PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook House of Comfort will open its doors Saturday, April 7, with a public open house.
According to VNA Home Health Hospice and the Aroostook Hospice Foundation, the celebration is planned from 2-8 p.m. at the hospice at 18 Green Hill Drive, Suite 3 in Presque Isle.
The AHOC came about through the vision of Rick and Nancy Duncan and Dirk and Sharon Duncan, all of Presque Isle.
Rick Duncan said, “When we were caring for my mother during the final days of her life, we wished we could have provided her with a more comprehensive end of life plan of care during this tender time. The Aroostook House of Comfort provides 24-hour care with the resources and hospice care to allow loved ones to pass with dignity in a supportive, peaceful and safe environment.”
The Aroostook Hospice Foundation, a group of volunteers led by Rick and Nancy Duncan, has spent the last eight years raising funds to build the facility. VNA Home Health Hospice, a member of EMHS, will manage the six-bed inpatient facility.
Christine Turner, director of hospice for VNA Home Health Hospice, said, “We are excited to offer this unique inpatient hospice environment in Aroostook County for individuals in need of end-of-life care. We strive to provide each family with the assurance of high quality care in a tranquil, comforting, and compassionate environment. This home will also be available to home hospice patients whose caregivers might need a respite from caregiving, as is often the case.”
The open house will feature tours and refreshments. Staff and board members will answer questions. Turner anticipates the first day of patient care to occur by late April.
For more information, call VNA Home Health Hospice at 1 (800) 757-3326.
