Hospice House - Questions & Answers
What is the Crystal Coast Hospice House?
The Crystal Coast Hospice House will serve a five-county area as an inpatient hospice care facility for terminally ill patients whose acute symptoms can no longer be managed through hospice care at home and who do not wish to spend their final days in a hospital or nursing facility.
Why do we need this house?
A hospice home offers terminally ill patients, their families and physicians an inpatient facility designed and programmed to provide the special care needed during a patient's final days, when treatments for cure have been exhausted and symptoms can't be managed at home. A hospice house provides this care in a way that offers many of the comforts of home and extensive support for families, friends and caregivers.
In October, 2010, the State determined that there is a need for 17 inpatient hospice beds in our five- county service area of Carteret, Craven, Onslow, Pamlico and Jones. No beds are currently available to our broader community of the Crystal Coast.
Who can go there?
Our admissions policy will provide for admission opportunities for terminally ill patients from every walk of life, regardless of their ability to pay, as long as they are referred to the facility by their physician. The main restriction on admission will be whether the hospice home is full or not. Secondary factors will be whether the patient is already in hospice care, the projected remaining time to cherish life, and the acuteness of their symptoms.
How many patient beds will there be?
The Hospice Home will have 6 acute care beds plus 4 residential beds. Each patient suite will have a private bath, sleeper sofa and covered sun porch.
What will it look like?
The hospice home is being designed in the style of a mainland coastal home, warm and welcoming with porches, terraces, natural lighting, spacious rooms, comfortable yet private family gathering areas, and exterior living spaces.
How large will it be?
The Crystal Coast Hospice House will be approximately 12,700 square feet, situated on an 11 acre tract of land conveniently accessible from all service areas. The site is located at the corner of Chatham Street and McQueen Avenue in Newport, NC, just off Highway 70, and includes a wooded Federal Conservation easement that enhances privacy and serenity.
What other spaces will be included?
In addition to 10 patient rooms, the house will include a family room with fireplace; a home office/study with fireplace; a children's room with special activity areas for all ages; a conference/counseling room; a chapel; a full family kitchen and dining area; sunrooms;
Why are only 10 rooms being built?
The State will only allow each county to apply for the number of acute care beds that the State determines is needed in that county, without consideration for the need of surrounding counties. Since the hospice house will be built in Carteret County and the State determined that Carteret County needs 6 acute care beds, that limits the number of beds we can operate initially. Residential beds are not as regulated by the Certificate of Need process. The hospice house is being designed with expansion in mind, from the footprint of the building to the capacity of the building's systems.
Who will operate the house?
3HC, an eastern NC non-profit with 16 years of successful experience in operating the Kisty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, will operate the facility. With a stellar track record for providing exceptional inpatient hospice care and their close proximity allowing sharing of administrative costs between their Kitty Askins Hospice Center and CCHH, choosing 3HC made the most sense from the perspective of facilitating the highest quality of care for our community in the most cost effective, sustainable and expeditious manner, with less opportunity for set backs or delays or funding issues that could be experienced with the other options. CCHH will continue to own the hospice house and as owner will be able to ensure that the hospice house is well maintained, well furnished and comfortable for patients and their families.
When will the house open?
We anticipate being open by the end of 2012 or beginning of 2013. Design work is underway and site work will begin soon.
What will it cost?
Total cost to build the Crystal Coast Hospice House is estimated at approximately $4 million.
Who pays for care?
Hospice care is a reimbursable medical expense and is covered by private insurers, Medicare and Medicaid. The hospice house operator, 3HC, estimates that the hospice house operations will break even at about 65% occupancy.
Can I make my gift in other ways besides cash?
There are a variety of financial and in- kind opportunities to give to the Crystal Coast Hospice House. In addition to gifts by cash, checks and credit cards, we welcome gifts through trusts, annuities, life insurance, bequests, memorials, and securities transfers among others. We welcome the opportunity to discuss giving opportunities with you at any time.
What can I do to help?
A campaign is underway to raise the funds to build and maintain the Crystal Coast Hospice House. Your financial support, along with investments from our entire community, will help us open the doors to the area's first hospice home. You can help by talking to your friends and colleagues about the need for this facility and what it will mean to our community. Also, you can volunteer to help with special events or fundraising activities or to help in the house once it opens.
If I make a pledge, can I pay over several years?
Yes. We encourage donors to pay their pledges within three years or less. This helps us meet construction and opening costs. In some circumstances, five-year pledges may be appropriate. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the best pledge schedule for your gift.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes. Donations to the Crystal Coast Hospice House are tax- deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Crystal Coast Hospice House, Inc., is an IRS 501 (c) 3 organization and is also registered as a charity with the NC Secretary of State.