"When Jim’s Parkinson’s journey became overwhelming, Emmanuel Hospice stepped in - and life changed."
Cari, Jim’s wife, had been sleeping with “one eye open” for years, worried about his safety. With Emmanuel Hospice, she finally found peace of mind. Jim now enjoys visits with his care team, from massage therapy to music that brings back their wedding song and treasured memories like it.
Hospice isn’t just about endings. It’s about dignity, comfort, and making every moment meaningful.
This kind of care - massage, music, art legacy - isn’t covered by insurance. It’s made possible by friends who believe in living fully, even at life’s end.
If you’d like to be part of stories like Jim and Cari’s, follow the link in our comment below. Every gift helps write our next chapter in caring for the community, and for families like the VanTils.
Your generosity brings hope this holiday season. If you could give one gift of comfort to someone you love, what would it be? ... See MoreSee Less
The holidays can be joyful, but they can also feel overwhelming when a loved one is ill. Additionally, if we want to visit someone on hospice during the holidays or support a friend, how do we go about that?
In our December article, Emmanuel Hospice's Joan Blessings has shared thoughtful, practical tips on how to navigate traditions and togetherness during this season.
If you or someone you know is walking this journey, this piece offers compassionate insights and practical tips for making the holidays meaningful while honoring you and your loved one’s needs.
Sometimes, when we see our loved ones for the holidays, we notice that they (or their caregivers or spouse) may need additional support. It can be tough, but starting the conversation early ensures your loved one's wishes are honored.
One tip? Ask about their goals for this part of their life. What are they focusing on, what do they hope for and want more of? If it's quality time with family, peace, and being comfortable at home or doing favorite activities, hospice might be the right choice! Hospice care is *not* just for last days and hours, it's an extra layer of support that allows patients and families to live life to the fullest, right where they are.
A no-obligation conversation with our team can answer any questions you may have, and provides valuable insight into the paths and options available.
Our caregivers are doing what they do best: showing heart, on and off the job!
Meet Michele, a social worker who has been part of Emmanuel Hospice for 5 and a half years. By day, she walks alongside patients and families at the end of life, offering comfort, dignity, and peace. By night, she fosters animals in need, helping them find loving homes. It's this kind of generosity and compassion that defines Emmanuel.
The Heart of Emmanuel Fundraising Challenge honors staff like Michele - those who give tirelessly of themselves to bring peace to our patients and families. From now through the end of the year, our team is rallying together to raise funds for programs that provide comfort, care, and hope when it matters most.
Want to join them? You can give to a staff member’s fundraising page or make a gift directly to support all their efforts. Every dollar fuels the compassion that makes Emmanuel Hospice a place of peace.
🍂 This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve our patients and their families. Thank you for trusting us to provide care, comfort, and dignity during life’s most precious moments. Wishing you all a peaceful holiday full of gratitude. 🦃 #Thanksgiving#Gratitude#EmmanuelHospice#MoreAboutLiving... See MoreSee Less
At Emmanuel Hospice, we believe every patient deserves moments of joy, dignity, and meaning. Recently, one of our patients shared a simple but heartfelt wish: to hear live polka music played on the accordion.
Thanks to our staff who go above and beyond, and our Patient Wishes Program supported by Bloom Credit Union, we made it happen! Roger, one of our music therapists, connected with an accordion player who came to Jim's home and filled the room with lively polka tunes, bringing smiles, and a fun, hand-signed Christmas gift for Jim!
These are the moments your support makes possible. Every gift helps us honor patient wishes, big and small, creating memories that families will cherish forever.
We just received the sweetest package in the mail! Notes from the 4th grade students at Edgerton Trails Elementary, written to veterans in our care.
Bringing smiles to others and sharing kindness, appreciation, and gratitude is a superpower! We are so grateful for the time that these students took to write heartfelt messages to those that have given so much in military service and are now navigating life's final chapter.
Many patients in our care are still doing and giving so much, whether it's remaining active in their communities, or sharing wisdom with those who visit and care for them. To receive notes of thanks from young people is so meaningful. On behalf of our patients, families, and veterans - thank you!!
"When Jim’s Parkinson’s journey became overwhelming, Emmanuel Hospice stepped in - and life changed."
Cari, Jim’s wife, had been sleeping with “one eye open” for years, worried about his safety. With Emmanuel Hospice, she finally found peace of mind. Jim now enjoys visits with his care team, from massage therapy to music that brings back their wedding song and treasured memories like it.
Hospice isn’t just about endings. It’s about dignity, comfort, and making every moment meaningful.
This kind of care - massage, music, art legacy - isn’t covered by insurance. It’s made possible by friends who believe in living fully, even at life’s end.
If you’d like to be part of stories like Jim and Cari’s, follow the link in our comment below. Every gift helps write our next chapter in caring for the community, and for families like the VanTils.
