Why Choose St. Croix Hospice in Des Moines, IA

Local St. Croix Hospice caregivers live in the communities they serve, providing in-person care for hospice patients wherever they call home, including private residences, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. With hospice care services in Des Moines, IA, we bring our expert care directly to you.

Services We Offer

Expert Clinical Care

Our holistic hospice model puts patients at the center of the hospice care journey, surrounded by an expert hospice team who provide comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual support.

Learn about Expert Clinical Care
Family Support

St. Croix Hospice includes support for loved ones to address end-of-life questions, help with advance care plans, respite and vigil care, and offer bereavement support.

Learn about Family Support
Lighthouse End-of-Life Planning Program™

Our Lighthouse End-of-Life Planning Program™ can light the way for your loved ones to support your healthcare wishes when you are unable to speak for yourself and handle your affairs when you are gone.

Learn about the Lighthouse End-of-Life Planning Program™
InTouch Family Connection Program

Tools, technology, educational resources and support to keep patients and loved ones connected, even when they are apart.

Learn about Intouch Family Connection Program
North Star Dementia Program™

Proactive symptom management for hospice patients with Alzheimer’s and  dementia-related disorders to provide a safe environment and improved quality of life for patients and caregivers. When you choose St. Croix Hospice in Des Moines, you’ll receive care from a Dementia Care Certified care team.

Learn about the North Star Dementia Program™
Voyage Vigil Program™

Increased care team presence at the bedside when signs and symptoms indicate a patient is approaching their final days.

Learn about the Voyage Vigil Program™

Your Care Team

Graphic displaying St. Croix Hospice care team specialities

  • RN Case Manager: St. Croix Hospice RN Case Managers ensure all Des Moines hospice care services are coordinated and managed appropriately. The RN Case Manager facilitates communication between the hospice and other health care providers involved in the patient’s care. The RN Case Manager secures all necessary medications, supplies and equipment related to terminal illness and related conditions. The RN Case Manager incorporates specialized nursing skills related to palliative care and end-of-life care into all clinical care provided. The RN Case Manager will provide the patient and family/caregiver with education regarding the disease process, self-care techniques, end-of-life care and processes for addressing ethical issues.
  • Physician Services: St. Croix Hospice Physicians provide oversight of Physician Services by complementing attending physician care, acting as a medical resource to the interdisciplinary group, assuring continuity of hospice medical services and confirming the appropriate measures to control patient symptoms.
  • Social Worker: St. Croix Hospice Social Workers offer support to patients and caregivers for the emotional challenges of terminal illness. Services provided by the Social Worker include counseling, identifying community resources, help with funeral plans or legal matters, and information about advance directives.
  • Hospice Aide: St. Croix Hospice Aides administer routine personal care including: bathing, washing hair, range of motion activities, dressing changes, assisting the patient to the bathroom, use of commode or bed pan, assisting with meal preparation, feeding the patient, light housekeeping and/or linen changes. Hospice Aides do not administer medication. Aide activities will be assigned and supervised by the RN Case Manager.
  • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapists: St. Croix Hospice contracted licensed Therapists or licensed Therapy Assistants provide rehabilitation services to promote the patient’s ability to continue activities of daily living, perform basic skills and manage symptoms. Rehabilitation services are not necessarily appropriate for all hospice patients. Ask your local hospice in Des Moines for more information about rehabilitation services.
  • Volunteers: St. Croix Hospice Volunteers work with your care team to provide companionship, emotional support and conversation. Volunteers may be scheduled regularly or come for a single visit.
  • Spiritual Counselors: Non-denominational St. Croix Hospice Spiritual Counselors, or “Chaplains,” provide spiritual care when requested. They can help patients and families navigate feelings such as fear, grief, forgiveness and anger during scheduled visits. Chaplains can also provide guidance with funeral services or connecting you with other spiritual support in the Greater Des Moines community. Chaplains will not try to change your beliefs or impose their own beliefs.
  • Dietary Counselor: Hospice care services in Des Moines and the surrounding areas can include nutritional counseling. Nutritional counseling may be implemented to ensure dietary needs are met.
  • Bereavement Counselor: Bereavement Counselors help family and caregivers navigate grief and provide information and resources. Bereavement support is also provided for up to 13 months following a patient’s death. The primary caregiver and all family members can receive bereavement support which may include phone calls, newsletters, visits and referrals to outside organizations. Contact one of our local hospices in Des Moines for additional information about bereavement services.