A place for peace; After a year closed, Homestead Hospice House is working to reopen

A place for peace; After a year closed, Homestead Hospice House is working to reopen
[Southern MN] People's Press; by Annie Harman; 8/23/24
The news came to a shock to the community when it was announced last summer the Homestead Hospice House atop the hill behind the Owatonna Hospital would be closing. But, as with most things, there is a silver lining, and the Hospice House Board asserted the closure of the facility would lead to a new opportunity. “When we got the news it was shocking, but we always hoped it would lead us to a better situation,” said Kasey Kamholz, president of the HHH Board, on the decision by Allina Health to discontinue services at the facility in 2023. “Now we have an opportunity with Seasons Hospice that feels like a perfect marriage. They will bring their experience a little further out, and in the end it will benefit everyone.” Seasons Hospice, a nonprofit hospice care organization based out of Rochester, moved into Steele County to provide services in Owatonna and Blooming Prairie in April. With home-based services being their current program provided locally, including at a private residence or a senior living facility, Executive Director Kristina Wright-Peterson said they identified early on an interest to partner with the HHH Board, also a nonprofit, to reopen the Owatonna facility. Seasons Hospice has a 24-hour care facility in Rochester, Seasons Hospice House.