Carroll Hospice continues to expand its hospice and palliative care services in Carroll County and the surrounding regions to meet the growing needs of the community:
Dove House Expansion
Construction will begin in early 2021 to renovate Dove House, Carroll Hospice’s inpatient facility, from a seven to 14-bed inpatient facility.
“The need has grown to a point that we require more space,” said Ellen Finnerty Myers, vice president of corporate development at Carroll Hospital. “Our daily census in Dove House has increased from an average of five patients to now nearly eight.”
The project will result in a major facelift for Dove House with additional beds and an aesthetically pleasing, home-like setting for patients and their families. The expansion will include creating a new inpatient space, named in memory of Harold Glen and Audrey G. Benson Trumpower, that will consist of seven patient rooms, each with a balcony, private bath and ample space for family and friends to gather. The wing also will include a nurses’ station and family lounge.
The current inpatient wing will be renovated with new flooring, paint and amenities. Other changes include refreshing the entrance with a centralized welcome desk and upgrading the chapel.
The expansion is being funded completely through philanthropic giving. Mark Blacksten, Carroll Hospital Foundation board member and past chair of the Carroll Hospice Board of Trustees, is the fundraising chair of a $3.5 million campaign currently underway.
Blacksten is optimistic they will not only achieve but exceed their goal. “Carroll Hospice and its amazing team provide an invaluable service to Carroll County and the surrounding communities. End-of-life care is something that will touch many individuals, families, friends and neighbors at some point in their lifetimes,” he said.
To date, organizations and community members who have generously supported the campaign include the Kahlert Foundation, the Harold Glen and Audrey G. Benson Trumpower Foundation, George and Betty Thomas, Dawn Thomas and the Kim Kelly Burden Foundation.
Services Expanded to Northwest Hospital
Over the past year, Carroll Hospice has expanded its service areas to include Baltimore City and portions of Pennsylvania. In order to provide the quality palliative and end-of-life care for which it is known to other LifeBridge Health hospitals, Carroll Hospice expanded its palliative care services to Northwest and Sinai hospitals this October and will operate a 14-bed inpatient hospice unit at Northwest Hospital early next year.
“Carroll Hospice has a long history of providing high quality hospice and palliative care to the community, and the team’s experience and commitment to excellence will ensure we continue to offer quality palliative care services for our patients in Baltimore County,” said Craig Carmichael, president and chief operating officer of Northwest Hospital.
The expansion of services, including end-of-life care, palliative care and bereavement services, throughout the entire LifeBridge Health system has been a major goal of Carroll Hospice—a goal system leaders are excited to see coming to fruition.
“We are fortunate to have Carroll Hospice as our partner in ensuring patients have access to its vital services. Carroll Hospice has a 35-year history of caring for the community, and we are proud to be able to offer their award-winning care to patients throughout the many regions LifeBridge Health serves,” said Neil Meltzer, president and CEO of LifeBridge Health.
A task force composed of hospice board members, community members and staff is in the process of brainstorming a new name for Carroll Hospice that will highlight the quality care it provides in the region without it being limited to geography. The new name for the organization will be announced in early 2021.
