Hospice
We're with you during life's most challenging times.
EveryStep hospice provides expert, compassionate care for individuals and families facing the challenges of living with a terminal illness. With teams serving 35 counties across Iowa, our dedicated healthcare professionals walk alongside patients and their loved ones – whether care is provided in the comfort of their home, a nursing facility or our hospice house.
Contact a team near you
| Team Location | Phone | Counties Served |
| Centerville | (641) 856-5502 | Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne |
| Des Moines | (515) 333-5810 | Boone, Dallas, Greene, Hamilton, Jasper, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Story, Webster |
| Kavanagh House (Des Moines) | (515) 255-0857 | |
| Mount Ayr | (641) 464-2088 | Adams, Decatur, Ringgold, Taylor, Union |
| Mount Pleasant | (319) 385-4472 | Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Van Buren, Washington |
| Winterset | (515) 462-5205 | Adair, Clarke, Guthrie, Madison, Warren |
Kavanagh House
Round-the-clock care
While most hospice care is provided through in-home services, our hospice house is available when a loved one needs round-the-clock care. The Kavanagh House provides a home-like atmosphere with private bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, play areas and other family amenities. Families can also enjoy the outdoors in our gorgeous gardens. Respite care, a period of up to five days in which the primary caregiver is relieved of caregiving, is also available.
EveryStep's Kavanagh House
900 56th Street, Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 255-0857
Established 1993, Renovated 2021
EveryStep hospice care team
You and your family will work with your care team to create a customized plan for your care. Your care plan can be adjusted at any time, depending on your needs. Members of the hospice team may include:
- Patient’s physician and/or an EveryStep team physician or nurse practitioner.
- Nurses who work with the patient’s physician to manage comfort and teach family members how to care for the patient.
- Aides who help the patient bathe, walk and get in and out of bed, assist with medications and meals and change linens and do light housekeeping.
- Social workers who help everyone manage challenges related to end of life and offer support and education on finances, caregiving and end-of-life planning.
- Spiritual care counselors who connect patients and caregivers with spiritual resources that support the dignity and comfort of the family and help in their search for peace and meaning.
- Pharmacists, therapists and others who offer specialized therapies and knowledge to meet the unique needs of patients.
- Volunteers who provide company and understanding, help with errands, meals, assist with care, provide relief for caregivers and rides to medical appointments.
- Bereavement counselors who are available to families throughout the end-of-life journey to offer support to the family for up to one year.
Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program
Today, one in four dying Americans is a veteran. EveryStep is recognized as a Level Four Partner through We Honor Veterans. Our Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program is a special service that pairs veterans who are volunteers with patients who have served our country. Veteran partners provide companionship while talking, reading, and sitting with patients. There are some issues veterans only feel comfortable sharing with other veterans. Veterans bring a unique skill set to help patients come to terms with past events, finding peace at end of life. Our Veteran-to-Veteran volunteers bring care to patients wherever they call home: in long-term care facilities, in hospitals, and at home. Training is provided. Veteran partners may assist with honoring our patients with special “pinning” ceremonies and Veterans' Day cards or with special events. If you are interested in volunteering in our Veteran-to-Veteran program, contact the hospice location near you.
Hospice frequently asked questions
Resources from EveryStep hospice
Download our Patient & Family Handbook that provides an overview for our hospice services, Medicare hospice benefits and important policies and practices.
Advance directives are legal documents that allow people to give directions for their medical care. EveryStep is pleased to provide information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes.
Patients and families can receive a wide variety of services, which are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans.
Whether you're ready to commit to hospice care or want to continue learning about hospice options for you or a loved one, fill out our simple Find Care form. An EveryStep staff member will get in touch with you.
