospice offers training for individuals interested in volunteering.Speakers and EducationSpeakers are provided for community groups to learn more about Saint Jude Hospice's programs and services.

"My husband has an in home nurse that comes once a week, her name is Erin. She is a very compassionate, caring and understanding person. She even calls on Memorial Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day to thank him for his service to our country. She calls to check on him when she knows he hasn't been feeling well and to check on him after he has had surgery. She makes him feel important even with all of his illnesses and disabilities, which keeps him going and adds to his independency. She reiterates over and over that he is not a burden but a very important part of society, of his family and of his country. She is a true asset to our family, a wonderful, caring, compassionate individual and nurse. "