Hospice to Open McLaughlin House

Prairie Home Hospice’s “McLaughlin Hospice House,” is now complete. This “second” house will provide a home to hospice patients and their families in the community, according to CEO Pat Mellenthin.

“It took us longer than we expected, but the final outcome was worth the wait,” she said. Significant Medicare changes had to be met. “Fortunately, our capital campaign exceeded our initial goal,” said Tara Plante, Marketing and Development Director for Prairie Home Hospice.

“This was an effort by the community to serve the community,” Plante added. McLaughlin House includes a “Family Suite,” which was made to accommodate families visiting loved ones. It’s fully furnished with sleeping quarters and can be rented by families or individuals.

When not rented, it will be open to all families of residents. Pending the final licensing process, and a Department of Health inspection, the Laughlin House will be open to admit visitors.

“We currently have a long waiting list of hospice patients seeking admission to our residential hospice program,” said Mellenthin.

“We anticipate the Laughlin House will be at full capacity from the start, with a growing demand,” she added.

The opening of the new home has created increased volunteer opportunities, according to Human Resources Director Pam Hess.

“These include visiting with patients, assisting with meal preparation and serving at the houses, baking cookies, chaplain, tending gardens, reading to patients and others,” said Hess.