Heartland Hospice

Pros

• The family described Sutter Care at Home as five-star from start to finish.
• Kristi helped navigate family dynamics with grace to set up the service.
• Evan, the hospice nurse, was a shining star and a blessing during the hardest moments.
• Evan's honesty, knowledge, and compassion about the hospice process were irreplaceable.
• Caregivers and social workers were equally amazing, offering support with patience and warmth.
• The team consistently answered with a smile and treated the grandmother with love through her pain.
• The family expresses deep gratitude and notes that Evan was a true gift.

Cons

• Hospice is not an easy topic to deal with.
• The grandmother was not the easiest when she was in pain.

Review

Hospice care is never easy to face, especially when it centers on someone who has been your anchor and your "person." In April 2022, my Grandmother was diagnosed with bladder cancer, and as her person, I wanted nothing short of the very best care for her during the most challenging days. In that moment, Sutter Care at Home delivered exactly what we needed: a team that felt like it understood the gravity of the situation and met it with competence, compassion, and steadiness. From the outset, it was clear that we were in capable hands, and the level of service we experienced was nothing short of exceptional.

The transition from hospital to home-based hospice was guided with empathy and ease by the hospital coordinator, Kristi. She navigated delicate family dynamics with grace, helping to set up the hospice service in a way that reduced stress and ensured that everyone knew what to expect. Her support was a crucial bridge between the hospital setting and the home environment, and it contributed significantly to the sense of security we felt as a family.

From start to finish, Sutter Care at Home earned a five-star rating in our eyes. The overall team demonstrated a consistency in quality that stood out, reinforcing our confidence that we had chosen the right partners to support both my Grandmother and the family. The care plan felt comprehensive, thoughtful, and responsive, addressing not only physical needs but also the emotional and logistical realities that accompany end-of-life care.

The true shining star in our story was Evan, my Grandmother's hospice nurse. His kindness, compassion, and wisdom were palpable in every interaction. He approached the process with honesty, explaining what to expect and what could reasonably be anticipated, which provided immense comfort during some of the most difficult days. Evan's depth of knowledge about hospice care - paired with his genuine integrity - made him irreplaceable. He stood by us through my Grandmother's final stage, offering reassurance, clarity, and a steady presence when the family needed it most.

What stood out beyond Evan was the entire team of supportive services - caregivers and social workers - who carried the same thread of excellence. My Grandmother was not the easiest patient to care for when she was in pain, yet every person who interacted with her did so with patience, a warm smile, and a steadfast commitment to meeting her needs with respect and kindness. The care felt consistent and humane, reinforcing that the focus was always on comfort, dignity, and relief for both patient and family.

If Evan ever sees this, I want to say a heartfelt thank you. The difference he made in those months of fear, confusion, and grief is immeasurable. His presence offered a beacon of hope and reassurance, and his support extended beyond clinical care to a human kindness that touched every member of the family. The gratitude we feel is lasting, and the impact of his work will be remembered with gratitude for many years to come.

In the end, this experience underscored for us how vital compassionate hospice care can be when facing the complex realities of aging, illness, and death. The combination of a thoughtful coordinator like Kristi, a consistently high-performing care team, and the extraordinary dedication of Evan created a landscape of care that honored my Grandmother's dignity while supporting her through the final chapter of her life. For families navigating similar journeys, this experience stands as a powerful testament to what excellent hospice care can look like - professional, empathetic, and profoundly human.

This particular area of Santa Rosa, California, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment. With several physicians located within close proximity, including Bauman & Denner Mds and Harrison Ari J MD, residents have easy access to medical care. Pharmacies like Rite Aid and Lucky Supermarket Pharmacy are also nearby for prescription needs. The diverse dining options in the area, such as Monti's and Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar, provide plenty of choices for dining out. Additionally, there are reputable hospitals like St Joseph Health System within a short distance. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy cafes like Acre Coffee and theaters like Roxy Stadium 14. Parks such as Howarth Park and Annadel State Park offer outdoor recreational opportunities for nature lovers. With convenient access to public transportation from Santa Rosa Transit Mall and the SMART Station, this area provides seniors with a blend of healthcare services, dining options, entertainment venues, parks, and transportation options suitable for senior living.

Physicians

• Bauman & Denner Mds (0 miles)
• Weaver Clinton E DDS (0.5 miles)
• Harrison Ari J MD (0.7 miles)
• Elyse R Eisenberg, MD (0.7 miles)
• Redwood Empire Dermatology (0.7 miles)
• Advanced Fertility Associates Medical Group (0.7 miles)
• Providence Medical Group Santa Rosa - Gastroenterology (0.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.1 miles)
• Lucky Supermarket Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Herbal Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Creekside Managed Care Pharmacy (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (0.2 miles)
• Monti's (0.7 miles)
• Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar (0.9 miles)
• Ca Bianca (1.1 miles)
• Bird & The Bottle (1.1 miles)
• Wilibees Wines & Spirits (1.2 miles)
• Flamingo Lazeaway Club (1.2 miles)

Hospitals

• St Joseph Health System (0.7 miles)
• MarinHealth ENT, Head & Neck Surgery | A UCSF Health Clinic (1.1 miles)
• Sutter Warrack Hospital (1.6 miles)
• Summerfield Convalescent Hospital (1.7 miles)
• Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (3.2 miles)

Cafes

• Acre Coffee (0.9 miles)
• Dierk's Parkside Café (1.1 miles)
• Aroma Roasters Coffee & Tea (1.7 miles)
• Trail House (1.7 miles)
• Cafe Des Croissants (2.5 miles)
• Taylor Lane Organic Coffee (2.7 miles)

Theaters

• Roxy Stadium 14 (1.2 miles)

Transportation

• Santa Rosa Transit Mall (1.3 miles)
• Santa Rosa - SMART Station (1.7 miles)

Parks

• Old Courthouse Square (1.3 miles)
• Taylor Mountain Open Space Preserve (1.4 miles)
• Howarth Park (1.7 miles)
• Bennett Valley Dog Park (2.1 miles)
• Annadel State Park: Stonehedge Entrance (2.1 miles)
• Spring Lake Park (2.9 miles)