October 24, 2006

Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House Offers A Beautiful Setting For Hospice Care

BETTENDORF, Iowa – At the end of life, there may no longer be a cure, but there will be healing and comfort available from the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.

The Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, operated by Genesis VNA and Hospice, will offer terminally ill patients the option of spending their final days in a peaceful, beautiful setting designed to assist patients and families physically, emotionally and spiritually in the final stage of life.

The hospice house will be open for a community open house on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m.-noon.  The Genesis Today radio show will be broadcast live from 8:05 a.m.-9 a.m.

“This beautiful facility will be a place where people at the end of life can spend those precious days surrounded by their families and friends,’’ said Leo Bressanelli, President and CEO, Genesis Health System.  “The Quad Cities now has a wonderful alternative to hospice care available in hospitals and an alternative when in-home hospice care is not practical.’’

The facility was designed not only for the special care needs of terminally ill
patients, but also was designed to create a natural, aesthetically pleasing environment for patients and loved ones who visit.  On the site are two water features, patios where patients can enjoy the outdoors, landscaped walkways and bird feeders adjacent to the patios.

The $7.4 million Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House was funded entirely by a capital campaign.  The Clarissa C. Cook Home Board of Directors donated 50 percent of construction costs up to $3 million.  A gift of $2.8 million from Genesis VNA and Hospice will be used to support operations, maintenance and future capital needs.

The present Clarissa C. Cook Home in Davenport will remain open.

Genesis Health Services Foundation led the fundraising efforts. Terri Fry and Debby Stafford were co-chairs of the capital campaign.  Charitable gifts will be accepted for the house to ensure that quality, compassionate hospice house services will be available for generations to come.

Features of the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House include:

• Oversized patient rooms (240 square foot) with pullout couches for overnight guests.
• Patios off each patient room. The patios are accessible for wheel chairs and patient beds.
• Stereo television with VCR and DVD players in each room.
• Common areas for patients and loved ones, including two rooms with fireplaces.
• A children’s playroom.
• Two water features, including a pond on Tech Drive with balconies overlooking and three piers.
• An outdoor pet park. Pets will be welcome to visit patients.

The Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House is scheduled to begin accepting patients with a terminal diagnosis on Wednesday, Nov. 7.  A staff of more than 40, including nurses, a chaplain and a medical social worker will be available to provide care and comfort for patients, families and loved ones.

Pat Christy, BSN, is the manager of the hospice house.  Marianne Meyers, BSN, is the director of hospice services for Genesis VNA and Hospice.

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