Compassion in Fredon

Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice

On May 27, 2015

The opening of the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon last November fulfilled a decades-long dream of Julia Quinlan, the Hospice’s co-founder and board chair, who lost her daughter in 1985 at the young age of 21. The 10,000-square-foot, free-standing, inpatient facility, the result of a community-based effort, offers 10 private patient rooms and provides the highest quality end-of-life care in a home-like setting.

The home is situated on nine pristine acres with breath-taking views of Water Wheel Farm and the Kittatinny mountains. Designing each patient room with a magnificent view inspired the building’s long, low profile.

Visitors arrive at a gracious porte cochere, which leads to the main interior corridor and a central cupola that bathes the area in natural light. Exterior features emphasize the building’s residential character, with colors, textures and landscaping enhancing the homey and therapeutic atmosphere that Julia envisioned.

The patient rooms include accommodations for two additional loved ones and ADA compliant private bathrooms. Eight of the 10 rooms have French doors that open onto a patio with serenely beautiful views. The other two rooms are designed for patients requiring a higher level of care. Patients and their families also can enjoy the comforts of a home-like kitchen and dining area.

More than 15 new operations and healthcare jobs were created at the home, with many other services provided by volunteers. One volunteer group added to the site’s comforting atmosphere by creating meditation and butterfly gardens. Demonstrating the community’s involvement in the $4.8-million project, the architecture, contracting and financing all were provided by local firms.

From the ground up, the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice is more than brick and mortar. Its form, function and talents combined to meet the facility’s ultimate goal: to provide quality and compassionate care in a home-like setting for those who are on their final life journey.

ARCHITECT
HQW Architects LLC
Newton

BUILDER
TM Brennan Contractors
Hamburg

FINANCE ENTITY

Lakeland Bank
Newton

NOMINATOR
Tammie Horsfield
President
Sussex County Chamber of Commerce

 

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