First hospice on schedule
By Gwen Guerke, Milford ChronicleMILFORD - Delaware Hospice Center, a first for the state, is well under construction, and plans are to open in early 2008, according to President and CEO Susan Lloyd.
The 16-patient family suite facility is being built off Airport Road in Milford Independence Commons, adjacent to the Delaware Veterans' Home.
Mrs. Lloyd and Delaware Hospice staff are excited about the $15 million project, and also enthusiastic that it will be situated in Milford.
The agency, which hospice and palliative care to people with a limited life expectancy, is continuing its fund-raising efforts, with about $1.5 million to raise to reach its $4 million goal.
"It is expected to serve 500 families the first year," she said.
Last year, Delaware Hospice provided service to more than 2,000 patients and their families in all three counties.
"The need for our services is growing as Delaware's population ages," she added.
The new center will add another dimension to the end-of-life and bereavement care already offered by Delaware Hospice.
Staff and planners visited more than 35 other centers before deciding on a plan that they believe will be comfortable, function and attractive.
The 16 suites, designed in wings around a common area, will allow family members to be present with a patient at all times.
Plans feature a Family Support and Counseling Center, a Community Resource Center, a Meditation Room, and new offices for home-based services and administrative staff.
Families will be able to enjoy the kitchens, dining rooms and sitting rooms with alcoves for visiting children to play.
Each suite will include a sitting room with a pull-out bed and a patio that opens to outdoors.
"We will provide access to the outdoors, to landscaped areas for patients and their families," Mrs. Lloyd said.
In addition, the center will offer 24-hour medical and nursing coverage, plus support staff that includes social workers and chaplains.
Once the center is finished, it will also serve as a headquarters for home-care services in order to offer continuity of care.
"We looked at the needs of the community, and it's something that is needed and necessary," she said.
"We are really happy to do this Downstate. Our experience in Milford has been so positive."
Watch progress on the project at Delaware Hospice's Web site, www.delawarehospice.org.
Delaware
Hospice is accredited by JCAHO.
Read Statement
