It is an honor and privilege to celebrate over 40 years serving our communities with high-quality, supportive care. Over the years, we have expanded hospice care to more individuals in need; added a community-based palliative care program as well as a hospital palliative care plan; and initiated a transitions program for people who need connections and support from community-based services.
Lory’s Place has continued to support more children, adults, and families in a variety of settings. In 2013, we opened the Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center for people who could benefit from dedicated hospice care outside of their home. Finally, our HouseCalls program provides home-based primary care when it is challenging to go to the physician’s office. These services have created the circle of care that our name, Caring Circle, represents.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to provide care in all settings. Early on, our team had to quickly adapt to new safety standards and precautions, obtain scarce personal protective equipment, and support individuals with COVID-19 in their homes, facilities, and the hospital. We learned how important it is to teach our families what they can do for their loved ones, be available 24/7 for questions and needs, and to always uphold the dignity of the people we care for.
We missed not having our traditional annual fundraising events such as the South Haven Wine and Beer Tasting and the Hanson Hospice Center event. Our need for benevolent funds has increased during the pandemic, yet our ability to traditionally fundraise has changed. Your financial support is vital to funding benevolent care and allows us to continue valuable programs for veterans, those grieving and personal volunteer services.
Our community has always been generous and committed to take care of our friends, family, and neighbors. Thank you for your dedication and support. I look forward to continuing our tradition of care together.
Melinda M. Gruber, PhD, MBA, CNA
Interim President, Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation
President, Caring Circle
Vice President, Continued Care Services,
Spectrum Health Lakeland