A Final Gift

I started working for Hospice of North Idaho, the community’s nonprofit hospice, in May of 2010, only a few weeks before the groundbreaking of Hospice House. During my first year of employment, I watched a dirt lot on Prairie Avenue be transformed into a magnificent building that would come to have a greater impact on our community than anyone could have imagined. While the building took about 15 months to complete from first shovel of dirt to serving its first patient, Henry Thompson, a large group of dedicated volunteers had many more years invested in the dreaming, planning and fundraising for the project. One could argue it started 34 years prior when Hospice of North Idaho was created by volunteers who saw the need for coordinated care of the terminally ill in our community. I’ll save that story for another day.

Who could have envisioned what would happen when you take a beautiful building and fill it with loving staff and volunteers providing the best hospice care possible? Thousands of patients have come to Hospice House, each bringing their own stories, families (including pets) and unique situations with them. They stayed hours, days, and in some rare situations, weeks before returning home, or in many cases, dying there. Many were surrounded by family members and friends as they transitioned. Some waited to pass until their spouse or family had gone off to get a cup of coffee or bowl of soup or went out to run an errand. Each situation is different, and that is part of what makes the Hospice House so special and dynamic, yet so hard to explain. In just four-and-a-half years, nearly 55,000 people have come to visit the Hospice House to share their love, support the patients and each other, and say their goodbyes.

Hospice House, on any given day, is bustling in one sense, and in another it is quiet, sturdy and grounding. If you haven’t been inside Hospice House, you should. I’m inviting you to go. It’s breathtaking. The building is open and full of light with windows that reveal beautiful gardens. The rooms are welcoming, with many common areas that are comfortably furnished. In the fall and winter, the fireplace begs you to sit down and take a load off. The dining room smells of freshly baked cookies or the pot of soup that Chef Jen just prepared. The patient rooms are private and large enough to accommodate family and friends, with furniture that is comfortable enough to sit and stay, even overnight. In fact, large families and groups can be accommodated by one of the two family suites. Children can play in the youth activity room, and prayers and goodbyes can be said in the prayer and meditation space. The designers of the Hospice House tried to anticipate the complex needs of individuals who were nearing the end of lives, and did not leave out those in their families.

Even with all of its beauty, Hospice House would be nothing but a beautiful space were it not for the loving staff and volunteers who show up each day and night to provide around the clock care and support for patients and families. These are the people who make Hospice House a home. Hospice House Director Cindy Reed, RN, has been a hospice nurse with Hospice of North Idaho for 30 years. Her devotion to the field of hospice care and to her patients is unparalleled and apparent the minute you speak to her. Hospice care provided at the Hospice House, like that provided in all aspects of Hospice of North Idaho’s care, is a blend of services provided by experts and designed to keep the patient comfortable and in control of their care. Whether it’s providing pain management, wound care, spiritual support, family counseling, or any of the services offered, the nurses, hospice aides, physicians, social workers, volunteers, and all those involved with the plan of care work together to provide a peaceful experience that is directed by the patient and their family.

During the past six years of my employment with Hospice of North Idaho, I’ve watched Hospice House evolve, thrive and fill a need in our community. Looking back on that warm May morning in 2010 when I watched the first shovels of dirt being dug from the ground, I could not have imagined that the building would come to have such an impact on so many. While most of the hospice care our staff provides is in a patient’s home, should the need for inpatient care arise, Hospice House allows patients an option that can greatly enhance their end of life experience.

For more information on Hospice House, Hospice of North Idaho, or to schedule a tour, call 208.772.7994 or visit our website at www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org.

Hospice House Q & A

What exactly is Hospice House and why do patients go there? Here are some frequently asked questions about Hospice House. If your question isn’t addressed, please feel free to call our office at 208.772.7994.

What is Hospice House?

Hospice House provides a comfortable and peaceful environment to allow a person and their loved ones to spend their time in the most meaningful way possible when their care cannot be managed at home. Hospice House provides 24-hour care to patients and support to their loved ones.

Who uses Hospice House?

Hospice House is for Hospice of North Idaho’s patients who are enrolled in hospice services. Hospice House is an option when there is an unmanageable crisis due to pain and other symptoms, when a patient has significant needs beyond the caregiver’s capacity upon discharge from the hospital, and for respite care because of caregiver fatigue.

Is Hospice House available to all patients?

Hospice House is available to all Hospice of North Idaho patients should they need inpatient-level care or respite care. Hospice of North Idaho has admission criteria that are used to determine if Hospice House is an appropriate option.

Can Hospice House be used when a caregiver becomes burned out or fatigued?

Absolutely! Hospice House can be used to give caregivers a break if they become too fatigued to care for their loved one. This is called a “respite stay”, which can last up to five days per visit.

How long will patients stay at Hospice House?

While this is specific to a patient’s needs, most stays typically do not last beyond six days. If a patient’s symptoms become well managed, they can then return to their home.

Do patients have to go the Hospice House?

No. Our patients always have a choice when it comes to their healthcare. If inpatient care is needed, patients and their loved ones can choose the best option for them; Hospice House is one option.

Is Hospice House a long-term care facility?

No. Hospice House is not a residential facility. It is a short stay facility meant to manage symptoms or provide respite. It is not a long-term solution for residential care.

How will I pay for Hospice House?

Stays at the Hospice House are covered as part of the Hospice Medicare Benefit. Because Hospice of North Idaho is a nonprofit hospice, no one is ever denied services, including stays at the Hospice House due to the inability to pay or lack of insurance. Everyone in our community receives the same high-quality hospice care no matter their financial situation.

#local #lifecommunity #health