Letter to the Editor: Hospice meets needs of patients, families

By Judy Hauser, Julie Betsinger, John Flint, Steph Hanson, Gladys Kellogg, Chuck LeMaster, Mary Mooberry, Myrna Pitkin, Rod Rindahl, Myrna Ross and Angie Smith

Hospice of North Iowa local board members

All across the nation November was Hospice Month — a time people learned more about Hospice and what the services can mean to a patient and family.

Hospice is not a place, but a cost-effective medically based program for very ill patients. It not only deals with pain and symptom control but addresses the psychological, social and spiritual needs of the patient and the family. Bereavement follow-up after a death is also a part of hospice.

A goal of hospice is to treat all people with dignity and respect. Hospice is a team effort! Along with medical professionals in our area who help to control pain and manage symptoms, Hospice of North Iowa staff, volunteers and incredible family care givers all help a patient to “live each day” possible.

All others, including our local advisory board, committee, donors and people who support hospice in unique and giving ways, are also part of the team.

A very meaningful Tree of Life ceremony was held Monday night at the St. John Lutheran Church in Charles City. For many years a large crowd of folks has bought a light on the tree to honor or memorialize a loved one, some served by Hospice of North Iowa in the past.

Anyone who wants to can still donate by sending a check to Hospice of North Iowa, 232 2nd Street SE, Mason City, IA 50401.

Monies received go to patient care for those in this service area.

A family who recently used our local, nonprofit hospice said, “They were absolutely phenomenal in their care/concern of our dad. We discovered that it’s a Medicare benefit too, which really helped with our expenses. We just should have called hospice sooner.”

If you have questions or need hospice help, please call Hospice of North Iowa at 641-428-6208 or 800-297-4719.

Thank you to Hospice of North Iowa staff, Charles City site, who have touched hundreds of lives in the past 28 years. Please keep up your caring, compassionate work. God bless all!