Rock River Hospice & Home

Rock River Hospice & Home Hospice of the Rock River Valley serves the terminally ill and their families in Whiteside, Lee, Carroll, Ogle, and Bureau counties in Northern Illinois.

Rock River River Hospice & Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving terminally ill patients and their families in five counties across the Sauk Valley Area for over 40 years.

Grief is something we all experience, yet it can feel so isolating and overwhelming. In our upcoming Growing Through Gri...
04/08/2026

Grief is something we all experience, yet it can feel so isolating and overwhelming. In our upcoming Growing Through Grief group, we’ll be exploring the science behind grief, helping you better understand what’s happening in your mind and body as you navigate loss.

Together, we’ll talk about:
How grief affects the brain
Why emotions can feel so intense and unpredictable
Healthy ways to cope and begin healing

Whether your loss is recent or years old, you are welcome here. This is a safe, supportive space to learn, share, and grow at your own pace.

A huge thank you to Dave's Coffee Cake for their generous donation of delicious coffee cakes for our patients, their fam...
04/02/2026

A huge thank you to Dave's Coffee Cake for their generous donation of delicious coffee cakes for our patients, their families, and our staff. Your kindness brought so many smiles and made the day a little sweeter for everyone!

We truly appreciate your support and thoughtfulness. It means more than you know.

04/02/2026

5 Things You Should Know About Hospice Care

There are many misconceptions about hospice, but the truth is hospice is about living well, with comfort, dignity, and support. Here are a few important things to understand:

1. Hospice isn’t just for the final days.
You can receive hospice care for months. With the right support, there is still so much meaningful living to be done.

2. Hospice focuses on people not just illness.
While traditional healthcare treats disease, hospice cares for the whole person and their family providing guidance, education, and emotional support.

3. You’re never alone.
A dedicated team nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains walk alongside you and your loved ones every step of the way.

4. Comfort is a priority.
Hospice professionals are experts in pain and symptom management, helping patients remain as comfortable as possible.

5. Earlier support makes a difference.
When hospice is involved sooner, patients and families receive more time, more guidance, and more support through life’s most important moments.

Hospice is about adding quality to life, supporting families, and ensuring no one walks this journey alone.

If you or someone you love could benefit from an extra layer of support, we are here to help.

On the first day of Counseling Awareness Month, we want to recognize and thank our incredible bereavement coordinator, K...
04/01/2026

On the first day of Counseling Awareness Month, we want to recognize and thank our incredible bereavement coordinator, Kait, for the compassion and support she provides each and every day.

Grief can be an incredibly difficult journey, and having someone there to listen, guide, and offer comfort makes all the difference. Your dedication to helping families navigate loss with care and understanding truly impacts our entire community.

We are so grateful for the heart you bring to this work.

Thank you for all that you do!

As Social Work Month comes to a close, we want to recognize our social workers, Lennon & Kelli. Your kindness and commit...
03/31/2026

As Social Work Month comes to a close, we want to recognize our social workers, Lennon & Kelli.

Your kindness and commitment to helping others does not go unnoticed.

Your work changes lives quietly, consistently, and powerfully. Thank you for everything you give to our community.

We are so lucky to have you both on our team. Your compassion and dedication inspire everyone around you.

We are grateful for you and all you do!

Happy Doctor’s Day to our incredible Medical Director, Dr. Reter!Your compassion, leadership, and dedication to our nonp...
03/30/2026

Happy Doctor’s Day to our incredible Medical Director, Dr. Reter!

Your compassion, leadership, and dedication to our nonprofit hospice patients and families truly make a difference every single day. We are so grateful for the care you provide and the way you go above and beyond for those we serve.

A heartfelt thank you as well to Dr. Kuhns for your support as our backup physician. We appreciate your commitment to our mission and the comfort you help bring to our patients.

03/27/2026

💬 Why End-of-Life Conversations Matter 💬

Communication is key. While these conversations can feel difficult, they are one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones.

We encourage you to start the discussion early.

Here are a few gentle ways to begin:

-Ask permission to talk about wishes and preferences
-Approach the conversation with compassion and understanding
-Listen without judgment and allow space for emotions
-Share your own wishes as a way to open the door

You might ask questions like:
“What kind of care would you want at the end of life?”
“Who would you trust to make decisions for you?”
“What brings you comfort and peace?”

These conversations are about honoring what matters most.

If you’re unsure where to start, you’re not alone. We’re here to help. Our team is always available to guide you and your family through these important discussions.

03/26/2026

When Appetite Changes at End of Life

Food has always been a meaningful part of our lives. It brings comfort, celebration, and connection. So when a loved one begins to eat less, it can be one of the hardest changes for families to understand.

For individuals facing advanced illness, a decreased appetite is very common. It’s a natural part of the body’s process and can be influenced by many factors like fatigue, changes in taste, nausea, or the illness itself.

We often want to help by encouraging food but it’s important to remember that comfort matters more than consumption.

If you’re caring for a loved one, here are a few gentle ways to support them:

• Offer favorite foods when they’re desired
• Provide small, frequent snacks instead of large meals
• Try soft, easy-to-eat foods or nutritional supplements
• Create a calm, comforting environment at mealtime
• Be mindful of strong cooking smells
• Offer foods at cold or room temperature if preferred
• Keep snacks nearby for nibbling

Most importantly show love in other ways like conversation, presence, and simply being together.

You are not alone in this journey. Hospice is here to support both patients and families every step of the way.

03/18/2026

Now Hiring: Night Shift Hospice CNA

Rock River Hospice & Home is seeking a compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant to provide hands-on care and comfort to patients and families during end-of-life care.

Responsibilities include:
• Personal care and hygiene assistance
• Monitoring and reporting patient needs
• Offering emotional support to patients and families
• Working as part of an interdisciplinary hospice team

Requirements:
• Current CNA certification
• Compassionate, dependable, and patient-centered
• Hospice or healthcare experience preferred
Join a team where your care truly makes a difference.

📩 Email your resume to jacqueline@hospicerockriver.org

03/18/2026

When most people think of hospice, they think of the very last days. But the truth is hospice can help so much sooner.

Our hospice team provides care right in the comfort of your home, surrounding patients and families with an extra layer of support when it’s needed most.

Our services include:

Nursing visits
Personal care assistance
Emotional & spiritual support
24/7 on-call support

You don’t have to wait. Hospice is about improving quality of life, managing symptoms, easing stress, and making each day as meaningful and comfortable as possible.

If you or someone you love could benefit from additional support at home, we’re here to help.

Call us at (815) 625-3858 to learn more because no one should have to navigate this journey alone.

03/13/2026

Check out our Spring 2026 Newsletter here:

🎂 Happy Birthday, Kelli!Thank you for the kindness and support you bring to our hospice team and community. We hope you ...
03/12/2026

🎂 Happy Birthday, Kelli!
Thank you for the kindness and support you bring to our hospice team and community. We hope you have an amazing day! 💗

Address

2706 Avenue E
Sterling, IL
61081

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