On Thursday, I visited the Hospice Care Center in Bremerton. I was invited for a tour by the Rev. Sandy Bochonuk, the director of bereavement services for Hospice. Joining us were the Rev. Kathleen Kingslight, the new rector of St. Paul's, Bremerton, and the Rev. Debbie Little, pastor of First Christian Church of Bremerton.
Sandy showed us the facility, which is new, clean, and a very pleasant environment. The colors are muted but there's lots of light. The rooms have wood flooring, drapes, and are decorated like a home bedroom except that there's a hospital bed. The idea is to have a home-like environment for those who are nearing death, and for their families who are encourage to spend time there.
Clients who use the facility are usually at the point where they need more care than the family can provide. There is round-the-clock nursing, and the care appears to be first-rate. Medicaid can be billed for the clients, so that burden is lifted from the family.
We shared a bowl of soup and a cup of coffee in the small dining room, and enjoyed being together. Sandy spends most Thursdays there giving spiritual care, and her compassionate presence is a gift to the facility. Sandy is in charge of the chaplains and social workers for Hospice. It was a good introduction to the Hospice care center.
-
No comments:
Post a Comment