Posted at: 11/18/2009 6:04 PM | KSAX.com
By: Megan Matthews
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Lakeland Hospice House Opens in Fergus Falls

FERGUS FALLS, MINN. - The Lakeland Hospice House is one of only 15 in Minnesota, and this one in particular will serve people from many surrounding counties.

"The house is built in Fergus, but we serve the whole region and everbody has embraced us.  We feel so lucky," Tammy Anderson said.

Anderson is the fund development coordinator for the $2.6 million project.  The project is almost completely funded by donations.  The new house will provide 24 hour care to eight patients nearing the end of their lives, but the staff is there for the family too.

"We also support the family, which is huge for hospice.  We support the patients, but we also support the family," Anderson said.

There are two family suites for out of town visitors, and a playroom for kids.  Not only can families come and visit, the caring staff gives families peace of mind.

"As one who lost a parent through the same process, I understand it is troubling when you're at a distance as a family," Chairman of the project's Operation board Roger Parks said.

Two patiens have already moved into the house, and Parks says their families have expressed deep appreciation for the house.

"We have a surrounding that is comfortable and truly filled with compassion," Park said.

An open house last Thursday had around 2,000 people filling the house.  Many described the house as "cozy but elegant."

"That's what we strived for.  We wanted it to be a place where people could move into and just put up their feet and feel comfortable," Anderson said.

All while getting the care they need.

"It's a dream come true," Parks said.

Written for the web by Megan Matthews

megan@ksax.com