VNA and Hospice Foundation benefactors celebrated the grand reopening of the VNA Hospice House during a Preserving a Legacy reception, gathering at the rear of the facility where the serene lakeside setting was designed to put patients and their loved ones at ease.
The 12,000-square-foot Hospice House, which sits on a 4.2-acre property, first opened in 2000 and continues to provide compassionate, end-of-life care in a home-like setting for those who can no longer be cared for at home.
Several years ago, facility stewards recognized that the building was showing some wear and tear and needed to be updated. In addition to refreshing the aesthetics of the 12 private bedrooms and the common areas, they also needed to integrate today’s technology to improve the patient’s experience, explained Michelle Deschane, VNA & Hospice Foundation director.
The upgrades have enabled improvements in “the delivery of care and patient experience as they transition,” she added.
“Your unique and generous donation of time, money and skills have made this renovation possible,” said Kathy Orton, chief patient experience officer, to the invited guests.
Orton said that when patients first walk through the Hospice House doors, she often hears them say that they experience “a sense of peace and calm and, yes, sometimes relief. This feeling of peace and calm has come from the beauty created by your donations here today.”
Improvements included new carpeting and patient beds, a secure medication room, a library redesign, a reflection room, staff planning and education rooms, a medical director office, a designated music therapy space, and a new HVAC system.
Orton said that the improved technology will enable patients to connect with family members who might be otherwise unable to do so because of physical limitations or distance.
“The technology allows for patients and families to get together virtually, daily. A note of love, support or a final goodbye can happen via that technology,” said Orton. She said the technology was made possible by Kathie and Michael Pierce.
“The renovation will sustain our goal to provide compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families in this beautiful home-like setting. I am awed by your generosity. Please know that each time a patient and family crosses our door, they will receive the best quality of care and support they need for end-of-life,” said Orton.
After enjoying light refreshments, guests received private tours to view the updated space.
The construction was completed under the guidance of The Hill Group and the interior design services were donated by Bob and Marta Schneider.
Foundation Board Chair Kathie Pierce noted that the enhanced, state-of-the-art facility was accomplished in large part due to the generosity of Jan and Rick McCoy and Lorne Waxlax.
For more information, visit vnatc.org.
Photos provided
