Hospice House groundbreaking set for Tuesday

COEUR d’ALENE — A groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of the new Hospice House at 2212 West Prairie Avenue is scheduled 10 a.m. Tuesday.

The site will be home to Idaho’s first inpatient Hospice facility, and will fulfill a need for terminally ill patients whose care cannot be managed at home.

“There has been an increasing need for a Hospice House in this community,” Hospice of North Idaho Executive Director Paul Weil said. “Hospice of North Idaho is excited to be able to offer expert end-of-life care for the terminally ill in a patient and family focused environment when their care cannot be managed at home or in a long-term care facility.”

The nine-bed house will have large, private rooms that can accommodate family members overnight, a kitchen, great room and a prayer/meditation room.

Numerous services will be provided, including 24-hour medical and nursing care, pain and symptom management, social work and bereavement support.

The groundbreaking is possible due to more than $2.4 million in donations and pledges and a loan from the Idaho Health Facilities Authority through Mountain West Bank.

The ceremony will feature an invocation by Hospice of North Idaho Chaplain Grant Maclean, and speakers from the community including Mayor Sandi Bloem and Joe Morris.

Information: Jim Faucher 772-7994