Delaware Hospice celebrates 10-year anniversary

Delaware Hospice celebrated its 10th anniversary of welcoming patients to the Delaware Hospice Center April 9.

Over 6,300 patients and families have been served at the Delaware Hospice Center in just 10 years. Serving as a home away from home option for patients of all ages, the center provides short-term symptom management care. Patients and their families have found specialized care 24 hours a day, seven days a week within one of the 16 suites, two country kitchens, two family rooms, two children's playrooms, and two formal living rooms, as well as the Family Support Center and Community Resource Center.

"I just feel comfortable here," said Nancy Forster of Milford. Nancy owned Nancy's Riverfront Café and catered the grand opening festivities 10 years ago. "The Delaware Hospice Center is a nice place to just slow down," she said. 

Nancy and her husband Michael decided to join hospice's 450 volunteers by being greeters at the center, and baking desserts in one of the family kitchens for patients, families and staff. "I saw the announcement of the 10th anniversary on social media, and just knew I had to be a part of the 10-year celebration," Nancy said.

Board of trustees and founding member Gene Donnelly reflects on the growth of Delaware Hospice. "It's really overwhelming for somebody who's been there from the very beginning to see what has transpired."

"Over a quarter of our hospice patients and their families will utilize the services provided at the Delaware Hospice Center," said Debbie Taylor, clinical inpatient supervisor. "The center is the only freestanding facility of its kind in Delaware. Our facility is really a home with the zigzag hallways, single patient suites with French doors opening onto the garden, chandeliers and artwork lining the halls, and even our patient spa. Many families say they wish they would have called us sooner.”

Delaware Hospice welcomes the opportunity for the community to come take a tour of the Delaware Hospice Center including the Community Conference Room which can be rented free of charge. The downstate center is located at 100 Patriots Way in Milford.