A New State-of-the-Art Hospice Opens March 6th

Anonymous donor has $1,000 prize for art that symbolizes life, hope and love.

Salem-News.com Business Report Photo courtesy: lourdes

(WILSONVILLE, Ore.) - A donor who insists on remaining anonymous, has challenged the Pacific Northwest art community to add a final touch to Signature Hospice House, the new Beaverton state-of-the-art inpatient medical facility, slated to open March 6th 2008. Signature Hospice supported the donor's son, and he wants artists to use their talents to create what may be the last image a dying patient sees.

His only stipulation is that the artwork is a symbol of love, life and hope. He strongly feels that Signature Hospice's philosophy was the central factor in extending the life of his child and making his son's death as painless and fulfilling as possible. The donor is currently in Signature Hospice's grief counseling program.

Remodeling of the former 2.5-acre McGinnis Mansion started in March of 2007. The facility was stripped to the studs and completely remodeled to combine a home-like setting for up to 12 patients. This is the second freestanding hospice in the Metro area.

To submit art and for details about the art donation, please contact Trey Malicoat, Signature Hospice president, 503-962-9933 or Jane Brandes, COO, (800) 936-4756.

Art concepts are now being accepted and it is hoped that the work can be completed in time for the March 6th 2008 opening. Local artists are also being sought to create a juried panel for the $1,000 prize.

The freestanding hospice is located at 7100 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Beaverton, Oregon. Hospice is covered 100% by Medicaid, Medicare and most commercial insurers. Signature Hospice currently offers home and other on-site hospice services in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Yamhill, and Marion Counties. Expansion is planned for other Pacific Northwest locations.

Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, emotional support and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. The patient's loved ones receive support as well.

The Signature Hospice team includes physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, counselors and trained volunteers to provide 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week care. Each contributes to an overall plan of care for each individual patient that emphasizes pain management and symptom control.

Signature Hospice is a subsidiary of the Avamere Family of Healthcare service solutions for seniors in 30 communities throughout Oregon and Washington. Through its home health, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, dementia care, rehabilitation therapy, and hospice care professions, Avamere offers the highest quality of care in a choice of settings.

Source: News release from Signature Hospice