ExtraCare Services

Promoting dignity, independence and quality of life through compassionate.

Formerly known as Hospice of Central Iowa, HCI Care Services is a not-for-profit, independent healthcare organization, which brings comfort and supportive care to individuals and their families. Serving families since 1978, we have a long history of providing compassionate comfort care to those with chronic or serious illnesses. We can be there for you, too.

Our Mission
Promoting dignity, independence and quality of life through compassionate and effective community-based care.

Our Values
Pursue Excellence
Act with Integrity, Respect and Dignity
Focus on Service
Honor Teamwork

Our Vision
Hospice, palliative and supportive care is expected and accepted by all, and we will be the provider of choice in the areas we serve.

Our History
In 1977, a group of health care providers, clergy and civic leaders met to discuss the need they saw in the Des Moines community for a special kind of service. That service was caring for patients and families facing the end of a life. At the time, the concept of hospice care was being kept alive through the efforts of dedicated volunteers.

Volunteers were actively going to patients’ homes and assisting with care for the dying. They knew people wanted to remain in the comfort of their own homes during the end of life. However, the volunteers simply couldn’t keep up with the demand on a volunteer-basis.

The volunteers approached the Des Moines Area Religious Council’s Administrative Cabinet for direction on how to begin. A meeting was set and notices were published in the paper for anyone interested to attend a public forum. Approximately 150 people came to voice their interest.

From that meeting, a task force was set in motion led, in part, by Sister Eve Kavanagh. On February 7, 1978 Hospice of Central Iowa was incorporated under the laws of the State of Iowa -- the date we officially recognize as the birth of our organization. That was the beginn...