Mahaska Health Partnership Explains Hospice Care
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – For those needing care due to a terminal illness or aging, Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Services has options available to help a patient and their loved ones during their time of need.
MHP Hospice Patient Care Coordinator Kim Stek, RN, explained who hospice is for. “People with terminal diagnoses often require healthcare services beyond what their family can provide. Whether it’s in their home, a long-term care facility or an inpatient setting like our Hospice Serenity House, we can provide care to take the burden off the family and allow everyone to enjoy the time they have.”
Stek explained the goal of the Hospice Serenity House has been to lessen the burden on families and caregivers since it opened in 2010. “Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, and exhausting, especially when family members often have jobs. With the Serenity House, patients can have a home away from home with 24-hour professional care from MHP.
“Many families comment on the wonderful care provided and beautiful facility after utilizing the Serenity House,” Stek continued. “We often hear a family’s biggest regret is not calling us sooner. We are proud to be able to provide comfort, support and peace of mind to patients and their loved ones in whatever setting they need it; our job is to assist with care, so families can focus on quality time together.”
For those looking for care inside the home, MHP offers hospice care to residents in Mahaska, Keokuk and surrounding counties. “Some individuals prefer to stay at home, rather than a hospice facility, as long as they are able,” Stek explained. “We offer many services, including daily living activities, vital signs, pain management and various therapies, all in the comfort of home.”
Services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. “Regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, they will not be denied services,” Stek reassured. “We work with families and make sure that the proper care is provided, without worrying about the financial side of things.
“At MHP, we believe hospice care is really about quality of life,” Stek explained. “Dealing with a terminal illness is never easy; our job is to help in any way possible to lessen that burden. All of our caregivers are extensively trained to provide the specialized care patients need, so families can instead focus on what’s most important; making memories with their loved ones.”
For more information about the home health, hospice and palliative care options at MHP, call 641.672.3260. Anyone can make a referral and services are provided throughout Mahaska and Keokuk counties, surrounding areas, and at the MHP Hospice Serenity House.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.
