Couple gives $1 million for hospice facility

YAKIMA, Wash. -- A $1 million challenge grant from a former Yakima Valley couple is moving Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital farther ahead on its free-standing hospice facility.

Joanne and Art Hall, who were born and raised in Yakima and now live in Nevada, said they donated the money because of the positive experience they had with hospice in California for Art's parents.

"Unfortunately, we have had a bit of experience with it," Joanne said in a telephone interview earlier this week. "But hospice is really an invaluable service. It made Art's mother so much more comfortable."

The Memorial Foundation has raised $200,000 so far toward the $1 million needed to match the Hall's gift. About $2.2 million has been raised toward the total project cost of $6.5 million.

Hospital officials hope to break ground on the 22,000-square-foot Cottage in the Meadow in 10 months. The first phase will be 12 beds, followed by 8 more in the second phase.

The hospice will be located south of the intersection of Nob Hill Boulevard and 48th Avenue, near Randall Park.

While there are home-based hospice services around Central Washington, those needing a free-standing hospice facility must travel to Kennewick.

Dr. Tim Melhorn, chairman of the capital campaign steering committee, said those who need an in-patient facility include families with young children at home; the elderly with no nearby family or caregivers; and spouses or family members who need respite from caregiving.

Patients eligible for hospice are generally those with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. While cancer is the most obvious terminal disease, Melhorn said that fewer than half of current hospice patients have had cancer.

The average daily census for Memorial hospice has been growing steadily since 1999, when there were 23 patients in hospice, to 66 in 2008.

Cottage in the Meadow will be just that -- a collection of large, private bedrooms with south-facing windows and terraces that open onto a tree-lined meadow.

But don't think nursing home, said Anne Caffery, chief executive of the Memorial Foundation.

"It's a very different model," she said.

A noncommercial kitchen will allow families to make special treats for their loved ones. Children will be able to play in their own special playroom and a large living room will feature a fireplace. Pets will be welcome. A sanctuary will be available for spiritual reflection.

Outside, recreational vehicle hook-ups will enable far-flung family to travel to Yakima to say their good-byes.

The philosophy of the cottage will be to demystify death and focus on life and family with a holistic approach to making patients comfortable in their final months.

Melhorn said medications and other therapies have improved to the point that the dying don't have to be heavily sedated and can enjoy their families.

"Our emphasis will be about how you live in that final chapter. We want it to be about life," Melhorn said.

While Memorial will integrate its hospital services with the hospice, any hospital in Central Washington will be able to refer patients.

Day-to-day operating costs will be covered largely by reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid or private insurance.

Joanne Hall, whose father was prominent Yakima surgeon Dr. Shuler Ginn, said she hopes their gift will spur others to donate.

"Right now, let's face it, times are tough. But if this helps people feel better about giving, that's good."

* Leah Beth Ward can be reached at 509-577-7626 or lward@yakimaherald.com.