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Around Matthews House

May 16, 2013   ·   0 Comments

We take possession of our new hospice residence in Kingsmere Village in Alliston in June. Our two patient rooms will feel as much like home as possible. Yes, there is a hospital bed with a special mattress to maximize comfort, but it is made up with a colourful spread or quilt. There is a comfortable recliner where a family member can sleep and a second chair, a night table with a lamp, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. Each room has its own television, a radio/CD/DVD player and a small refrigerator. Families are encouraged to bring their own music and pictures to personalize their room.

A fully equipped kitchen is available for families to prepare meals. Quick snacks can be eaten at the breakfast bar or family meals can be enjoyed around our dining table. Our volunteers will have tea, coffee, water, a fruit bowl, snack foods and sweets on hand, but families are encouraged to bring their own food and to use the kitchen.

The living room has a couch, two chairs, coffee table, lamps, a cozy fireplace and a television.  There are two bathrooms on the main level, one of which is ensuite. The downstairs family room is similarly furnished for family use and comfort. The house has wi-fi and we have a selection of movies and games for children and young people. Also on this level, there is a small library/quiet room, office, laundry and another bathroom.  Completing this floor, is a third bedroom that we see being used primarily for family respite.

All windows have California shutters. We have the necessary resources to facilitate lifts, moves and transfers and the house is accessible and has a security system.

We expect to be in a position to welcome our first resident in early July. In June, we will move in, train, orient and hold a number of open houses. We are in the process of finalizing our policies and procedures and are interviewing prospective staff. It is our intention to have on site 24/7 care by a registered nurse or registered practical nurse supplemented by personal support workers and volunteers. Three doctors will share the medical officer role. This is a level of care equal to or better than any provided anywhere.

All of our existing programs and services as well as all administrative services will continue at our current location. The residence initiative would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of committee members drawn from the palliative care community, C.C.A.C., the Hospice Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Team, a doctor, a palliative care consultant and Matthews House Hospice staff, and volunteers. Also consulted were the Alliston Family Health Team and other health related professionals. Stevenson Memorial Hospital has been extremely supportive throughout the process. The vision, drive and resourcefulness of our President, Marv Chantler has been a critical ingredient in this initiative. We also want to thank all those who so quickly offered furnishings, all things needed in the kitchen or money to purchase furniture, appliances and equipment. The response has been phenomenal.

For information on our residence or any other program and service, please call 705-435-7218 or check our website www.matthewshousehospice.ca   We look forward to opening and to inviting you to visit in June.

Thanks to all who hiked or sponsored a hiker. Preliminary results are in … $55,000 and counting, our best result yet.

By Frank Taylor

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