Work continues on Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake

Nestled away from public view on 30 wooded acres between Crocker and Bradley roads (between Bonne Bell and the Holiday Inn), a Craftsman-inspired hospice care facility is being built away from public view. When it is completed, Hospice of the Western Reserve's Ames Family Hospice House will offer tranquility and peace to patients and families when they need it the most.

The 40,000-square-foot hospice care facility will be a home away from home for seriously ill patients and their families in western Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. Donley’s is overseeing the building of the facility and site development. The building was designed by Tom Mullinax of Hilton Head Island, S.C., representing Hospice Design Resource PLLC, and the project was overseen locally by Vocon.

The focus of care will be pain and symptom management as well as care of patients with a life expectancy of one to two weeks. After discharge, patients will either be cared for at home or by assisted living partners. Hospice of the Western Reserve will collaborate with area nursing facility and assisted living partners to meet the longer-term residential placement needs of patients.  

State-of-the-art technology will be incorporated into patient suites, including hidden medical equipment and flat screen TVs with "virtual visiting" capabilities so patients can participate in special family milestones like weddings and graduations.

Input on the features of the house came from numerous sources, including patients and their family members, staff and community members. Private patient suites, a great room, screened porches, family kitchens, art and music therapy rooms, a children’s playroom and a teen activity room for pediatric patients are just a few of its features.

The long drive back to the Ames Family Hospice House feels park-like, winding along the woods. Approaching the building feels like driving up to a beautiful home surrounded by gardens and woods. Some of the property had been the Jesse Bell Memorial walking paths. Hospice of the Western Reserve will be re-establishing the paths and inviting the community to once again enjoy the tranquil grounds for walking and running.

The grounds also include a number of wetland areas which have been preserved. Deer, numerous migratory birds and other wildlife make their homes here. Porter Creek runs through the property and provides a tranquil setting for relaxing, reflecting and enjoying nature. Ames Family Hospice House will be an eco-friendly building with many “green” features incorporated throughout the building and grounds.

The public will have an opportunity to tour the house and grounds facility during a special Community Open House on Saturday, June 23, 1-4 p.m. Refreshments and entertainment are planned.

Laurie Henrichsen

Laurie Henrichsen, Hospice of the Western Resserve

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Volume 4, Issue 7, Posted 10:41 AM, 04.03.2012