Community members are invited to attend an open house set for noon to 3 pm, Sunday, Oct. 22, to tour Willow Breeze, the SBL Hospice House.
Willow Breeze is located at 10660 County Road 800 N, Mattoon on the northside of the Health Center’s main campus. Parking is limited. Visitors are encouraged to park in the north employee parking lot and either walk to the house or take a shuttle.
Willow Breeze features eight private suites for people of all ages who are facing end of life difficulties. Each suite has a private bathroom and walk-out patio that overlooks the landscaped pond. Hospice embraces family and friends as an integral part of the care team.
Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice Manager Jenn Roberts explained, “We encourage your loved ones to spend quality time by your side, creating cherished memories and ensuring your comfort. Our communal spaces are designed to foster togetherness and provide space for support and reflection.”
Willow Breeze also offers family quiet rooms that accommodate overnight guests, a family communal kitchen and coffee bar, library and work space, chapel, activity room, a communal covered patio to enjoy the outdoors and a walking path partially around the pond. Loved ones may visit 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Willow Breeze team of experienced and compassionate professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive hospice care. It collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, counselors and volunteers to ensure that each individual’s unique needs and wishes are met. The team consists of hospice nursing staff, medical director, hospice aides, social workers, bereavement counselor, spiritual counselor and volunteers.
Hospice care offers personalized attention tailored to personal preferences and cultural beliefs. “Our staff encourages our patients to share their life stories, hobbies and interests so we can create moments of joy and meaning. We work together to provide a holistic approach to address all aspects of well-being,” Roberts said.
To help make the dream of Willow Breeze a reality, the SBL Health Foundation hosted a capital campaign, The Most Important Home You’ll Ever Build, and it surpassed its fundraising goals.
Amy Card, SBL Health Foundation director said, “Our community is always so generous to us. We appreciate the countless number of people and organizations who saw the long-term value in this project and contributed.” The Health Foundation raised $1.2 million for construction and $1.8 million to fund an endowment to help people in need pay for room and board. Most insurance covers hospice care, but not necessarily the cost of room and board. The Foundation will continue to accept donations to help cover these costs.
Willow Breeze is expected to open later this fall.
For more information about SBL Hospice or Willow Breeze, call 800-454-4055.