VNA & Hospice Foundation hosted its premier “Preserving A Legacy” ribbon cutting ceremony on April 13, 2022, to celebrate the recently completed renovation of VNA Hospice House and to honor the generous people who made it possible, including the very first person to support the project, Lorne Waxlax, who happily contributed $1 million dollars. “I like to do a lot of people good, and this place does a lot of people good,” says Lorne. Two other $1 million dollar donors, Jan and Rick McCoy, agree with his sentiment. “I can’t imagine a better place to give my money,” says Jan.
Chair of the Foundation Board, Kathie Pierce, who with her husband, Michael, funded a $300,000 technology upgrade, were also recognized. The celebration was particularly poignant for Michael as his parents were among the first group of people to contribute money over 22 years ago to build VNA Hospice House from the ground up. “VNA is one of the most important parts of the community,” says Michael. “And my family will continue to be involved.”
Other donors to the project include Bob and Marta Schneider who donated their time and talent as interior designers; additional contributors were Ellie McCabe; Don and Martha Keller; and The Hill Group, who advised on structural design of the building.
And the finished product is simply beautiful. Hues of soft grey, teal and an array of neutrals imbue the rooms with warmth and elegance, complimented by numerous hand-made pieces of solid wood furniture throughout, everything from a handsome large cabinet in the great room to attractive consoles in patient rooms that discreetly hold televisions and drawers. Patient rooms also have new bathrooms and state-of-the-art Sequoia beds with clinical grade memory foam and fluid-protected comfort mattresses.
The rooms are also geared toward the comfort of family members and include small tables and chairs as well as attached private porches with brand-new patio furniture and peaceful views of the lush landscape where they can relax.
The renovation has also been environmentally friendly with additions like LED lights and digital thermostats that allow patients to set the temperature for their individual rooms. It’s also COVID-19 conscious and has hand sanitizers throughout the building in addition to a new ventilation system.
And the physical makeover is complimented by new state-of-the art technology that includes advanced security cameras and 12 wireless access points. It also includes new networking equipment; patients now have tablets that allow them to make video calls to loved ones, control the television, raise or lower the blinds and even order food from VNA Hospice House’s fabulous chef in the newly renovated on-site kitchen.
And for family members and friends who need to check in at work, a former library has now become the perfect business center as it includes a new 65” smart TV that’s ideal for video conferencing. In addition, there are several USB ports tastefully located on a lovely, spacious Calacatta Statuario marble table in the center of the room where many people can work comfortably side by side with their laptops.
And for those from out of town who need a place to rest, there’s a well-appointed guest room with a comfortable pull-out couch. And of course, during the day there are plenty of gathering spots for families and friends outside of patient rooms where they can relax, all in beautifully adorned spaces – which really sums up the renovation. “Hospice House is just spectacular,” says Jan McCoy. “I would think anybody here would be relaxed, guests as well as patients.”
