South Shore's New Hospice Residence Opens

HINGHAM, Mass. - Oct. 29, 2013 - PRLog -- The first patients of the area’s new Hospice Residence in Hingham were welcomed this week by Norwell VNA (NVNA) and Hospice. Located on Turkey Hill adjacent to the Weir River Farm, the hospice residence is now open and available for individuals who are hospice-eligible.

Typically, people who are currently under hospice care at home or whose doctor has referred them to hospice come to live at a hospice residence if they can no longer remain at home. To date, no such residence has existed for South Shore residents; of the nine hospice homes in the state, the closest are in Needham and on Cape Cod.

“Opening the hospice residence was a magnanimous accomplishment by two non-profits who shared a vision to meet a community need,” said Meg Doherty, Executive Director of Norwell VNA (NVNA) and Hospice, referring to the collaboration between home care and hospice agency and the volunteer-based Campus of Caring. “We are so appreciative of the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to help us create this beautiful residence for patients.”

The hospice residence includes 12 private rooms, each with its own bathroom, a complement of common living spaces, and a chapel. A large family area and kitchen offers residents and their families and friends a home-like setting in which to gather and enjoy visits. The surrounding grounds include gardens and trails to the neighboring Weir Reservation.

Medicare and other insurers pay for the actual hospice care and services, which are the same services a hospice provides in one’s own home. However, room and board at a hospice residence is not covered by medical insurance and thus is paid privately by the patient and/or the family. (Some long term care and private insurance plans may cover room and board.)

“We will be forever grateful to those who have already contributed financially towards our goal,” added Doherty who explains the capital campaign is in full force to offset the costs of mandated renovations.  “We look forward to continued support from the community as we assist families dealing with a very real and difficult time in their lives.”

For more information about the hospice residence, please call 781-659-2342.

About NVNA and Hospice

Founded in 1920, NVNA and Hospice is the only independent, non-profit home health care and hospice agency serving the South Shore.  The agency’s mission of Neighbors Helping Neighbors continues as it serves nearly 600 patients a day, and offers an average of 45 free community health screenings, educational programs and support groups each month in more than 27 communities on the South Shore. NVNA and Hospice is the only Massachusetts agency to be named a Home Care Elite Top Agency in the United States for seven consecutive years; most recently qualifying in the Top 500. In addition to its home care and hospice services, NVNA and Hospice owns and operates the Hospice Residence of Hingham; NVNA Works, a non-profit private duty homecare division; and Cancer Support Community – MA South Shore, a non-profit providing support, education, and programs for those impacted by cancer. For more information, call NVNA and Hospice at 781-659-2342 or visit www.nvna.org.