News

As we watch the construction progress at the new McClure Miller UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice Respite House, we have been busy making plans to welcome our community to the new space.  One of the most common questions we hear is, “What is going to be different at the new house?”

Great care and thought has gone into the planning of the new space. While the physical appearance of the building will be different, the warmth, homelike feeling, and personalized care will remain the same.

The staff and volunteers who welcome families and provide the direct support and care for residents are the heart and soul of Respite House.  They bring about a calm, grounded environment where people feel free to be themselves. This compassion, love, and care will always be central to Respite House.

The design of the building provides new spaces for families to easily visit with their loved one, to meet and talk with Respite House staff, or gather together in privacy.  The kitchen and a new great room will be a central common space for greeting our guests with the same palpable hospitality and warm atmosphere that families now experience.

The new location offers a serene, pastoral setting to support peaceful reflection for individuals and families. Birdfeeders will hang outside the window of each of the 21 resident rooms, an abundance of homemade baked goods will have their spot in the dining area, meals for residents will be made to-order, and the fireplace will glow in the living room.

The meaningful artifacts of Respite House will also be moved to the new house including the Noah’s Ark mural, stained glass window of the Reflection Room, and the Tree of Remembrance sculpture. These pieces of art carry a deep meaning and provide a physical connection for many of our Respite House families, staff, friends and volunteers.

This experience has given us the opportunity to reflect on and appreciate what the heart of Respite House is.  We know it is the people that make Respite House special and unique.  Thank you to all who are the heart and soul of Respite House. Without you, it is only a building.

Find out how you can be part of supporting the new McClure Miller UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice Respite House through our Capital Campaign.