Iowa's Only Locally, Family Owned & Operated Hospice
We understand that this is a challenging period, and we're here to provide compassionate care and guidance every step of the way.
Families depend on us for daily support to ease the burden, and we are more than willing to share the load they are feeling during this difficult time in the life of their loved one.
Wherever our patients call home, our team of medical professionals provides the care that is needed, as well as the opportunity to live life to the fullest.
Who We Are
At Sacred Encounter Hospice, we prioritize effective pain management and symptom control while also extending emotional and spiritual support to families. Our comprehensive approach to hospice care, delivered by our dedicated interdisciplinary team, differentiates Sacred Encounter Hospice within the field. We recognize that quality of life is as significant as its duration.
Our values are consistently upheld in our interactions with patients, families, and the wider community. During times of uncertainty or distress, we respond promptly, ensuring clear communication and high-quality services. Our standard and commitment are that every visit is done as if it was our first, our last or our only.
Love is our Soul purpose
To provide compassionate, loving, exceptional end-of-life care that enhances the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their families through personalized medical, emotional and spiritual support. We do this knowing that every interaction, touch, or communication with a patient, family member, or community partner is a Sacred Encounter.
Sacred Encounter Hospice offers all four recognized levels of care as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), equipping us to address a wide range of complex patient and family needs.
Ongoing care delivered wherever the patient calls home — personal bedrooms, apartments, or assisted living facilities.
Short-term inpatient care providing temporary relief for primary caregivers when they need a break.
Intensive care in a facility setting for acute symptom management that cannot be managed at home.
Around-the-clock nursing care during periods of crisis to achieve comfort and manage acute symptoms.
Treating patients, families and community partners with deep empathy, listening closely to their needs, and going beyond basics to ease pain and fear; coordinating seamless care or just being there during tough moments. It's all about human connection over clinical efficiency.
Staying true to our mission on delivering honest, ethical care without shortcuts. Always respecting patient's wishes, keeping promises on pain relief, and handling resources transparently so families and facilities trust we are guiding with compassion, not convenience.
Treating every person as a whole, valued individual, no matter their condition. Our staff honor personal choices, maintain privacy, and speak kindly — ensuring no one is reduced to just their illness. It's about preserving humanity till the end.
This means everyone — our entire interdisciplinary team works hand-in-hand to create a smooth, supportive experience for the patient and family. Sharing insights, coordinating schedules so care never drops off, and backing each other up during emotional times, all to keep that compassionate focus front and center.
We strive for the highest standards in every detail — whether it's precise pain management, warm communication, or emotional support. It's pushing to make each and every moment count, never settling, so families can be families and we can deliver care that truly eases their journey.
It is important to incorporate moments of lightness — such as music, laughing, or storytelling — to uplift spirits even during periods of grief. This approach does not disregard the presence of pain; rather, it provides a balance by introducing moments of joy, thereby affirming that life continues to possess vitality.
Hospice isn't focused on dying; it's about making the most of every day you have left and finding enjoyment in life.
We know that although there might not be a cure, there can always be healing.
Understanding Hospice
Hospice care represents a compassionate, patient-centered approach to medical and supportive services delivered when curative treatment no longer serves the goal.
A hospice team is comprised of registered nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides, and volunteers who meet regularly to craft individualized plans of care.
Beyond the body, they address soul-work: clergy-led time with the patient or quiet companionship when talking feels impossible. Social workers untangle insurance knots, help with end-of-life wishes, and help draft advance directives if needed.
Physicians — Attending Physicians, Hospice Physicians, Medical Directors and Nurse Practitioners available to oversee all clinical aspects of hospice care and provide medical education to community and facility staff.
Registered Hospice Nurses Visits — Scheduled according to your individualized hospice nursing care plan. Treatments address pain, discomfort, anxiety, breathing, nausea, and other symptoms. Medications are provided as needed.
Nurse Aide Visits — Scheduled to aid with personal care: bathing, feeding, dressing and other duties.
Medical Social Services — Social workers and Chaplains scheduled for hospice counseling, program implementation, insurance coverage, support and follow-up visits.
Volunteer Services — Scheduled for companionship, errands and light duties.
Bereavement Services — Bereavement services to all family members and loved ones for a minimum of 13 months post loss. Bereavement specialists offer grief support groups in-person and virtually throughout the year.
Therapy Services — In addition to the Medicare standard therapies of Physical, Occupational and Speech, we offer complementary Music and Massage Therapy to help our patients manage pain, reduce anxiety, and express emotion through music.
On-Call Hospice Support — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Supplies — We provide medication, medical equipment and medical supplies related to the hospice diagnosis, including incontinence supplies.
Dietary Counseling
Hospice care often occurs wherever patients call home — personal bedrooms, apartments, nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities, just to name a few.
Medicare Part A, Medicaid, VA and most Commercial Insurances — the hospice benefit covers all medications, durable medical equipment such as hospital beds, and medical supplies related to the terminal diagnosis.
Every breath carries honor, every tear gets space, every goodbye gets witness.
....because every Encounter is Sacred.
Reach Out
We're here to answer your questions and provide guidance whenever you need us. Don't hesitate to reach out — every conversation is a sacred encounter.