$2,400,000 Donated
Goal: $5,000,000
   


The mission of Hospice of Lenawee is to provide compassionate, patient and family centered care to the people of our community during and after the last season of life.



Dear Friend,

It is a privilege to write to you on behalf of the team at Hospice of Lenawee. Our staff of professionals has been caring for people with life limiting illnesses in our community since 1982. That care has been provided in people's homes, however "home" was defined for them. For many years we have had the desire to create a place to care for people near the end of life when care in the home is either impossible or not practical.

As you may know, we are in the midst of an important Capital Campaign. Our goal is to build a hospice residence, bereavement center and new "home" for our staff. Our special kind of care will continue for people in their homes, but in order to serve all of the people of Lenawee County who need our services, a hospice residence is required.

The success of our campaign will allow us to provide the full range of hospice services to the people of our Lenawee community – including the option of 24-hour hospice care close to home. Not everyone can live out his or her last days at home. There are times when care in a person's residence is no longer appropriate. This is true when a person is experiencing uncontrollable pain, family members are not available or unable to commit to 24-hour care giving, or willing family members have changing situations.

With our own hospice residence, no longer will it be necessary to transfer a patient an hour away from home or have them end this life in less than an ideal setting. Family members who want to spend as much time as possible with their loved one will be able to do that conveniently close to home in a very home-like setting.

I invite you to help us make this dream a reality for our community. With your generous support we will succeed and offer further comfort and compassion to our community. Thank you for your friendship and interest in Hospice of Lenawee.

Sincerely,
Bill Kenyon
President & CEO

Cash

The simplest way to make a gift is by writing a check made payable to Hospice of Lenawee. Put a note in the memo line that reads: “Hospice Residence" and we will see to it that the funds are directed toward our project. Click here to donate now!


Appreciated Stock

Even with the down turn in the stock market, many people have stock that they purchased many years ago that is valued much higher than when they purchased it. By giving these shares of stock directly to charity, a donor receives an income tax deduction for the current fair market value of the stock and does not pay any capital gains tax on the transfer.



Appreciated Real Estate

A gift of real estate operates the same way as a gift of stock. The donor obtains a market appraisal from a qualified appraiser and then donates the real estate in question. The donor is entitled to an income tax deduction for the fair market value of the real estate and pays no capital gains tax.



Paid in Full Life Insurance

Many people have insurance policies that were purchased years ago and are fully paid for. Some have discovered that they no longer need the life insurance and are able to donate it and receive an income tax deduction for the cash surrender value of the policy.



IRA Charitable Rollover

People 70 ½ years or older who have an Individual Retirement Account have an opportunity in 2009 to make a tax free donation to a charity from their IRA. Gifts must be made directly from the trustee of the IRA to the charity and there is a $100,000 maximum per year on the withdrawal. Such a withdrawal also serves to satisfy any minimum withdrawal requirements.



For more information on these or other gift plans, please contact us at 517-263-2323 or sbingham@hospiceoflenawee.org.


Is Hospice of Lenawee a 501(c)(3) Organizations?

Yes, Hospice of Lenawee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing end-of-life care regardless of sex, age, marital status, handicap, sexual preference, race, national origin or religion. Hospice of Lenawee belongs to the Michigan and National Hospice and Palliative Care Organizations.

How many people do you estimate will be cared for in the hospice residence over the course of a year?

Based on experience of other hospice residences in Michigan, we anticipate serving at least 12 patients or more a month, 144 patients, plus approximately 400 to 500 family members in the hospice residence annually.

When mom got really sick, we had to move her to a nursing home. If this facility had been here, would it have been an option for us?

Possibly. Hospice of Lenawee will continue its primary goal of home care or to serve those already residing in a nursing home. The hospice residence offers another option of care. When needs of patients in their homes becomes more difficult than the caregiver can manage, the hospice residence can become their home away from home.

Why are you opening such a facility now?

We must be responsive to the needs of those whose age, location or other conditions inhibit their ability to provide care. No other institutional care can offer family members interaction with patients, ability to remain at their bedside 24/7 and the possibility of family gatherings within the facility.

When do you anticipate the hospice residence will open its doors?

Subject to successful fundraising, we anticipate the doors will open in early 2011. The architect's construction timeline estimates a 12-month construction period.

How can I make my gift to the campaign?

Your gift can be made in various ways that can both ensure the success of the campaign and provide you with attractive financial and personal benefits. A capital campaign volunteer and/or Hospice of Lenawee staff member can assist you.

Some donors have chosen a combination of gift-giving options which include cash, a pledge over five years, negotiable securities, closely-held stock with established value, real estate, personal property, bequest, charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust, life insurance, matching gifts through an employer and matching gifts through a spouse's employer. Know that pledges can be made over a three year period.

What is the charge for hospice services?

In regard to hospital stays and home care, available insurance is used whenever possible including Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance. Everyone will be evaluated based on his or her condition so that reimbursement from public and private insurance can be utilized to the fullest extent. In the past, we have never had to turn anyone away based on his or her ability to pay. Our intent is to add to our existing endowment which will provide for those who do not have reimbursement resources.

What are the ages and conditions of the patients you serve? Where do they live?

In 2007, Hospice of Lenawee served 389 patients, almost all of whom lived in Lenawee County. Our patient ages ranged from 1 year to 95 years. 165 patients; 42.42% were diagnosed with some form of cancer. Our other patients had a variety of other life limiting illnesses such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease.

How will you support the building after it is built?

Based on a study conducted by Weatherbee Resources, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in hospice work, the hospice residence should be self-supporting through reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance and an average daily occupancy of 90%.

Is the local medical community aware of this project?

The local community of physicians, hospital and nursing homes are aware of this project, and are very supportive of this option of care being made available within our community. Hospice of Lenawee partners with all of the area's healthcare facilities and offers continuing education classes to staff at area health organizations.

Are there any special requirements that add to the building costs?

The hospice residence must be built to certain standards very comparable to a hospital. Each patient unit must be equipped with technology required by the Michigan Department of Public Health. There are several requirements for home-like settings that must be fulfilled to meet state regulations.

Click on any of the three images below to view each of the drawings


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