Nearly $30,000 in gifts from regional foundations will purchase iPads for patients to connect with caregivers and loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic
ANN ARBOR, Mich., (May 27, 2020) – Hospice of Michigan (HOM) and Arbor Hospice both members of the NorthStar Care Community, have received generous grants totaling nearly $30,000 from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation in Traverse City, Jennie V. Kerr Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan in Alpena and The Jones Family Foundation in Ann Arbor.
The grants will fund the purchase of 70 iPads to facilitate virtual visits with Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice’s care team, as well as help connect patients in isolation to their families. The devices will be distributed to facilities and patients in Ann Arbor, as well as communities throughout Northeast and Northwest Michigan.
“The turnaround and support we’ve seen from these foundations have been simply incredible,” said Marcie Hillary, senior vice president of community relations for Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice. “Our organization strives to provide the very best end-of-life care possible throughout the state, and the fact that these grants came from foundations across all corners of Michigan says a lot about their dedication to our mission.”
The donations will aid the not-for-profit in its continued mission to provide the best end-of-life care to patients across the state, regardless of their age, diagnosis or ability to pay – especially as the COVID-19 crisis continues to put a strain on hospice patients and their families during these uncertain times.
“The impacts of the coronavirus are far reaching – often making it difficult for those at the end of their lives, and their loved ones, to stay connected with each other at a time when they can’t physically be together,” said Alison Metiva, vice president of strategic engagement and programs for the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. “We’re proud to support the innovation and adaptation of Hospice of Michigan and their efforts to ease, at least a little, the difficulty of the impact for the families they serve.”
The coronavirus pandemic has complicated how Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice patients interact with their loved ones during their final days. Under our care and more normal circumstances, our patients are able to see their loved ones and caregivers in-person, but because of the COVID-19 crisis, Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice, for the most part, have limited in-person visits to adhere to health and safety guidelines. Some in-person visits, however, are still available, depending on the facility where the patient is receiving care.
“The Jones Family Foundation has ties with Arbor Hospice, so we didn’t think twice about providing the additional support,” said Tamara Carr, Director of The Jones Family Foundation. “We know when these iPads are purchased, patients won’t be alone because they’ll be able to interact virtually with their care team.”
Regarding the Jennie V. Kerr Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation, Rev. Martha Stuart, spiritual care advisor for Hospice of Michigan added, “Jennie would have cheered with the Care Team for the good that these iPads will bring for our patients and families for their physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Jennie would have provided them without telling us that it was her behind the gift – that’s just the kind of person she was; compassionate and selfless, through and through. I miss her presence in our office but continue to see her caring nature through her legacy.”
To make a monetary, tax-deductible donation to Hospice of Michigan, please visit www.hom.org/donations or to Arbor Hospice, please visit www.arborhospice/donate
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 5,400 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information, call 888.247.5701 or visit www.hom.org.