A hospice story close to home: an Iowa colleague reflects on her family’s journey

In this heartfelt reflection, a MercyOne colleague recounts her family’s hospice journey in Iowa and the reassurance, stability and compassion her mother received through MercyOne Des Moines Hospice. Her story offers a personal look at how hospice care supports patients and families when it matters most.

Sometimes the most meaningful stories come from within our own walls.

Jodie S., a colleague with the MercyOne health system in Iowa, experienced hospice care not as a caregiver, but as a daughter. When her mother, Marianne, was referred to MercyOne Des Moines Hospice, Jodie witnessed firsthand the compassion, clarity and dignity hospice teams strive to provide every day.

What follows is Jodie’s story, shared in her own words, about her family’s hospice journey and the comfort that came from choosing MercyOne Des Moines Hospice.

By Jodie S., hospice family member and MercyOne colleague
________________________________________
In 2021, my mom, Marianne, moved to Des Moines from her small hometown of about 800 people. It was a huge change, coming at a time marked by several major life events: a new diagnosis of congestive heart failure, the death of her husband and recovery from significant back surgery. It was a very challenging time to begin a new life at 81 years old.

She built strong relationships with her care team and received thoughtful, attentive medical care. Still, as her condition became more complex, she experienced frequent hospitalizations and multiple transitions back to skilled nursing care.

As her daughter – and as a MercyOne colleague – I was grateful for the care my mother received, but increasingly concerned about the cycle of hospital stays and long recoveries. Wanting greater stability, comfort and support for her, I requested a referral to MercyOne Des Moines Hospice later that year. Based on my prior experience working alongside hospice physicians and care teams, I understood the compassion and attentiveness hospice care could provide.

At first, my mom was unsure what hospice might mean for her. But as she learned that hospice would help minimize transitions, reduce hospital visits and provide more support in her assisted living community, she felt comforted and reassured.

Throughout her time with MercyOne Des Moines Hospice, the hospice team stayed closely connected with both my mom and our family. They answered questions, offered guidance and clearly explained each change in her condition. Staff members at her assisted living facility also shared how responsive and professional the hospice nurses and aides were, reinforcing our confidence in the care she was receiving.

Just before Christmas, medication changes were discussed. Together, the hospice team and our family agreed to delay any adjustments so my mom could fully enjoy the holiday season, as she had been doing relatively well. Sadly, during that time, illnesses spread through her community, and my mom passed away shortly after.

Our family remains deeply grateful for the compassionate and dignified care she received – especially during the holidays and in her final days. Choosing MercyOne Des Moines Hospice was absolutely the right decision for our family, and we hope others will have access to this same level of comfort, support and understanding when they need it most.
________________________________________
Jodie and her family later shared personalized letters of thanks with Hospice Medical Director Dr. McCoy and the care team – a reflection of the trust, compassion and dignity they experienced throughout their hospice journey.