About the Home
Our mission is to provide a safe, comfortable and caring residence for terminally ill patients in need of a home during their final days. Located on 22 Glenview Drive in Scotia, New York our home serves the people of Schenectady and So. Saratoga Counties.
Modeled after other community homes for the terminally ill, the Schenectady Community Home is a two bed residence for patients with the greatest need and fewest care options at the end of their lives.
All residents of Schenectady and Southern Saratoga Counties are eligible for the home. Referrals will come from Community Hospice of Schenectady, health care agencies, hospitals, physicians, social workers, families and friends.
Services are free of charge.
Why is the Home Needed?
A single mother with two children ages seven and nine was diagnosed with a terminal illness in our community. Unable to care for herself or her children, she was placed in a care facility 50 miles away. Her children were place with a temporary guardian in Schenectady. Visits with her children were short and infrequent. What a sad way to die.
A dedicated group of people formed a board, incorporated and obtained a 501 (c) 3 Charitable Organization Status for the home. Together they worked to develop the mission and seek property for the community home. Most of those people remain on the board today, working tirelessly to support the home.
In 2003, Community Hospice of Schenectady identified 82 "live-alones" on their census and that number increased by 20% in 2004. The need for the residence increases each year.
Designed to take care of two patients at a time, the home is staffed with volunteers and two part time employees. Since our home collaborates with the Community Hospice, services from hospice are the same as those given in a patients home. In essence, our home and our volunteers are the patient's family.
Resident care volunteers are trained and provided with ongoing support. Light caregiving is required to keep the residents comfortable during their final days. Volunteers are also needed for other activities in and around the home.
We are funded through community support, donations, grants, fund raising activites, memorials and bequests. All gifts and donated supplies are gratefully received.
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