I am writing this Letter to the Editor to share my deep belief in one of the best facilities we have in Marshalltown, Iowa River Hospice.

Before moving to Marshalltown in 2014, I worked at Saint Luke’s Home Care and Hospice in Kansas City, Mo., which is part of the largest healthcare system in Missouri. That is where I learned what hospice is and what it is not. Of course, Iowa River Hospice was the first place I looked for a job. I was amazed that a small town had such an outstanding organization. One that equaled if not surpassed the one I came from.

You see, most people believe that hospice equals dying. That is not true. Hospice equals living your best life until the end of your life. I want our community to know that Iowa River Hospice has been in Marshalltown since 1983. Iowa River Hospice provides hospice care in people’s homes, in care facilities, and in the state-of-the-art Hospice House. There are several hospices in town, but only one that is our “hometown” hospice.

I believe that Iowa River hospice is the best place to get hospice care. I have been side by side with the nurses, aides and administration. My own mother-in-law passed away at the Iowa River Hospice Home with the door to her bedroom open to the night. My only regret is that she didn’t have more time to reap the benefits that they have to offer.