BREAKING NEWS: Homestead Hospice to stop providing care

Homestead Hospice House is closing – citing a lack of patients and financial resources.

Allina on Tuesday released a statement:

Allina Health has made the difficult decision to close Homestead Hospice House and the Owatonna Hospital Sleep Center due to a decline in patients as care preferences have changed. “We are grateful for community support for these services, especially Homestead Hospice House, and for the staff that has provided exceptional care,” said Michael Johnston, Allina Health South Market President. “We have noticed a national trend of more people choosing to receive care in the comfort of their home, and we look forward to continuing to provide in-home care options for these services. These difficult decisions are to ensure we can continue to care for communities into the future.” Like many non-profit health care systems, Allina Health is experiencing significant financial challenges. Due to these financial realities and the low utilization of Homestead Hospice House and the Owatonna Hospital Sleep Center, Allina Health has decided to focus on providing these services for patients via community-based care options. Homestead Hospice House will honor all pending admissions.

The facility, which opened in 2005 on the northwest outskirts of Owatonna, has served as a place where terminally ill people have lived out the remainder of their lives.

For nearly 20 years, the trained care team provided medical support and 24-hour care for the residents; family members were always welcome to stay with their loved ones.

According to a volunteer at the hospice house, the staff will continue operations until the last current patient needs services.

The facility has eight private patient rooms, as well as community areas for patients and caregivers.

Homestead Hospice House is a part of Allina Health Home Care Services.

Look for the full story in the July 26 edition of the Steele County Times.