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Community Progress in End-of-Life Care: Donation Made to Bay Bluffs from Friends of Hiland Cottage

Jul 31, 2024

The Friends of Hiland Cottage community group, who rallied in support of the Hiland Cottage Hospice House last fall, has made a significant donation to Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility, marking a major milestone in their mission to ensure quality end-of-life care in the community. This generous gift is just one highlight of an upcoming reception that celebrates the ongoing collaboration and dedication to compassionate care.

The Journey of Friends of Hiland Cottage

Since August 2023, Friends of Hiland Cottage, with over 1500 community members, has tirelessly, through letter writing, rallies and community outreach, worked to support quality inpatient hospice care in the community. Initially, their primary goal was to assist McLaren in maintaining the services at Hiland Cottage, a facility constructed with community funds and recognized for its exceptional quality of care. Unfortunately, McLaren closed the facility on March 1st, transitioning it to an elder care facility. In response, Friends of Hiland Cottage embarked on a quest to locate an alternative facility to ensure high-quality inpatient end-of-life hospice care remains available for those in need. Their efforts have led to a partnership with Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility in Harbor Springs to create end-of-life suites.

Introducing Hiland Suites at Bay Bluffs

The collaboration between Bay Bluffs, Friends of Hiland Cottage, and area hospice providers perfectly coincides with the Bay Bluffs neighborhood renovations. The new Hiland Suites, named in honor of Hiland Hall, will feature three suites specifically designated for end-of-life care and symptom management due to terminal conditions. These suites will include resident rooms, family sitting areas with private bathrooms, and serene views of the outdoor gazebo and woodland walkway.

Jeff Hall, son of Hiland Cottage’s namesake, expresses his gratitude: “Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Hiland Cottage, the Bay Bluffs end-of-life suites will be called the Hiland Suites to honor the hard work and dedication of my father Hiland Hall. My father was instrumental in gathering community support for the construction of the Hiland Cottage Hospice, and we are thrilled to carry on his legacy.”

The interiors are the vision of Jodi Miller from JL Miller Interior Design in Petoskey. Her passion for creating a peaceful environment is evident in the selection of soft tones, comfortable furnishings and a welcoming layout. The combination of natural wood with sophisticated fabrics will be complemented by paintings from local artists.

Louise Graham (left) of Friends of Hiland Cottage and David DJ Jones (right) of Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation present a check to Lisa Ashley, Bay Bluffs Administrator at a recent gathering.

At a recent gathering, a check for $32,935.96, facilitated by the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, was presented to Bay Bluffs in support of the new Hiland Suites. This generous gift was made possible with donations from individuals who have donated to this cause, and “it underscores the community’s unwavering commitment to ensuring quality end-of-life care,” shares David McBride, Friends of Hiland Cottage visionary. Passionate about the importance of this collaborative effort, Bay Bluffs Administrator Lisa Ashley shares, “We are deeply committed to supporting our community through this transition. Our partnership with Friends of Hiland Cottage, area hospice services, and other local end-of-life providers brings together the expertise and resources necessary to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for residents in their final stages of life.”

A Vision for the Future

The initial launch of the three specialized suites is set for early September 2024, with the potential to expand up to 11 suites based on community need and financial support. The collaboration aims to ensure that no one in the community faces the end of life alone, with efforts including developing additional suites, supporting those unable to afford private care and creating volunteer programs.

David McBride shares his excitement: “After months of review and hard work, we are thrilled to support Bay Bluffs in Harbor Springs and their end-of-life wing initiative. It is very exciting to be on the ground floor and support them as they create a new section of their facility where intensive end-of-life care will be provided.”

Continuing the Legacy of Hiland Cottage

Friends of Hiland Cottage and Bay Bluffs partnership continues the legacy of Hiland Cottage, a facility that began admitting patients in 2008 thanks to community support and the dedication of Hiland Hall. Lisa Ashley, with her extensive background in hospice care, ensures that the community will continue to receive the highest level of compassionate care. As the community looks forward to the launch of Hiland Suites, it stands as a testament to the collective effort and commitment to providing dignified care for all who need it, today and far into the future.

Support the Effort

For those interested in supporting the ongoing efforts of Friends of Hiland Cottage and ensuring the continuation of exceptional residential hospice and end-of-life care, donations can be made through Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation at phsacf.org or by calling 231-348-5820. “Your generosity will help maintain and enhance the services that mean so much to our community,” McBride adds. The Hiland Suites at Bay Bluffs will officially open on September 4th, 2024. The public is invited to attend for information and tours of the new facility. Details about the event will be forthcoming. For more information about Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility, visit baybluffs.org or call 231-526-2161.

Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility is a community-based, long-term care facility with over five decades of service to the region. Colleagues utilize “Positive Approach to Care” training and techniques for residents with dementia to live safely and happily. Bay Bluffs is also a highly-regarded choice for short-term rehabilitation. Located in Harbor Springs, one of the Midwest’s most favored destinations, Bay Bluffs is in the heart of this vibrant center of culture, art, and abundant natural beauty.

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