VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The noise and bustle of a building under construction will soon make way for the peace and calm of hospice care in Virginia Beach.
The new $10.9 million Dozoretz Hospice House of Hampton Roads set to open in April is being built on Upton Drive in the Red Mill Commons area of the city. It has raised about $8.5 million of that amount.
The mission of the non-profit is to do something Dr. Paul Schellhammer wishes he had sought out sooner for his wife, Ann.
“Too late, I said I really need help, I need hospice care,” said hospice advocate Dr. Paul Schellhammer.
Even though he was a doctor for decades, the stress of the experience took a toll.
“The knowledge base and mental gymnastics of care really changed in the emotional aspects of approaching death, and having that guide to help is invaluable,” Schellhammer said.
The need for facilities like this is growing as our population ages.
A recent report from Old Dominion University noted that Hampton Roads needs 45 hospice beds per day. The Dozoretz Hospice House will provide 12 beds.
“I know a lot of people would like to be at home and pass away at home,” said Lynn Clements, Hospice House of Hampton Roads spokesperson. “The problem is that, maybe their loved ones have to work and they can’t be there 24/7. Maybe they have a frail spouse that can’t move them around.”
Patients will look out of the windows to serene waters and gardens. Staff will provide 24/7 pain management and staff and volunteers will also provide pet, music and art therapies.
There is a large gathering space to encourage family time and space upstairs for family members to stay.
“If someone’s loved one is near the end of their life, they can actually stay here overnight or for a few days, until they pass,” Clements said.
Medicare patients will be accepted, and there’s an Angel Care fund so those who cannot pay
can find comfort.
“We say rest in peace so often,” Schellhammer said. “We want the person, the individual with the family, to have rest and peace and an appropriate facility that will be able to provide for their care.”
The Hospice House of Hampton Roads is set to open in April in on Upton Drive in the Red Mill area of Virginia Beach. If you would like to donate or volunteer, click here.