Stonehill Communities has completed a new lounge space within its dedicated Palliative Care unit for family visitors. The lounge includes recliners, a table and chairs, television, electric fireplace, device charging station, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Funding for the lounge was provided by a grant from the Dubuque Racing Association.

The creation of the lounge follows the opening of Stonehill’s Palliative Care Program earlier this year. According to the Center for Advanced Palliative Care, Palliative care is “specialized medical care for people with a serious illness. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness – whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family.” The lounge is an important part of providing that comfort and relief from stress for family members. It offers a needed respite area, a space for conversation between family members and members of the care team outside of the resident room, and a private place for family members to express emotion.

“The lounge is directly in line with our values of compassion and hospitality, and we are incredibly grateful to the Dubuque Racing Association for helping us make it possible,” said Gretchen Brown, President and CEO of Stonehill Communities.