Expanded Hospice Residence Opens in Wayland, MA

WAYLAND, Mass., Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Parmenter Community Health Care of Wayland, MA, is proud to announce the opening of its expanded and renovated Miriam Boyd Parlin Hospice Residence to provide critically needed care for the area's terminally ill patients and their families.

The facility has been enlarged from six to 10 private bedrooms with baths because of increasing demand. According to Parmenter CEO Cindy Mayher, the increased interest has been caused, in part, by growing nationwide acceptance of the hospice movement, which combines compassion, comfort, and social and spiritual support for people at the end of their lives, as well as the fact that more insurance companies are now covering the cost of care in such facilities.

The architect for the project was Terry Heinlein, AIA, of Weston, MA, working on his fourth hospice residence; the builder was Columbia Contracting of Charlestown, MA. Green considerations were of the utmost importance. Recycled items included counters, plumbing fixtures, ceiling tiles, wood, and light fixtures. Low VOC paint, which does not emit fumes, was also used.

A major goal was to continue the warm, homelike atmosphere, for which this Hospice Residence is known. In order to accomplish this, a number of features were incorporated: all of the patient rooms have entrance foyers, their own fully accessible private bath, telephones, cable TV service, and individual lighting and heating controls. All rooms are individually decorated, and windows give the residents a view of the scenic grounds surrounding this beautiful residence. The construction is nonlinear, which eliminates long, impersonal corridors and incorporates alcoves in the hallways, which allow for the placement of couches, chairs, and other inviting furniture. An open kitchen and dining area are available for the patients and their families. Additionally, there is a new nurses' station, expanded laundry facilities, more storage, and staff offices. A den opens on to the beautiful Dora Efthim Healing Garden. The Garden, which is open to the public, is a place for remembrance, reflection and renewal.

Parmenter Community Health Care, an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) healthcare organization since 1954, provides visiting nurse services, in-home rehabilitation therapy, palliative care, hospice care at home and in the residence, and bereavement services including Parmenter's HEARTplay(SM) - a specialized children's bereavement program. The agency has also been providing a range of supportive and educational services for the Metrowest area. Parmenter's award-winning clinical care team treats people of all ages and with a wide range of health care issues, enabling individuals to remain at home during illness, recuperation, rehabilitation and allowing the dying and their families to face the end of life with comfort and dignity. Visit us at http://www.parmenter.org for a full list of services offered or call 508 358 3000 for more information or assistance.

Contact:

Cindy Mayher, cindy@parmenter.org, 508 358 3000 x 233

Anne FitzPatrick-Neu, afitzpatrick-neu@parmenter.org, 508 358 3000 x 252

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SOURCE Parmenter Community Health Care