Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence

For nearly 800 years, the Alexian Brothers have cared for the sick, the aged, the poor and the dying. Alexian Brothers Hospice continues that tradition of care and compassion, enhanced by new therapies for pain and symptom relief and advancements in the understanding of grief.  Our care is centered on helping the patient live life as fully and comfortably as possible, in whatever time remains.  We offer emotional spiritual support to keep patients free from fear and anxiety.  We help our patients to maintain dignity, to have loved ones nearby, and to die peacefully and with grace.

Alexian Brothers has been providing hospice care for almost three decades.  In the last few years, a benefactor came forward with a generous donation to fund the start-up of a hospice residence, of which the Alexian Brothers had dreamed.  The residence is planned to be operational in 2012. It will be one of only 12 allowed in Illinois.

While increasing numbers of people are choosing to die in their own homes, the Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence will be for those who are not able to meet the end of life in those surroundings. Some of the future residents will not be able to afford care at home, or may not even have homes to stay in.  Others will have symptoms that make it too difficult for loved ones to keep them at home.  In the past, these clients would have had receive this care in an institution, but with the Hospice Residence, they will be able to receive the medical care they need, but still be in a home-like, safe and supportive environment.

The Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence will call upon the tradition of the Brothers to create a place of peace and love. It will be a place where:

• Residents live and die peacefully and family members cope successfully
• Residents will stay in beautiful rooms overlooking landscaped gardens
• Families will be able to visit residents in their rooms and even sleep there with them
• Families will be able to act as families -  prepare meals, watch movies, work, sleep, and assist in providing care, if that is desired
• Residents will wear their own clothes
• Children will be welcomed and have their own safe spaces.
• The best nursing, emotional and spiritual care are provided in a holistic approach
• Residents and their visitors will have free range to a kitchen, family room with a fireplace, a library and private rooms for counseling
• Dignity and privacy will be protected
• Hospital and medical equipment will be discrete and as minimal as possible
• Religious comfort will be acknowledged and provided if desired.
• The staff will exercise Christ’s ministry of love, hope and forgiveness
• No one will die alone.

Through others’ generosity we will be able to provide this care for those who can not provide for themselves, supporting them on their final trip home.  If you would like to help or find out more about the Hospice Residence, please call Joan Scheffler at (847) 385-7302 or email her at joan.scheffler@alexian.net.