Hospice at Home in Berrien County has promoted the idea of a local facility in the past. Now a gift from a local family is moving that idea forward.
Merlin and Carolyn Hanson have donated $1.5 million toward a $5.5 million facility that would be built next to Lakeland Continuing Care Center now under construction on Cleveland Avenue in Stevensville.
The 18,400-square-foot facility on an 18-acre site would accommodate 16 beds. Families would be encouraged to participate in the care of their loved ones as they are able. The hospice facility would be open to visitors 24-hours a day. Visitors and pets would be encouraged to be with their loved ones with unlimited visitation.
All patients and families will be served at the new Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center regardless of ability to pay.
With no facility of their own, Berrien County patients and families needing care in a specialized hospice setting currently must relocate to Holland, Kalamazoo or South Bend.
"We’re one step closer to our vision becoming a reality because of this gift and our partnership with
Lakeland HealthCare," says Linda Beushausen, CEO of Hospice at Home.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Laura Bailey, Lakeland HealthCare
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