Working in hospice takes a strong will, a full heart and plenty of compassion. When that compassion reaches our patients’ families, that's when we know we have truly lived out our Mission. Heartland Hospice serving Northwestern Michigan recently received a wonderful testimonial from Chelsea, the granddaughter of a hospice patient, citing the compassionate care her grandmother received:

“My family and I are so incredibly grateful to Heartland Hospice of Northwestern Michigan for their care of my grandma during the last months of her life. When she first went on hospice, my family was pretty sure that she only had days or weeks to live due to her rapidly declining health and complications from dementia. After she started hospice, her quality of life improved dramatically. Our nurse was amazing and quickly got her pain under control. As a result, she felt so much better and was back to getting herself out of bed and going out to dinner and eating all the sweets she wanted.

Towards the end when it became apparent to everyone that she didn’t have much longer, our nurse, the hospice team and the staff at her assisted living facility continued to monitor her closely and manage her pain which ensured she was comfortable to the very end. We are honestly so thankful and amazed at the important work that Heartland Hospice does and continues to do for families in this area. I would highly recommend them to care for those at the end-of-life.”

Heartland Hospice Medical Director, Dr. Jeffrey VanWingen, MD, talks about how the hospice teams are supporting patients and their families during this difficult time. Dr. VanWingen is the Medical Director for Heartland Hospice Serving Southwest Michigan, Heartland Hospice Serving West Michigan and Heartland Hospice Serving Northwestern Michigan.

To contact Heartland Hospice, please call 877-329-1001.

“My family and I cannot thank Heartland Hospice enough for the care and support they provided for my Grandmother. When it came time to have hospice care for Grandma, I had heard from others that Heartland Hospice was the best. And how true that is!

From that very first phone call, there was sincere interest in giving Grandma the very best care possible. We were able to start this journey with Grandma at home. Literally the day we called, arrangements were made to have everything needed in the home before Grandma was released from the hospital. The next morning, everything showed up and was set up for Grandma to come home and be comfortable.

Each and every person involved with Grandma's care was personable, caring, sincere and professional. It was as if they were caring for their own family member. They were readily available whenever we had questions or concerns. Not only did they care for Grandma and her needs, but they were also concerned with the wellbeing of each of us as the caregivers. After some time, we needed to put Grandma in long term care, and yet again, they immediately went to work to find the best place possible for her. Everything was done for us so all we had to do was love Grandma and enjoy our time with her.

I cannot say enough about Heartland Hospice and the ENTIRE Traverse City, Michigan team. I would recommend them over and over again. If you are considering hospice care for a loved one, call Heartland Hospice. They will even come to you and make everything as easy as possible. They are hands down 100% committed to the care of their patients and their families.”

-Amy Morris, Granddaughter of a hospice patient

"Dear Heartland Hospice,

I am finally taking the time to write you a long overdue thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I am so glad that we had you in our lives during my Mom’s death.

The job that each and every one of you has, is so very important to others. Never quit doing what you are doing. You are all wonderful people, caring for people who were complete strangers to you at one point. There is a special place in heaven for all of you.

I have learned so much about this terrible disease, Dementia. People just don’t know how bad it really is. And how many people it will touch in the future.

Amy, I feel so blessed that you were the main person taking care of my Mom in her darkest days. You are so wonderful at your job. We were so lucky to have you come into our lives when you did. You will forever be in my thoughts.

Thank you all for your care and compassion,

Jill Scheitler & Family"