Caesars Foundation Grant SCS
Remembering from the Heart Campaign
The Caesars Foundation awarded Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) with a $10,000 grant towards the agency’s current Remembering from the Heart Campaign for the Hospice Home for the addition and renovation of the hospice home inpatient unit. Randy Conroy, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel and other members of his team presented a $10,000 check from the Caesars Foundation to JACH Chief Executive Officer Mary K. Sheehan and Chief Operating Officer Cindy Brassea. After the check presentation, the Harrah’s executives toured the existing inpatient unit and learned more about all the improvements and changes to come.
JACH has a longstanding relationship with Harrah’s and Caesars. Harrah’s/Caesars Foundation is responsible for JACH’s paved labyrinth walk and garden that provides a lovely place of solitude and reflection for families and visitors; Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel has been a consistent supporter of the agency’s annual dinner and golf outing; and casino staff have volunteered at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event. Their recent generosity will provide a patio outside of a patient room allowing patient access to fresh air and beautiful scenery, even if confined to a bed.
Joliet Area Community Hospice changed the face of inpatient hospice care when it opened the first free standing hospice home inpatient unit in Illinois in 2004. Now fifteen years later, JACH is embarking on a capital campaign to add a twelve-room addition to the Hospice Home and renovate and enhance the existing structure.
The $3.5 million Remembering from the Heart Campaign for the Hospice Home will take advantage of recent state legislation passed in 2018 increasing the maximum hospice inpatient unit size to 20 beds, by adding four patient rooms; adding a multi-family kitchen and dining area; adding a larger commercial kitchen and larger spiritual space; renovating the existing patient rooms to add a refrigerator, sink, all new furniture and fixtures and French doors leading to private outside patios; and relocating nursing staff adjacent to patient rooms.
Construction of this capital project is scheduled to begin August 2019 and be completed fall of 2020.
Finding Comfort and Support for your Veteran
When a beloved veteran in your family is facing a serious illness, it is natural to be overwhelmed with questions and concerns. You want the very best care, a team that understands their unique experiences, and guidance through what can be a challenging time. At Lightways Hospice as Serious Illness Care, we understand these apprehensions, and we want you to know that you are not alone. We are deeply committed to honoring our nation’s heroes, and that commitment extends to every member of their family.
Understanding Inpatient Hospice Services: A Look Inside Inpatient Hospice Unit and Levels of Care
When a loved one enters hospice care, families are often faced with a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. One of the key considerations is where hospice care will be delivered—and for some patients, a freestanding hospice unit becomes the best option. Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care has a dedicated facility in Joliet, Illinois, which provides specialized, around-the-clock care in a comfortable, homelike setting.
The Healing Power of Integrative Therapies in Hospice Care
When a person enters hospice care, the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort, dignity, and quality of life. At this stage, integrative therapies—such as aromatherapy, massage therapy, and music therapy—play a unique and vital role in supporting not only patients, but also their families and care teams.