Hospice of Windsor and Essex County board chairperson Veronique Mandal helps reveal plans for the expansion of Hospice's Windsor residential complex during its tenth anniversary celebration on May 17, 2017.  (Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)Hospice of Windsor and Essex County board chairperson Veronique Mandal helps reveal plans for the expansion of Hospice's Windsor residential complex during its tenth anniversary celebration on May 17, 2017. (Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)
Windsor

Hospice Village Marks Ten Years With Expansion Plans

The primary provider of palliative care in Windsor-Essex is celebrating a milestone with a major announcement.

Scores of social workers, staff, volunteers and donors gathered at the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County residential complex in Windsor Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the facility.  Since 2007, Hospice Village has provided hospice care onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Hospice Executive Director Carol Derbyshire revealed the facility's birthday present to those gathered.

"We've received permission to go ahead and add two more suites to our residential home, which will allow us to care for 40 more families this year," says Derbyshire.

In addition to the patient suites, Hospice is also adding two new family rooms, as well as a year-round sunroom.  The Village currently has eight patient suites that include private washrooms, patios, entertainment technology, and guest accommodations.  The expansion would increase the size of the facility by 25%.

The floor plan for the expanded facility was revealed during the anniversary party.

The expansion is expected to cost about one million dollars, but Derbyshire says fundraising to cover the cost is in full swing.

"Right now we have just about $400,000, so we don't have too much farther to go," says Derbyshire.

There has already been a significant impact of the expansion as far as applications are concerned.  Hospice says 327 applications to the residential facility were received in 2016, resulting in 155 admissions.

The current residential complex in Windsor covers 4.7 acres in the area off Jefferson Blvd. and Tecumseh Rd. E.  When it opened ten years ago, it replaced quarters at the old Metropolitan Hospital campus, which Hospice had occupied since it was founded in 1979.  Over 50 programs are offered to provide holistic wellness and end-of-life care to patients and their families. Residential homes are maintained in Windsor and Leamington.

For complete information on Hospice or to find out how to donate toward the expansion, click here.

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