MARQUETTE, MI-- The establishment of a hospice house in the central U.P. is getting closer to reality.
Trillium House Executive Director Pat Bray says a ceremonial groundbreaking was held last week at the Wilson Street site in Marquette. More than 60 people attended.
He says the region has had great hospice care since the 1970s, but notes some people--either because there aren't enough caretakers or those present are worn out--can’t care for their dying loved one at home. Patients will move into the Trillium House but will continue to see their doctors and other professionals there. Bray says that will allow the patient’s loved ones to shift their focus.
“I think it’s just something that will save so many families so much pain during an already painful time,” he says. “When somebody tries to keep a hospice patient at home and it’s just not a situation that’ll work, a lot of times they turn from being like a daughter or a son or a husband into a nurse or a caretaker. And they don’t have the time to have that end-of-life relationship that you want to have.”
Bray says Trillium House will also offer short-term respite care so caregivers can get a much-needed break.
The cost of Trillium House services will be based upon the patient’s ability to pay.
Bray says officials hope the house will be operational by next June.
