Hospice director celebrates 20th Anniversary
After 20 years with Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, Carol L. Mahier, MSN, Executive Director, is excited about the future, with a new Administrative Office & Community Bereavement Center opening in Norwich in the spring.
Healthy Connections spoke with Ms. Mahier about how hospice has changed and what the future holds.
How has Hospice Southeastern Connecticut grown?
When we started in 1985, we had 11 patients, this year we have had more than 600. It has been an incredible journey, but we have always maintained our mission as a community, non-profit hospice.
We began our community-based bereavement programs in 1991, for anyone suffering grief or loss, not just patients and their families; and now offer more than 20 bereavement support groups. We also work with local schools and businesses if there is a death or situation where they need our expertise.
How has hospice care, or the perception of it, changed?
In general, hospice is more accepted in the mainstream today and there is more understanding about pain and symptom control. People used to think hospice was just for older people with cancer, but nationally less then 50% of hospice patients have cancer.
We are available for all ages and life-limiting diseases, for people with ALS, Alzheimer's, heart disease, kidney disease. People need to be empowered, to be able to ask for hospice care. They can just call us to see if it is appropriate.
What does the future hold for hospice in general with the aging population, and for the region in particular?
As hospice has grown, there has been a growth in for-profit hospices as well, so there is a tug between business and compassion. In the future, we need to continue to focus on the needs of the patient as well as regulatory issues, so we can grow well and grow appropriately.
In New London County, we need to make sure we attend to the variety of cultures and the increasing diversity of our population.
How is progress on the new building project?
The framing is up on our new Administrative Office & Community Bereavement Center. It will include our administrative offices, but also provide increased community services. We anticipate moving in February 2008, and celebrating with a spring opening.
The land for the new center was donated by Sts. Peter and Paul Church, and it is at the intersection of Route 82 and Dunham Street in Norwich. This location will enable us to continue to be central to all of New London County.
Phase II with a hospice residence, will continue to be a vision for us in the future.
There are naming opportunities available for the new building, people wanting more information or to make donations can contact Pat Morgan at pmorgan@hospicesect.org.