GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Nov. 7, 2019) – “I believe that becoming a family caregiver, especially at the end-of-life, is the ultimate expression of selflessness. These often-overlooked heroes make it possible for their loved one to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their home, taking on the majority of caregiving responsibilities, under the guidance of the hospice care team.”
So shared Lawrence D. Bos, Sr., Grand Rapids financial advisor and philanthropist, of the inspiration behind his recent donation of $1 million to Hospice of Michigan to establish the Dolores Bos Family Caregiver Support Fund.
The Dolores Bos Family Caregiver Support Fund honors the memory of Larry’s wife of 64 years, a loyal donor who was committed to helping others through life’s challenges. The fund is designed to provide the support and resources family caregivers need to care for their loved ones, bringing honor and dignity to each day they have together. Dolores passed away unexpectedly last year.
Costs to Hospice of Michigan in providing caregiver support exceed $3 million annually. The Dolores Bos Family Caregiver Fund helps the not-for-profit provide essential resources that can help family caregivers navigate this sacred stage of life, including:
- Items that improve a patient’s comfort and quality-of-life for families that may be struggling to finance, such as heating and cooling repairs, cell phones, meals, small utility bills, etc.
- Access to a 24/7 caregiver support line to answer questions and dispatch a nurse to a patient’s home during crises, if needed.
- Social work support for couples and family members struggling emotionally while caring for a loved one or re-establishing a healthy lifestyle following a death.
- Grief support counseling for family members before and after the death of their loved one.
The Dolores Bos Family Caregiver Support Fund honors the couple’s legacy of generosity in serving others, especially their shared commitment to the not-for-profit hospice mission. Both a founding member of the Hospice of Michigan Foundation Board and past chair of the not-for-profit’s board of trustees, Larry has been a passionate advocate for the organization for nearly three decades. Dolores was also dedicated to HOM’s fundraising efforts and applied her artistic skills in creating Hospice of Michigan’s Crystal Rose, the iconic symbolic of the organization’s quality of care.
To make a contribution to the Dolores Bos Family Caregiver Support Fund, contact Marcie Hillary, senior vice president and chief development officer for Hospice of Michigan, at mhillary@www.hom.org.
About Hospice of Michigan
A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan (HOM) is the original – and largest – hospice in the state. A founding member of the NorthStar Care Community, the not-for-profit delivers the highest quality of care, raising more than $5 million each year to cover costs for the uninsured and underinsured. HOM offers a broad range of services to enhance the quality of life at the end of life. HOM also provides grief support and counseling, as well as caregiver education and support. A member of the NorthStar Care Community, HOM also provides palliative care through NorthStar Palliative Care, pediatric hospice care and compassionate support services through Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children, and education programs for physicians and health care professionals through the NorthStar Institute. The NorthStar Care Community also includes Arbor Hospice. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve nearly 5,100 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information, call 888.247.5701 or visit www.hom.org.