Caring for a loved one at the end of their life can be difficult physically and emotionally. Sarah Bush Lincoln has plans to help those who are struggling by building a Hospice House on its main campus. It will offer a peaceful home-like residence where terminally ill people can receive short-term hospice care.
A 14,470 square-foot Hospice House is being planned for construction on the north side of the Health Center campus, near the east pond. Construction of the $8 million, eight-room home will begin in Spring 2022 with the home expected to open in early 2023. The Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice House will be the first, fully dedicated inpatient hospice house in East Central Illinois.
The Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation kicked off a $2.5 capital campaign “The most important home you’ll ever build,” Wednesday to help with construction costs and create an endowment fund to care for those without means and maintain the home. Of the $2.5 million, $1 million will be designated for construction and $1.5 million for the Hospice House endowment.
SBL Foundation Director Amy Card said, “Before our campaign committee even met, people in our generous community had already pledged $500,000 toward the campaign goal. It’s just incredible.”
Community members interested in donating to the Hospice House campaign have naming opportunities for areas in the home and property, as well as endowment gift recognition. Engraved, commemorative paving bricks and stones may be purchased through donations as well
The Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice House will offer dignity and comfort to people in the end stages of terminal illnesses, while supporting families and individuals as they celebrate their loved ones’ lives and lovingly support them through their final passage. The Lincolnland Hospice team has extensive expertise in maximizing the comfort of people who are terminally ill by reducing their pain and addressing their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. To help families, hospice care also provides counseling, practical support and respite for caregivers. Respite care offers in-home caregivers short-term relief from the demands of caring for loved ones at home.
Each hospice patient will have a comfortable, private bedroom so their loved ones can remain at the bedside around the clock when time is precious. The rooms will also each have a semi-private patio with water views and beautiful gardens for peace and tranquility. The house will feature quiet rooms for families, a library, a kitchen for shared meals, a family/gathering room, chapel/mediation room, plus indoor and outdoor play areas for children.
SBL Health Foundation Director Amy Card explained, “The hospice house is a gift to the community, and our Health System and Foundation boards enthusiastically support this. Providing exceptional care to all is our North Star. This hospice house will bring peace to countless people –those at end of life and their families who are by their sides.”
The Hospice House will be staffed by Lincolnland Hospice nurses, aides and volunteers, and it will be overseen by a physician. It is designed so that each person has a comfortable, spacious and private area to spend their final days.
Campaign committee members include: Kyle Banks, Vanessa Banks, Ann Beck, Ph.D, Lucas Catt, MD, Ron Diepholz, Joe Dively, Scott Eggleston, Mike Genta, Tom Grunloh, Barb Hall, John Inyart, Carla Jackson, Jay Markwell, Tracey McCord, Louis Schwing, MD, Michael Smith, Debbie Sparks, and Tony Sparks.
For information on how to support the SBL Hospice House, contact a campaign committee member or Amy Card at 217 258-2511.