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Chilton House to Reopen in January
Chilton House, VNA Care Network & Hospice's residence in Cambridge for the terminally ill, will reopen in January 2010 after extensive renovations as the Elizabeth Evarts de Rham Hospice Home at Chilton Street.
The converted two-family home first opened in 1991 to provide hospice care in comfortable, homelike surroundings for patients who were unable to continue living in their own homes. Hospice helps terminally ill individuals and their loved ones focus on life by providing a combination of physical, emotional, practical, and spiritual support.
Renovations began in late 2008 to increase the living space and make updates needed after nearly 20 years of community service. An addition and new floor plan have allowed the home to expand from four patient rooms with a shared bathroom to five bedrooms with private baths as well as enlarge the common living areas. (Take a virtual tour.)
Going "Green"
The de Rham Hospice Home made history as the Commonwealth's first residential hospice for the terminally ill. The house is poised to make history once again by becoming the first hospice in New England to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in the homes category.
Eco-friendly improvements included the installation of a geothermal heating system that eliminates the need for oil or gas as a source of heat as well as outdoor equipment and noise from traditional air conditioning systems. (See a complete list of "green" improvements.).
Dedicating the Elizabeth Evarts de Rham Hospice Home at Chilton Street
Known as "Wiz" to family and friends, the late Elizabeth Evarts de Rham was a longtime volunteer and advocate for hospice. She played an instrumental role in helping Hospice of Cambridge, now part of VNA Care Network & Hospice, achieve their vision of creating a compassionate, homelike environment for terminally ill patients to spend their final days. Her family generously supported the Campaign for Chilton House in her memory.
We Need Your Help
Donors are making these renovations possible. The Campaign for Chilton House is only $125,000 away from meeting the overall goal of $1.8 million.
You can help terminally ill patients and their families today and in the future by making a charitable gift to the Campaign for Chilton House. Donations may be made:
- Online (In the memorial acknowledgement box, please note that the gift is for the Chilton House Campaign.)
- Mail using our downloadable donation form
- Phone by calling 888-663-3688, ext. 1370
Naming opportunities are also available. For more information, contact Jane Woodbury, vice president of business and fund development, at 617-547-2620, ext. 1360; 888-663-3688, ext. 1360; or jwoodbury@vnacarenetwork.org. You may also download the campaign brochure.
Hospice Information
For more information about hospice services or residency at the Elizabeth Evarts de Rham Hospice Home, contact VNA Care Network & Hospice's Referral Center at 800-728-1862 or info@vnacarenetwork.org. For TTY access, call 508-751-6926.
Posted: Nov. 27, 2009