Northern Illinois Hospice

05/31/2026

Check out those "tangles!"

Last week staff had the chance to participate in a creative support event, led by Sue Rankin, LCSW, with a focus on Zentangle - a meditative drawing technique that fosters creativity and relaxation.

The group learned a simple set of pen strokes called "tangles" and then used the technique to help reduce anxiety and release stress.

Special thanks to Sue and our whole bereavement team for helping to facilitate ways our staff can be creative but also destress!

05/30/2026

Golf season is getting into full swing here in the Forest City and we can hardly wait for our 38th Annual Charity Golf Event on Thursday, July 30!

Let’s give a shout out to Howe Freightways, Inc. for being our Elite/Tee Golf Sponsor!

05/28/2026

Looking for guidance on caregiving? Our new online resource, The Reading Room, is here to help you every step of the way.

Get more information on Preventing Falls at Home at northernillinoishospice.org/the-reading-room.

05/25/2026

Some gave all! This Memorial Day we’re thinking about those who bravely gave their lives in service to our country.

05/24/2026

Memorial Day is tomorrow! Who are you honoring with a gift to the Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation this year?

Remember your loved one by donating today at https://northernillinoishospice.org/give/donate-now/

05/23/2026

Memorial Day Weekend is here! It’s the perfect time to be thinking about who you want to honor with a gift to the Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation. Each donation can make such a difference.

Remember your loved one by donating today at https://northernillinoishospice.org/give/donate-now/

05/22/2026

Hospice care continues to evolve to better support patients and families through personalized care, educational resources, complementary therapies, and improved communication.

Read our latest blog to learn how hospice has changed over the years to enhance comfort and quality of life.

Learn how hospice care has evolved to better support patients' needs through telehealth, complementary therapies, and educational resources.

05/20/2026

We’re hiring! Our team is looking for a Revenue Cycle Accountant who enjoys working with financial data, solving problems, and is responsible for managing both hospice and palliative care billing. This role requires at least two years of hospice or long-term care room and board billing experience and a bachelor’s degree in accounting is preferred.

If that sounds like you, let’s talk! Here are all the details and where you can apply for this great opportunity. https://northernillinoishospice.org/careers/

05/18/2026

Join us in the gardens in a few weeks! Nature is a great way to find relief when grief feels overwhelming. So, we invite you to come out for our weekly series, Tranquil Tuesdays at Anderson Japanese Gardens from 10:30 am-12:00 pm. The series kicks off June 2 and runs until September 1.

You’ll have the opportunity to spend time in the beautiful gardens, explore grief in our lives, and experience new ways to growth through our grief and stories of loss. Come see what a difference it can make!

Space is limited and registration is required. Dress for the weather as we’ll gather in rain or shine. To register, please visit the Events tab at northernillinoishospice.org.

05/17/2026

Meet Abbie! Born and raised in the Rockford area, Abbie Petitt brings compassion, honesty, and support to families during some of life’s most difficult moments. As a Hospice Liaison, she helps families better understand hospice care and guides them through the process with clarity and reassurance.

“Hospice was my first job in healthcare,” Abbie shared. “Through my experience, I saw how confusing and overwhelming it can feel when things are not explained well. I wanted to be someone who gives families clarity, direction, and honest conversations about what to expect.”

Abbie says one of the most rewarding parts of her role is helping families feel heard and supported every step of the way. She loves being someone people can trust and count on during difficult moments. When asked what drew her to Northern Illinois Hospice, Abbie said she was looking for an opportunity that fit both her life and career goals while allowing her to continue growing in hospice care.

“My team is amazing. They have such a huge heart for hospice and for the families we serve. You can feel how much everyone cares about the work and the families we serve.”

When she’s not at work, Abbie spends her time with her kids at their activities, walking her dog, or working on projects around the house. Thank you, Abbie, for the compassion and support you bring to families every day!