Hospice Care

Providing the care and support necessary for a terminally ill patient to die peacefully, pain-free and symptom-free is part of the continuum of care provided by Mary Greeley Medical Center. Compassionate end-of-life care is provided at home, in the hospital, at care facilities and our beautiful Israel Family Hospice House.

Our Team Approach

The hospice team includes nurses, therapists, and dedicated volunteers who are specially trained in end-of-life care. They are able to help address the medical, social, spiritual, psychological and emotional needs of patients, caregivers and families.

Hospice is a Medicare benefit and is covered by most insurance for individuals with a terminal diagnosis of six months or less to live. No referral is needed to consult with one of our professionals to determine whether a patient fits the hospice criteria. However, a physician referral is required to begin hospice services.

Israel Family Hospice House

Located in Ames, the Israel Family Hospice House provides a quiet setting for those receiving end-of-life care outside of their own homes.

Twelve spacious, comfortable private rooms accommodate family members and loved ones. A courtyard garden offers a place for family gatherings and peaceful reflection.

Respite care is also available through the Israel Family Hospice House for caregivers who require a break or become ill.

A special endowment of the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation supports the Israel Family Hospice Care, ensuring its services into the future.

Hospice Home Care

Hospice staff visits the patient wherever he or she may be, whether at home, in the hospital or in a nursing home. Our home-based hospice care serves Ames and a 50-mile radius around it.

Additional Services

In addition to the Israel Family Hospice House and Hospice Home care, Mary Greeley Medical Center also offers:

  • Bereavement support
  • Family counseling
  • Assistance finding and connecting to financial support and other resources
  • Community education in living wills and advance directives
  • Caregiver support and education

Contact Us

For more information about Mary Greeley Medical Center Hospice Home Care & Israel Family Hospice House, call 515-956-6000. To place a referral or to schedule a visit, call 515-956-6040.

Advance Directives

A Living Will is a type of advance directive that documents personal wishes about end-of-life medical treatment in case decision-making or communication abilities are lost.

Download a Living Will

Download Combined Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney

The IPOST is a physicians order form that details a patient's end-of-life treatment choices, designed to be portable and honored in any treatment setting.

Download an IPOST