Unveiling of Hospice residential home centre a dream come true
Administrator | Jul 16, 2013 | Comments 2
Prince Edward County’s residential hospice is a dream come true following the official ribbon cutting Saturday at the 40 Downes Avenue facility in Picton.
Visitors toured the new Hospice Prince Edward centre throughout the week to see the home-away-from home for patients at the end of life.
County mayor Peter Mertens told the grand opening crowd he was impressed with the hospice staff and board, its volunteers and mostly, with the community.
“This is an enormous financial undertaking and the people of this county have stepped up to the mark,” said Mertens. “The care and attention to detail that has been implemented in the hospice is going to ensure the clients, the patients, and their families are able to spend their last days in dignity, in comfort, and in an environment that lends itself to sharing those last moments in peace. It is a remarkable effort.”
Nancy Parks, executive director, says the centre reflects and honours a community that holds hospice palliative care near to their hearts.
“This home belongs to the community, it was created by the community, and will be operated and supported by the community,” Parks said at the grand opening.
“Some of our long-time volunteers of over 20 years are saying ‘I never thought I would see this day. And what has been said that brings tears to my eyes is when (people on the tour) were saying ‘How I wish this was here when my loved one died. Smiles and tears. Everyone comes to hospice with a unique story, a unique reason. Going forward, this community residential hospice centre will be part of these stories.”
The three bed residential hospice and home for administrative offices is the first of its kind in the County. Hospice Prince Edward will also continue to offer community home visiting and bereavement support services, free of charge in the community. The programs are delivered by more than 60 trained volunteers.
Parks made special mention of volunteer and committee member John Della Bosca, who passed away suddenly earlier this month. “We remember him fondly and everything he did with this project and regret that he is not able to be with us today.”
Hospice board president Birgit Langwisch also shared heartfelt thanks.
“Thanks to the tremendous efforts that have been made to support us, to encourage us and to make this moment today actually happen after many years of hoping for it, dreaming for it and planning for it.”
The “Lighting The Way” quest to raise $875,000 to pay for the home and its renovations and to develop residential hospice programming continues. The campaign is well over half way to goal.
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Tremendous! Such a meaningful thing to happen.
Congratulations to all of you in Picton for making this dream a reality. I have no doubt, but this home will be loved by all who enter it. It will be a place of peace, comfort and caring.