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Cara Pace, CEO<\/strong>May 2, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n
When Mary Anne decided to seek hospice care for Marie, a close family member who was developmentally delayed and living at a nearby facility for physically and mentally disabled individuals, she knew exactly where to go: \u00a0the Joe Raso Hospice Residence at United Hospice of Orange and Rockland Counties, where she was confident Marie would get the care, compassion, and love she would want in her remaining years.<\/p>\n
After all, Mary Anne was familiar with the United Hospice\u2019s staff and mission, having made many memorial donations and through her participation in the Tree of Life program, both as a donor and a volunteer. She knew that Joe Raso was the perfect place for Marie.<\/p>\n
\u201cMarie was a developmentally delayed adult who was raised\/lived for close to 40 years (at a home for developmentally delayed children) left there by her father at the age of 12. \u00a0Her path after that was different \u2013 to say the least,\u201d Mary Anne recalled. \u00a0\u201cAt her passing she was a kind, gentle, funny \u00a089-year-old eight year old. \u00a0I wanted her to be treated with dignity, care, compassion and for once in her life \u2013 to be made to feel like she was the most special person in residence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marie\u2019s story and Mary Anne\u2019s experiences with United Hospice, a unique, not-for-profit organization that has been serving the communities of Orange and Rockland counties in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York for over 35 years, is just one of the many stories shared by family members whose loved ones have benefitted from United Hospice\u2019s approach to care for patients who are near end of life care.<\/p>\n
More than 1.7 million Americans entered hospice care in 2021, according to the latest statistics from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), up from approximately 1.15 million Americans in 2010. \u00a0According to the NHPCO, \u201cThe majority of hospice care is provided in the place the patient calls home. \u00a0In addition to private residences, this includes nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential facilities. Hospice care may also be provided in freestanding hospice facilities and hospitals,\u201d like the Joe Raso Hospice Residence<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cara Pace, Chief Executive Officer at United Hospice, explained that the concept of hospice itself has a long and meaningful history.<\/p>\n \u201cThe word \u201chospice\u201d originates from the Latin term \u201chospitum,\u201d which encapsulates hospitality and offers a place of rest and safety for the sick and weary, Pace noted. \u00a0\u201cThis notion traces back to 1065 when facilities were established to provide solace and care to the sick and dying as they embarked on their journey to the Holy Land.\u201d<\/p>\n Pace said that the modern version of hospice, which exists today, was first developed by Dame Cicely Saunders, a licensed nurse in Britain who revolutionized hospice care in 1967 by introducing the concept of modern hospice.<\/p>\n \u201cDame Saunder\u2019s health struggles inspired her to pursue medical social work and emphasize prioritizing the patient\u2019s well-being over the illness itself, Pace said. \u00a0\u201cAdditionally, Dame Saunders recognized the importance of attending to the needs of the patient\u2019s loved ones during this challenging time.\u201d<\/p>\n Pace says that, as a nonprofit organization, United Hospice prioritizes the well-being of its patients over financial gain. \u00a0The entire medical team and staff invests significant time and effort into each patient\u2019s care, providing comprehensive and personalized support throughout their journey. \u00a0With a dedicated full-time board-certified medical director in hospice and palliative care, United Hospice has assembled a team of expert physicians who offer house calls and provide round-the-clock support through their innovative service delivery model.<\/p>\n Emotions have a significant impact on physical health for patients who enter Joe Raso, according to Dr. David Chmielewski, United Hospice\u2019s Medical Director.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is why the medical team and staff at Joe Raso strive to enhance the quality of life for our patients and their families when time matters most. \u00a0Patients of all ages receive specialized care for advanced illnesses such as cancer, heart, lung, kidney and liver disease, and neurological diseases such as Parkinson\u2019s, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig\u2019s Disease), Alzheimer\u2019s, and Dementia,\u201d Dr. Chmielewski said.<\/p>\n Dr. Chmielewski explains that United Hospice provides specialized care<\/a> to people of all ages facing advanced illnesses. \u00a0Similar to contacting a specialist when an illness requires the care of an expert, patients, families, and healthcare providers reach out to United Hospice because we provide compassionate end-of-life care when time matters most.<\/p>\n United Hospice treats the whole person, addressing the patient\u2019s physical and emotional needs and supporting their loved ones, a notion that Mary Anne explained was so important to her when she sought to place Marie at Joe Raso Hospice Residence.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew of the Joe Raso Hospice Residence (in New City) and when I realized that Marie\u2019s time was diminishing, there was no hesitation in making the request for a placement there,\u201d Mary Anne recalled.<\/p>\n Patient care at Joe Raso Hospice Residence<\/em><\/p>\n One of New York State\u2019s premier hospice residences, Joe Raso provides patients with ten private, spacious suites, with ample space for visiting family members and convertible furniture for overnight stays.<\/p>\n For example, bathrooms at Joe Raso are designed to accommodate every need of the patient and include a wheel-in bathtub, radiant heat, and other amenities that make life comfortable for their patients. \u00a0Moreover, Joe Raso understands that every patient\u2019s dietary needs differ and offers flexible dining options that cater to patients\u2019 religious and dietary needs.<\/p>\n The medical team and staff at Joe Raso strongly encourages families and friends to visit patients by providing a Great Room, a space for residents and visitors to visit, read, sit by the fireplace, or enjoy a view of our beautiful courtyard. \u00a0Private contemplation or meditation rooms and private areas for patients and families to visit or meet with a social worker.<\/p>\n In addition to medical care, patients at Joe Raso can participate in life-enhancing activities including music, massage, and pet therapy.<\/p>\n This was the perfect environment to meet Marie\u2019s medical and social well-being, just as it has for the hundreds of patients and families who have benefitted from United Hospice\u2019s unique approach to end-of-life and rehabilitative care for more than three decades. \u00a0Mary Anne\u2019s advice to patients and families who are in need of such care?<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t wait! \u00a0Visit United Hospice and the Joe Raso Hospice Residence if being away from home is your choice. \u00a0The skill and expertise of the Hospice staff in delivering the needed services allow family members to focus on valuable time with their loved one. \u00a0It\u2019s a gift.\u201d<\/p>\nTracing the roots of hospice care<\/h2>\n
What patients and their families can expect from the Joe Raso Residence<\/h2>\n
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