United Hospice of Rockland’s (UHR) Joe Raso Hospice Residence (JRHR) marks its first anniversary this week. The first patients were admitted March 16, 2012.
UHR executive director Amy Stern says, “A year ago with the opening of UHR’s Joe Raso Hospice Residence, we became able to provide options that were not previously available in our community, closing a gap in the continuum of care that had existed for far too long. The JRHR is available for our seriously ill loved ones, friends and neighbors who live alone with no support system in place to complement UHR’s program of care, for those who live with an elderly or infirm partner whose own condition prevents them from being able to provide adequate care or support, for those who come from institutional settings or return from having spent time outside the community, and for those who have no home to which they can return or have families who are fearful of caring for their loved ones at home during their final phases of life.
In the past year, the residence has served 150 patients and families via 30 employees, 22 regularly scheduled volunteers and a scheduling coordinator, 14 substitutes, one music therapist one Reiki master, one art therapist, and 5 pet therapy teams.”
Families have said:
"Please know that your patient care for my sister, HA, comforted her and us, her family. Your good-humored, respectful exchanges and interactions graced her end of life days. That I was able to spend those last weeks at my sister's side was a singular blessing and testimony to the wisdom and understanding of the hospice concept. I thank each of you for you unstinting generosity, your multitude of seen and unseen kindnesses to me and my sister."
"I want to thank the entire staff at the Joe Raso Hospice for the outstanding care administered to my husband. "O" spent five weeks at your facility. During that time, he was treated with respect and dignity. His every wish was granted, even having a final poker game with his buddies. I thank you all for keeping him comfortable and welcoming me so I could have more time with my "O".
"We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful care to my mother during the last two weeks of her life. We are forever grateful to those who provided so many services. Thank you, Judy, for taking the time to talk to me. I was able to express my fears and my sadness and your support comforted me and calmed my anxiety."
"Father Tim, your kindness and your soothing words were a great source of strength and hope. We appreciated your prayers and your asking the volunteers to visit and sit by my mother's side. Your emotional support was outstanding. Also, Mary Lynne, you were compassionate all along and especially on the day of my mother's passing. Your thoughtfulness and attentiveness gave us the strength to face our sorrow."
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"Our dear nurses, Kim (evening) and Kim (day), Pauline, Sheilia, Patie, Age and others, please accept our sincere thanks for your amazing care to my mother, for taking the time to explain changes in her condition and for you dedication and competency. And our gratitude to the aides and the housekeeping staff, so considerate and thoughtful and to the compassionate volunteers who sat by mother's side and offered her liquids to calm her thirst. Muriel, I love your beautiful notes and Robyn, thank you for your gentleness and sweetness. And Karen, thank you for giving us hope. It was an honor to meet such a wonderful, responsive, and professional group of people. We will forever be grateful."
Situated in New City, on a peaceful eleven-acre setting of streams, woodlands, wildlife, and a pond, the Joe Raso Hospice Residence offers a home-like environment while providing the full complement of UHR comfort-oriented care. Services include expert pain and symptom management, nursing care, assistance with the tasks of daily living, friendly visiting by volunteers, spiritual and psycho-social counseling for patients and their loved ones, and bereavement counseling and support groups for surviving family members.
JRHR amenities include:
Ten private, spacious suites, offering space for visiting family members and convertible furniture for overnight stays, a great room with fireplace where residents and family members can gather to visit, read, play a game, or listen to music.
Private areas for family meetings and gatherings as well as prayer, meditation and contemplation.
A large and welcoming kitchen where meals are prepared and where patients and guests can dine if they choose.
Specially designed spa including a special “wheel-in” bathtub, radiant heat and a massage therapy table.
Customized dining options tailored to meet the special needs of each individual.
Life-enhancing therapies, such as music, pet, and massage.
Special outdoor spaces, including gardens and a courtyard that will accommodate wheelchairs and beds.
All inquiries on behalf of individuals who are not presently on the hospice program should be directed to the United Hospice of Rockland Help Center, 845-634-4974. Individuals must meet hospice eligibility requirements. Medical, psychosocial, spiritual needs of each patient will be assessed to determine the ability to meet their needs at the residence while balancing it with the needs of residents who are already there.
Founded in 1988, United Hospice of Rockland Inc. (UHR), a 401(c3) nonprofit corporation, enables patients with advanced illnesses to live in comfort, with dignity, and surrounded by those they love and serves as a resource for palliative care, bereavement support, and information about end of life issues. United Hospice of Rockland is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and meets the Standards for Charity Accountability of the Better Business Bureau, Inc. In addition, UHR received a third consecutive 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator.
When time matters most, UHR provides care, comfort and improved quality of life to individuals and their families and offers compassionate support to members of the community who have experienced the loss of a loved one. For further information, contact United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956. Call 845 634-4974 or visit www.hospiceofrockland.org .
