Winona Area Hospice has received a 5-star rating, an honor it is highlighting during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month in November.
The rating is based on feedback from family members and caregivers about their experience with hospice care, and is meant to help families compare providers when choosing care.
Linda Atkinson, administrator of Winona Health Senior Services, said the rating reflects both the quality of the care and the commitment of the caregivers who do the work. RN Hospice Manager Kris Cichon said the team aims to give every patient and family compassionate, personalized care from a local team they can trust.
Hospice is specialized care for people facing a life-limiting illness, including dementia, heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, and cancer. Care centers on comfort and on each person's goals and wishes, and can include pain and symptom management, therapies, emotional support and guidance, along with support and education for family caregivers.
Winona Health notes that hospice is not only for a person's final days, and that starting care sooner can give patients and families more time to use its resources. Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurance plans, and patients may choose their provider.
Winona Area Hospice serves patients within a 25-mile radius of Winona, at home, in assisted living or in a nursing home, and its support continues for families after a loved one dies. Families can learn more by calling 507.457.4468.
