In ancient times, a hospice was a place of refuge for travelers on their journey. Today, a Hospice House is a home for those who cannot be cared for in their own place of residence. The option of living in Hospice House brings a sense of comfort and control to individuals and families who wish to have hospice care delivered in a setting that feels like home.

Why a Hospice House in Calvert County?

For nearly 20 years, Calvert Hospice has provided the highest quality of care in the homes of those living with their final illness. Sometimes "home" is the person?s own residence, the home of a family member or friend, or one of the excellent skilled nursing or long-term residential facilities located in Calvert County.

Lately, though, we have been caring more and more for folks who live alone, with elderly or frail caregivers, or with family members whose lives are already filled with the responsibilities of work and family. A Hospice House will offer these folks the opportunity to live in a home staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by trained, professional Hospice caregivers, to receive Hospice care from the regular Hospice team, and to be supported by friends and family to the extent they are able.

How Hospice House Will Work?

Hospice House will be available to anyone in Calvert County living with a terminal illness for whom care at home is not an option. Access to Hospice House will be available regardless of the individual?s ability to pay.

Hospice House will be staffed with trained, professional Hospice caregivers round-the-clock. The Hospice team, including nurse, social worker, home health aide, chaplain and volunteer, will support individuals and families just as it would in their own residence. The full range of Hospice services, including medicines, equipment, oxygen and medical supplies will be provided.

Residents of Hospice House will be encouraged to bring the objects from their own homes that will help make their surroundings as familiar and comfortable as possible. Family members will be welcome and encouraged to spend as much time with the resident as they are able. Comfortable accommodations in the resident?s room will be available for overnight family visits. A quiet space in the House will be available to residents and families for reflection and prayer.

How You Can Help?

The dream of Hospice House will only be possible through the commitment of the Calvert County community. Your help is needed. Your pledge today will support the building of Calvert Hospice House and bringing this important service to the citizens of Calvert County.

Opportunities are available to dedicate a resident?s or other room in Hospice House to the memory or in honor of a loved one; to furnish the Hospice House kitchen with appliances, dishware and cutlery; or to furnish the Hospice House dining, quiet, or common rooms.

Hospice House will represent the best that Calvert County can offer. If you have skills in interior design, gardening, building bird houses or patio furniture and would like to be part of the Hospice House effort, please contact Claire McFarland at (410) 535-0892 or (301) 855-1226.