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The Radical Loving Care (RLC) program was started in July 2007 and was designed to improve the quality of care that is provided to Iowa Hospice patients. Patients are evaluated by their nurses on an ongoing basis to assess whether they should be considered RLC appropriate, meaning that there has been a significant change in the patient’s condition or a patient is transitioning into the actively dying process. When they are identified in that way, the Iowa Hospice staff is made aware of the condition and the appropriate measures are taken to ensure the patient’s care.

Once a patient’s nurse has determined that they are in need of RLC, Ali Ehrp, Iowa Hospice's RLC Coordinator, will be notified. She will immediately determine the needs for both the patient and their family in terms of extra support from the staff, such as visits from a religious clergyman, music therapy, massage, social worker involvement, or volunteer reinforcement. Ongoing assessments by the patient’s nurse will continue as needed.

This program was also created to ensure a positive work environment at Iowa Hospice. While working with the patients is rewarding in so many ways, it can also be a very difficult endeavor for its employees. "We want to make sure our employees take care of themselves so that they take better care of their patients," Ehrp says. In 2007, Iowa Hospice hosted monthly "Let it Out"; parties at each office for all staff in hopes of building better relations with staff members. In 2008, quarterly parties are planned that will incorporate stress relievers and motivational speakers.

They also reward employees with a pin for those who go above and beyond their job, and it is acknowledged in the weekly RLC newsletter that is distributed to all staff.

"We want our employees to have a servant's heart by committing to serve others with sensitivity to all of their needs and to live out Iowa Hospice’s mission "Love In Action," Ehrp says. "RLC to me is a continuous chain of loving care given by opening our hearts and acting out of love unconditionally with kindness and respect."

For more information, please contact Ali Ehrp at ehrpa@iowa-hospice.com or 515.276.6696, ext 130.