Since opening its doors in September 2024, the Hiland Suites at Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility have already made a significant impact on the community. Though the grand opening was celebrated last fall, the dedicated team at Bay Bluffs has continued their work behind the scenes to build a network of compassionate caregivers and hospice partners. Thanks to their efforts, the first residents moved into the Hiland Suites just after the new year, finding comfort and care during their final days.

Building Partnerships for End-of-Life Care

To ensure the highest quality of care, Bay Bluffs has developed partnerships with five area hospice providers who are actively engaged with the facility.These collaborations make it possible to meet the needs of community members who cannot receive end-of-life care at home. This innovative approach underscores the commitment of Bay Bluffs and its partners to support families facing one of life’s most challenging transitions.

Honoring a Community Champion

Barb Harbaugh guiding visitors at the Hiland Suites Open House at Bay Bluffs

One of the earliest residents of the Hiland Suites was a woman whose efforts helped make residential hospice care in our community a reality. Barb Harbaugh, a devoted volunteer and advocate for hospice care, passed away in the very space she had once championed. Known for her unwavering commitment to the hospice mission, Barb was a driving force behind the original capital campaign for Hiland Cottage in Petoskey. She spent years co-chairing the annual hospice auction and serving as a member of the capital campaign committee and the hospice board.

“When Barb learned of the closing of Hiland Cottage last year, she was devastated,” shared Lisa Ashley, Bay Bluffs Administrator. “She reached out to me and could hardly believe the news. But she was not discouraged. The moment she heard that Bay Bluffs would be partnering with hospice providers on the Hiland Suites, she jumped at the chance to help out.”

At the community open house last fall, Barb volunteered her time giving tours and sharing her enthusiasm for hospice and end-of-life care. Tragically, less than six months later, Barb herself needed the compassionate care that Hiland Suites was built to provide. “She spent so much time and energy raising awareness, raising funds, and being an advocate for others, and she later became one of the first people to experience the Hiland Suites. It has been bittersweet,” says Ashley.

A Vision Realized

The opening of the Hiland Suites marks a milestone in the community’s commitment to end-of-life care. Born from the legacy of Hiland Cottage, which served the community until its closure in March 2023, the Suites provide a dignified, compassionate environment that continues Hiland Hall’s mission of ensuring no one in the community faces the end of life alone. The initial three suites are just the beginning, with plans to expand to up to 11 suites as community needs and financial support allow.

The project’s success would not have been possible without the tremendous support and funding from Friends of Hospice of Little Traverse Bay. Their tireless efforts to secure financial contributions and rally community support have ensured that Hiland Suites became a reality, honoring the legacy of Hiland Cottage and continuing to serve those in need.

“The project’s success is a testament to the power of community collaboration,” Ashley adds. From the welcoming design created by local interior designer Jodi Miller from JL Miller Interior Design in Petoskey, to the thoughtful touches from regional artists, every detail reflects the heart and soul of the community.

Lisa Ashley’s words capture the spirit of the project: “We’ve seen our neighbors come together in remarkable ways, sharing their time, talents and resources to ensure these suites provide the peace and dignity that every individual deserves at the end of life.”

With continued support and ongoing partnerships, Hiland Suites at Bay Bluffs stand as a lasting tribute to the legacy of Hiland Cottage and the community’s unwavering dedication to compassionate end-of-life care.

For more information on Hiland Suites and supporting end-of-life care efforts, visit Bay Bluffs or Friends of Hospice, or call 231-526-2161.