Representatives from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation were honored to be invited to The Star Hospice House’s ribbon cutting on February 8.

A grant from the Foundation’s Fund for the Region was awarded to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care to support the construction of Chautauqua County’s first dedicated hospice facility.

According to Laura McCollough RN, who was hired in 2021 to serve as the facility’s inaugural residence director, The Star Hospice House is more than a medical facility.

“Our goal is to provide the best care possible in a calm, home-like environment for patients and their families,” McCollough said. “Staff will be trained on our patient-centered philosophy and policies to prepare them to best meet patients’ needs with compassion and flexibility.”

The 5-bed residence is estimated to serve as many as 200 patients per year and includes rooms and living spaces for families to rest, prepare meals and focus on their loved one. It also gives patients access to 24-hour care from hospice staff while allowing the family members to remain close.

While many patients would prefer to remain in their own homes to receive hospice care, complex medical needs, inadequate caregiver support and unsafe living conditions make it impossible.

“Our local hospice organization does an incredible job of delivering compassionate and quality care to residents utilizing their services,” said Tory Irgang, Community Foundation executive director. “With the addition of The Star Hospice House, they become an invaluable part of our community serving a profound need for both patients and their families.”