Your generosity brings hope this holiday season. If you could give one gift of comfort to someone you love, what would it be? ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
The holidays can be joyful, but they can also feel overwhelming when a loved one is ill. Additionally, if we want to visit someone on hospice during the holidays or support a friend, how do we go about that?
In our December article, Emmanuel Hospice's Joan Blessings has shared thoughtful, practical tips on how to navigate traditions and togetherness during this season.
If you or someone you know is walking this journey, this piece offers compassionate insights and practical tips for making the holidays meaningful while honoring you and your loved one’s needs.
Read the full article here: emmanuelhospice.org/2025/12/holiday-considerations-with-a-loved-one-on-hospice/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
How to Start a Conversation About Hospice Care💬
Sometimes, when we see our loved ones for the holidays, we notice that they (or their caregivers or spouse) may need additional support. It can be tough, but starting the conversation early ensures your loved one's wishes are honored.
One tip? Ask about their goals for this part of their life. What are they focusing on, what do they hope for and want more of? If it's quality time with family, peace, and being comfortable at home or doing favorite activities, hospice might be the right choice! Hospice care is *not* just for last days and hours, it's an extra layer of support that allows patients and families to live life to the fullest, right where they are.
A no-obligation conversation with our team can answer any questions you may have, and provides valuable insight into the paths and options available.
Call us any time, 24/7 at 616.719.0919
Or learn more here: emmanuelhospice.org/2025/06/understanding-hospice-care-eligibility-cost-and-purpose/
#HospiceCare #StartTheConversation #EndOfLifeCare #HomefortheHolidays #EmmanuelHospice #MoreAboutLiving ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our caregivers are doing what they do best: showing heart, on and off the job!
Meet Michele, a social worker who has been part of Emmanuel Hospice for 5 and a half years. By day, she walks alongside patients and families at the end of life, offering comfort, dignity, and peace. By night, she fosters animals in need, helping them find loving homes. It's this kind of generosity and compassion that defines Emmanuel.
The Heart of Emmanuel Fundraising Challenge honors staff like Michele - those who give tirelessly of themselves to bring peace to our patients and families. From now through the end of the year, our team is rallying together to raise funds for programs that provide comfort, care, and hope when it matters most.
Want to join them?
You can give to a staff member’s fundraising page or make a gift directly to support all their efforts. Every dollar fuels the compassion that makes Emmanuel Hospice a place of peace.
Join the Season of Giving today → emmanuelhospice.networkforgood.com/projects/254883-heart-of-emmanuel-season-of-giving
#TeamEmmanuel #CompassionInAction #TogetherWeCare #SeasonOfGiving #TogetherWeGive #GivingTuesday ... See MoreSee Less
17 CommentsComment on Facebook
🍂 This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve our patients and their families. Thank you for trusting us to provide care, comfort, and dignity during life’s most precious moments. Wishing you all a peaceful holiday full of gratitude. 🦃 #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #EmmanuelHospice #MoreAboutLiving ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎶💙Another Wish Fulfilled💙🎶
At Emmanuel Hospice, we believe every patient deserves moments of joy, dignity, and meaning. Recently, one of our patients shared a simple but heartfelt wish: to hear live polka music played on the accordion.
Thanks to our staff who go above and beyond, and our Patient Wishes Program supported by Bloom Credit Union, we made it happen! Roger, one of our music therapists, connected with an accordion player who came to Jim's home and filled the room with lively polka tunes, bringing smiles, and a fun, hand-signed Christmas gift for Jim!
These are the moments your support makes possible. Every gift helps us honor patient wishes, big and small, creating memories that families will cherish forever.
Learn more or support our mission here: 🩵 emmanuelhospice.networkforgood.com/projects/262345-season-of-giving-2025
Together, we can keep making wishes come true. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
As we enter a holiday week, we want to remind our community that Emmanuel Hospice is available 24/7 to answer the phone and dispatch care.
A skilled member of our team always takes your call, no matter the time of day or day of the week.
Our hours are whenever our patients and families need us - we are here for you, and our light is always on.
Wishing you and yours a warm and peaceful week this Thanksgiving! We can be reached at 616.719.0919.
#alwaysopen #EmmanuelHospice #MoreAboutLiving #Holidays #247 #Thanksgiving ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We just received the sweetest package in the mail! Notes from the 4th grade students at Edgerton Trails Elementary, written to veterans in our care.
Bringing smiles to others and sharing kindness, appreciation, and gratitude is a superpower! We are so grateful for the time that these students took to write heartfelt messages to those that have given so much in military service and are now navigating life's final chapter.
Many patients in our care are still doing and giving so much, whether it's remaining active in their communities, or sharing wisdom with those who visit and care for them. To receive notes of thanks from young people is so meaningful. On behalf of our patients, families, and veterans - thank you!!
Rockford Public Schools #VeteransDay #Gratitude #Sacrifice #EmmanuelHospice #MoreAboutLiving ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook