Cherokee Regional Hospice

09/30/2026

Today we celebrate 6 years with our one and only music therapist, Audra. For the past six years, she has shared her gift of music with our patients and families, creating moments of comfort and connection. Here is what Audra has to say:

⭐ What inspired you to become a music therapist?
I grew up very involved in music and loved everything about it. When in high school, I read the book, Music as Medicine by Deforia Lane, and was inspired to become a music therapist. I wanted to use music as a therapeutic tool to help others through their experiences, so I majored in music therapy at Wartburg College.
⭐ What are some of your favorite ways to use music with patients?
One of my favorite ways to use music with patients is to help stimulate memories. I start playing guitar and singing an old dance song and they might remember meeting their spouse at a dance, or an old country song might bring back memories of growing up on a farm. I get to hear some great stories! Spiritual music can be very comforting and I enjoy singing a patient's favorite old hymns that remind them of their faith and bring them peace. I also love it when patients start singing along or even simply tapping their feet to the beat.
⭐ What are some of your favorite songs to play for patients?
The best music for music therapy is whatever my patients prefer. Some days I'll play a range of music from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Carrie Underwood, CCR, Taylor Swift, and the Gaithers, all before the end of the afternoon. It's a fun variety! My personal favorite songs are contemporary Christian.
⭐ When you're not working, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy spending time with my family, attending my boys' sporting and music events, gardening, reading, and of course, making music.

Thank you, Audra, for 6 wonderful years with Cherokee Regional Hospice!

09/24/2026

Hope you can join us!!

We’re excited to welcome our community to a FREE educational event at Holstein Senior Living!

Join us for Begin at the Kitchen Table: An Advance Care Planning Conversation in partnership with Cherokee Regional Hospice/CRMC.

📅 Wednesday, October 14
🕞 3:30 PM
📍 Holstein Senior Living
1500 S Kiel St., Holstein

We’ll discuss important advance care planning topics including IPOST, Living Wills, Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, and Five Wishes.

Whether you’re just beginning these conversations or reviewing plans already in place, this is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and feel more prepared.

Refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome!

Cherokee Regional Medical Center
Cherokee Regional Hospice
Holstein and The Ridge Senior Living

09/17/2026

Thank you Golden Horizons of Ida Grove for the opportunity to share about the importance of talking about your future healthcare wishes.
Happy Assisted Living Week!

Our next speakers - Meagan and Tonya from Cherokee Regional Hospice about planning for medical emergencies and end of life decisions.

09/14/2026

We had the opportunity to share a special grief activity, "Growing Through Grief" with residents at Good Samaritan Society - Holstein.

Residents decorated their own flower pots and planted succulents in memory of loved ones. Each plant is a reminder that while our loved ones may no longer be with us, their love and memories continue to grow.

Thank you residents, facility staff, and hospice volunteers for sharing in this activity together. It was a wonderful time of creativity and connection! 💙

09/14/2026

Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 16th at Golden Horizons of Ida Grove for an educational conversation on the importance of advance care planning and making your healthcare wishes known. We will overview key advance care planning documents including:
Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (IPOST)
Living Will
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
Five Wishes

This week we are celebrating OABCIG Homecoming, "Falcons Got Game"! Next week we celebrate National Assisted Living Week. Please join us on Wednesday, Sept 16th at 2:00 pm for our discussion on Advanced Planning with CRMC Hospice and Christensen Van Houten Funeral Homes. Refreshments will be served!

09/04/2026

Congratulations to our massage therapist, Linda, on 6 years of compassionate care for Cherokee Regional Hospice. Linda's calming presence, ability to bring relaxation and peace, and gentle touch provide a unique kind of comfort to our hospice patients and their caregivers. Here is what Linda has to say about her role:

⭐What inspired you to become a hospice massage therapist? "I worked for Home Health and Hospice before I went to Massage School. And I always loved helping people. Both of my parents were on hospice."
⭐How does massage therapy benefit hospice patients? "Massage Therapy reduces stress, anxiety, and depression; it also helps reduce pain and tension. It offers compassionate human connection."
⭐If you could describe your role in one word, what would it be? "My role in one word; Comfort."

Happy 6 Years of Service! Thank you for being such a meaningful part of our hospice team.

09/03/2026

Join us for Artful Healing, a special evening of canvas painting designed for those navigating the loss of a loved one. With the guidance of a local artist, we will create a beautiful autumn landscape. No artistic skills Necessary.

🗓 Monday, September 21st
⏰5:00 PM
📍General N.B. Baker Public Library
315 Ash St., Sutherland, IA

Registration is required. Sign up by 09/18/2026.
Call: 712-225-6459
or
use this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1digBE07g1JnR6xZFyxeBCDwx_OuIc_AaOD-xrEZMuMQ/edit

While this event is free to attend, a suggested donation of $20 is appreciated to help support hospice programs and future community activities.

08/09/2026

🐾 Did you know? Cherokee Regional Hospice offers pet therapy!

There are many ways to enhance quality of life and we are grateful to volunteer, Traci and therapy dog, Luna for bringing smiles and comfort to this hospice patient.

08/04/2026

We are honored to walk alongside patients and families during their end-of-life journey. Thank you, Darryl, for trusting us in caring for your loved one!