Mayo Clinic Health System, Hospice in Albert Lea, this year will celebrate its 30th anniversary in the community as the same program in Austin celebrates 20 years.

The hospice program is made up of physical, pyschosocial, spiritual and emotional care for patients who are terminally ill in their homes, said Director Marcia Smith. Patients usually must be diagnosed with six months or less of life-expectancy.

Smith said the Albert Lea program services a 45-mile radius of Albert Lea, including places in Northwood, Wells, Blooming Prairie, Owatonna, Waseca and Buffalo Center, to name a few.

“As the medical center has grown, we’ve grown too,” she said.

The program has a staff of about 25, including 15 nurses. There are also home health aides, chaplains, nurses, social workers, secretaries and volunteers.

Smith said the volunteers are crucial and can do everything from helping with fundraising, providing companionship, running errands, providing respite and bereavement for families and office work.

She said there are about 20 volunteers.

Renae Meaney, supervisor for Mayo Clinic Health System, Hospice in Albert Lea, said years ago, the program used to be focused mainly on cancer patients. That has since expanded and even now includes patients with other problems such as Alzheimer’s disease or heart failure.

“It really isn’t a disease-specific service,” Meaney said.

A nurse is available 24/7 to help the patient by phone and will make intermittent visits. The program also incorporates teaching family members about caregiving and seeks to add quality of life for patients when their days are limited.

Meaney said the program averages between about 30 and 35 people.

Nationally, there is a trend that hospice programs are having patients for a shorter amount of time because of many reasons.

The Albert Lea hospice program offers many other services including a memorial service for patients’ families twice a year, a fundraiser salad luncheon each September, grief support groups and bereavement camps.

 

Annual tree-lighting ceremony slated for December

Mayo Clinic Health System’s hospice program will have its annual Set Memories Aglow tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 on the medical center’s front drive, according to a press release.

The tree will remain lit through the holiday season. Bulbs are $10 each.

Monetary donations can be made in memory of a loved one, friend or for someone living you wish to honor. Donation forms are available at the Mayo Clinic Store, on the first floor of the medical center, or in the hospice office, 1705 S.E. Broadway. Forms can also be found at Mayo Clinic Health System regional clinics and at the main Albert Lea campus, 404 W. Fountain St., from 10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 11, 18 and 25.

All donations help support the Albert Lea hospice program. The funds will be used for patient care items, family bereavement service and free public groups.

After the tree-lighting, there will be cookies and cider inside the hospital, and the Albert Lea Caroliers will perform.

For more information, call 507-377-6393.