After much searching, the Nipissing Serenity Hospice has found a place to call home --- and it's not at the hospital.
"We have now found the perfect location that is in a peaceful, park-like setting, that meets all the criteria identified by the community and we have made an offer of purchase on this ideal property," says Mathilde Bazinet, Chair, Nipissing Serenity Hospice.
However, the exact location remains a secret.
"We have an excellent volunteer Board of Directors who represent our community and all are experts in their respective fields. This Board has been working tirelessly for four years to bring the dream of this hospice to fruition that will serve the Nipissing and East Parry Sound citizens," Bazinet continued.
In a news release, a statement says "Our mission is: To build and manage responsibly, a free-standing and peaceful home, where our dying loved ones can spend their last journey surrounded by their families and friends in a tranquil, compassionate and caring environment."
The design of the home-hospice was developed by architects who spent time at the Maison Vale Hospice in Sudbury learning what works well there and what should be incorporated into the North Bay location.
"Our Nipissing Serenity Hospice will be in a peaceful location and will provide the privacy necessary for the families and friends who are accompanying their loved ones through their end-of-life journey. The meals will be home-cooked and parking that is situated close to the entrance, will be free. The communication system will be non-intrusive," explained Bazinet.
During the past 4 years several possible sites have been offered and explored, including one within the North Bay Regional Health Centre.
"After extensive consultation with our communities throughout Nipissing and East Parry Sound, the criteria that our Board had
developed in assessing the best location for our home-hospice were the following:
Peaceful, tranquil, private and park-like location;
Centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation;
Serviced by city water and waste system;
Strongly supported by all of the communities in Nipissing and East Parry Sound, in order to ensure financial sustainability over the long-term.
After deliberation, the Board unanimously decided that the best option was to build an autonomous, free-standing, residential home. Many in the community at large who have supported us in the past, and who are committed to financial support of the hospice in the future, have expressed their agreement with the Board’s decision."
A capital campaign launch is scheduled for June 19th, at the Davedi Club, at 2 p.m.
For more information, see http://www.nipissingserenityhospice.ca
