About

Mission

Provide compassionate end-of-life care for those facing death and bereavement.

Vision

To be the recognized leader and community’s choice in providing exceptional and compassionate hospice care.

Guiding Principles

Making Moments Matter

We embrace the unique and sacred nature of all moments, big and small. In doing so, we work to intentionally hold and create space for such moments to be fostered, experienced, and treasured for our patients, families, and each other.

Compassion

We serve patients, families, and each other with kindness, empathy, and attention to the holistic needs of all individuals. We seek to create caring, nurturing, and accepting environments for all.

Dependability

We take seriously the trust patients and families place in us and are dedicated to making every day the best. We will work together as a team to provide access to our services in the fastest, most effective way possible, assisting that we meet the individual needs of patients, families, and referral partners in a timely manner.

Respect

We accept and treat patients and families wherever they are — culturally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically — honoring their wishes, needs, hopes, and goals. 

Excellence

In our hearts, we strive for excellence in all we do and are committed to bringing the highest level of knowledge and skills in hospice to our community now and for generations to come. We are committed to the advancement of end-of-life knowledge and are always teaching and learning from our patients, families, volunteers, co-workers, and the community.

Integrity

We will be true to our purpose and have the heart and courage to maintain open and honest communication with patients, families, and each other.

Our Story

Iowa River Hospice is a non-profit organization with strong community support, committed to serving community needs within a 50-mile radius. We are proud to be one of the first hospices in the country to receive Medicare and Medicaid funding.

With the opening of our Hospice Home in 2009, we’ve continued to excel in care, whether that care is performed at home, in nursing facilities, or at our Iowa River Hospice Home. 

History

Iowa River Hospice, Inc. officially began on January 29, 1983.

Community interest and support for the hospice concept came from many people whom we thank for their work:

• Beth Weitzel, RN and Paula Rutherford RN were at the forefront of Iowa River Hospice's conception.
• First Executive Director, Edie Avery.
• Dr. Milton Van Gundy and Dr. Tom Foley were involved with Hospice during the planning stages. Dr. Milton Van Gundy also assumed the volunteer position of Medical Director for many years.

2001 brought a large monetary gift from Mid Lander’s estate for a possible Hospice Home. A steering committee was formed, hospice homes were visited and extensive research and planning took place. 

Following a successful capital campaign to raise $2.1 million, our Hospice Home became a reality in 2009 with our first inpatient admitted on July 13.