During the holiday season when emotions can feel especially heavy, compassionate care and steady guidance can make all the difference for families navigating the end of life.
In Osage Beach, MO, Compassus hospice nurse Jennifer Izatt, RN, exemplified what it means to provide truly human-centered care while supporting a patient and family through a difficult journey.
Jennifer cared for Deloris “Dee” Grove, a hospice patient residing in the memory care unit at Arrowhead Assisted Living. Dee had lived with Alzheimer’s disease for several years. As her condition progressed, her family relied on Compassus not only for clinical support, but for reassurance, communication and compassion.
Throughout the final months of Dee’s life, Jennifer visited consistently, closely monitored her condition, collaborated with the hospice medical team and remained in regular communication with Dee’s family. For Dee’s daughter, who lives out of state, those updates provided comfort and connection, reassurance that her mother was pain-free, content and cared for with dignity.
What stood out most to the family was Jennifer’s genuine presence. Her attention, follow-through and willingness to go beyond expectations helped ease uncertainty during an incredibly emotional time. Even amid the challenges of the holiday season, Jennifer’s care created a sense of calm and trust when it was needed most.
Following Dee’s passing on December 27, her family reached out to Compassus leadership to share their gratitude and ensure Jennifer’s impact was recognized—a reminder of how deeply hospice nurses touch the lives of patients and families every day.
Stories like this reflect the heart of Compassus’ mission: Caring for each person for who they are, honoring dignity and walking alongside families through life’s most meaningful moments.
