AMES, Iowa —

After more than 25 years of caring for patients at the end of their lives, Mary Greeley Medical Center will close the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. Care at the facility will end Dec. 31, 2025.

Steve Sullivan, a spokesperson for Mary Greeley, said the decision reflects a growing preference for in-home hospice care.

"We've seen growth in our home hospice service," Sullivan said.

The center’s in-home hospice team currently serves about 40 patients a day — compared to an average of four, at the hospice house. At times, the home is empty and closed until a new patient arrives.

Sullivan said that because of the lack of patients, costs are also rising. Donations to subsidize the service have climbed from about $400,000 several years ago to $1 million in 2024.

Even after

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