Iroquois Memorial Hospice began caring for patients on February 14, 1996 under the direction of Carle Hospice. On August 16, 2004, Iroquois Memorial Hospice became independent and under the total direction of Iroquois Memorial Hospital.
We are your local not-for-profit hospice choice serving the counties of Iroquois, Ford and portions of Vermillion, Livingston, Champaign, and Kankakee counties. We are proud to be able to care for our neighbors, family, and friends we have yet to meet. Our team has an accumulation of over 100 years of hospice experience.
"I will direct the IMH Hospice Team in pursuing the most effective medications and best interventions to keep patients pain-free and their symptoms well managed. It is my hope to help the
hospice team do everything that can be done to help people be comfortable in their transition from this life to the next." - Dr. Teresita Torres
Dr. Torres is an experienced family practice physician in providing care to individuals of all ages. She earned her degree from the University of the East, Manila, Philippines and completed
her residency at Swedish Covenant Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Torres is Board Certified and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice and a Diplomate of the American Board
of Family Medicine. She has been a member of the IMH Medical Staffsince 1996 and has served several important staff positions, including Chief of Staff in 2008.
Iroquois Memorial Hospice is your local community hospice choice with our office right here in Watseka. Choose people you know and care you trust.
Hospice care is a special way of providing medical, emotional, social and spiritual care to people who are living with a terminal illness. It is a philosophy of care focused on comfort for the patient and support for the family. Hospice is available for anyone of any age with a life-limiting condition.
Our skilled team of professionals provides care in the comfort of a patient's home, nursing home, assisted and/or independent living facilities. The team consists of the patient and family, family physician, hospice medical director, a nurse, home health aide, social worker, spiritual caregiver, grief support, and volunteers.
Hospice allows patients to live the last phase of their life in familiar surroundings with people they love. Pain and symptom management are important in order for the patient to enjoy quality time with family, along with spiritual, emotional, and grief support.
The Iroquois Memorial Hospice Bereavement Program is implemented by our Bereavement Coordinators who are educated and trained in accompanying patients and their families through the grief journey. The program starts on the day of admission and is available to all families, friends, and community members, offering support, information, and guidance up to 13 months following the death of a patient. The purpose of the program is to walk with loved ones through their grieving process. To speak with a Bereavement Coordinator, please call 815.432.0185.
Grief is a response to a loss and it is a process. It is challenging, difficult, and at times exhausting. Give yourself permission to grieve as it is a journey we must go through in order to
heal.
Hospice provides individualized grief support from the time of your loved one's admission to hospice through their end of life and 13 months following.
Is hospice care only for patients with a cancer diagnosis?
No. Iroquois Memorial Hospice can admit patients with lung, kidney, or liver disease, AIDS, stroke, dementia, ALS, overall decline, and other diseases as they progress.
When is it time for hospice?
The earlier the patient begins hospice care, the sooner the patient and family can benefit from the services. A person who qualifies for hospice care has, in the doctor's best estimate, a prognosis of six months of life or less if the disease runs its natural course.
Who pays for hospice?
IMH provides care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances have hospice benefits.
Does hospice care mean giving up?
No. Hospice is providing hope for a better quality of life. Hospice care focuses on physical comfort and peace of mind. We are committed to helping patients do the things they want to do with less pain and fewer symptoms.
Do I need to wait for my doctor to sign me up for hospice?
No. If you would like to learn more about hospice for a family member or friend, call us and we will talk with you regarding the program and consult with your physician.
Can I choose to discontinue hospice care?
Yes. Patients have the right to revoke hospice services for whatever reason they want.
Individualized programs are tailored to inspire, encourage, and educate recipients to make the most of family and friends, and building memories on their sacred journey.
"The Titanic was built by professionals. The Ark was built by volunteers." Barbara Bush
Volunteers are an essential part of the Iroquois Memorial Hospice team and program. Each volunteer goes through initial hospice training, and receives continuous education throughout the
year, as well as background checks and fingerprinting. Our volunteers bring special talents, skills and interests to the program.
Patient Support Volunteers visit patients to offer them friendship, fellowship, socialization, stay with patients during brief caregiver absences, assist with meals, run errands, assist with
light housework, read to patients, write letters, and are present to just listen.
Community Outreach Volunteers are encouraged to assist with staffing exhibit booths throughout the year, volunteer for special events i.e. parades, health fairs, community projects, and the
IMH Hospice Annual Brunch held each year on the first Sunday of November.
Bereavement Volunteers can assist with monthly mailings and telephone calls.
Office Support Volunteers assist with office work such as mailings and projects. Our Office Support Volunteers also greet visitors at the IMH Regional Health Center.
Fundraising Volunteers are part of the Fundraising Committee that organizes and directs the fundraising activities for the hospice organization. Funds raised are used to purchase equipment,
supplies, and services not covered by insurance or Medicare, as well as improve the comfort level for our Hospice patients in the end stages of life.
If you would like additional information about volunteer opportunities for Iroquois Memorial Hospice, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 815.432.7791.
Iroquois Memorial Hospice is a proud partner in NHPCO's "We Honor Veterans" program.
We recognize and pay tribute to our veterans for their service to our nation. We identify patients who are veterans, determine their needs, educate staff, work collaboratively with other
providers across ventures, as well as focus on the needs, desires, and treatment of veterans.
Veteran patients and their families are given the opportunity to acknowledge their commitment to their country with a Veteran Pin Ceremony and a "We Honor Veterans" certificate.
At Iroquois Memorial Hospice, we strive to surround our patients and families with comfort and support during this difficult time in their lives. The Rose symbolizes our philosophy of care: Kindness, respect, and compassion for our patients and their loved ones.
Your memorial gift to Iroquois Memorial Hospice helps the special way of caring which we offer to people with limited life expectancy and their families. Although Medicare, Medicaid, and
private insurances may provide benefits that cover hospice care, there are patients who exceed the benefits or those who do not have coverage. Since no one is refused care due to financial
status, donations help cover the cost of their care.
Working as a team, healthcare professionals and volunteers provide both patient and family with a full complement of medical, emotional, and spiritual assistance. With Hospice care, our
patients live each day as fully and comfortably as possible.
Planned giving can benefit Iroquois Memorial Hospice through wills, trusts, or other requests. When you make a memorial contribution to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, an acknowledgment will be
sent to the family of the loved one. You will also receive an acknowledgment from Iroquois Memorial Hospice recognizing your gift. Your memorial gift enhances future Hospice care.
If you would like to make a donation to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, please mail your gift to:
Iroquois Memorial Hospice Memorial Fund
200 East Fairman Avenue, Watseka, IL 60970
Please call 815.432.0185 or mail your donation to IMH Hospice, 200 East Fairman Avenue, Watseka, IL 60970. Make checks payable to IMH Hospice Memorial Fund.
Iroquois Memorial Hospice is licensed by the State of Illinois, Accredited by Joint Commission, and is certified by Medicare and Medicaid. The organization is a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Iroquois Memorial Hospice is a not-for-profit hospice and is located inside Iroquois Memorial Hospital, on the second floor in room 203, at 200 East Fairman Avenue, Watseka, IL 60970.
For questions or more information on the services offered at Iroquois Memorial Hospice, please call 815.432.0185 or email us here >
