Orange City Area Home Health & Hospice has officially transitioned into a new, accessible office location at the Highway 10 Plaza just West of Casey’s in Orange City, marking a new chapter for the agency as it celebrates two decades of hospice care in the community.
The department relocated from its former suite at 400 Central Avenue NW, situated in the basement of Orange City’s old downtown hospital building. For roughly 30 years, the agency operated out of that space. However, navigating the entryway stairs created severe hurdles for elderly individuals, patients with disabilities, and those using mobility devices such as walkers. Its location on a residential street made it difficult for community members to locate.
The new facility, located just off Highway 10 near Casey’s, solves those physical and geographical barriers. It offers front-door parking, a step-free entrance, a welcoming reception area, and a dedicated private family room.
Orange City Area Health System CEO Chris Sietstra explained how the upgrade directly impacts both daily operations and patient care.
“Our home health operations started in 1995, so they had been there for about 30 years, and our hospital had moved to a new location in 2006. And so they were really in the basement of the old hospital, which was particularly challenging considering the population that we serve. There were stairs that you had to go on to get down there.”
Dedicated Space for Support and Operations
While staff members deliver the majority of hands-on care directly in patients’ homes, nursing facilities, or hospitals across their 30-mile service zone, the new site functions as an essential central home base. The office features workstation areas for nurses, improved logistics for loading equipment and supplies, and space for private family consultations.
Additionally, the family room acts as a quiet haven for social workers to conduct bereavement visits, supporting loved ones for up to a year following a patient’s passing.
Home Health & Hospice Manager Corey Ewoldt highlighted the purpose of this space during the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This is where all of our nurses have their stations, where we prepare for visits and things like that. But that family room will actually be for patients and their families to come in and meet with social workers, nurses and talk through the services that we offer, including some bereavement visits. So our social workers do hospice bereavement visits with the families, and this allows them to have a space private and quiet where they can meet.”
Decades of Experience and Record Demand
The move arrives during a period of high demand. The department is currently handling a five-year caseload high, managing 20 hospice care patients and between 60 and 70 home health patients. Staff credit their 21-member team, boasting over 244 cumulative years of experience, with pulling together seamlessly to maintain continuity of care.
Reflecting on the milestone, Ewoldt shared her gratitude for the longevity and commitment of her team.
“Our hospice was created in 2006, so this actually marks our 20 year anniversary. And then between our 21 staff members, we have a cumulative years of experience, two hundred and forty four plus years. So that’s just with Orange City. So if our staff members started somewhere else, that’s even greater. So it just, it’s a good reflection on the health system and how well that they’ve done keeping staff around. It’s rare to have experience like we have and we’re very thankful for that.”
Staff encourage community members to reach out early for consultations when facing end-of-life decisions, emphasizing that early conversations give caregivers time to establish familiar, trusting relationships with patients and families.
Office hours at the new location are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
