Erasing wrong perceptions of AIDS hospices
Local facilities provide sincerity, caring and independence for
sick
By Anita Chun
Serenity. That is the first word that came to mind as I walked
up the
driveway of Chris Brownlie Hospice nestled in the hills of
Elysian Park.
Beauty. The single word that describes the interior and exterior
of Carl
Bean AIDS Healthcare Center in the West Adams District.
Potential. One word
to describe the construction of the newest hospice in West
Hollywood.
Negative stereotypes of what a hospice is and the kinds of
residents who
live there are not uncommon. I, myself, fell into the category
of people
not educated on this topic. A stereotype of associating an AIDS
hospice
with a place of sorrow where people go to die is a myth I had
before my
visit to all three of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’ s
hospices. I thought
I would see people hooked up to IVs, frail, still and
listless.
Another misconception I had was that people weren’t happy to be
spending
their last days at a hospice with a bunch of strange people
trying to
comfort them and be their friend. But, in reality, these
hospices provide a
warm environment for people with AIDS who have been given a
prognosis of
six months or less to live, but who want to live their remaining
days to
the fullest. I found the staff at each location to be genuinely
sincere,
compassionate and professional.
As I entered the Chris Brownlie Hospice complex, I already felt
my
nerves at ease. The cactus garden on the right and the lemon
grove and
fountain on the left create a peaceful environment for patients
and staff.
I started to think that the actual surroundings are not as
horrid and scary
as I first perceived.
At AIDS Healthcare Foundation, 95 cents out of every dollar goes
to
patient care. This is apparent as I walk in the front door and
see a few
cubicles designated as the administrative offices. Patient care
is the
first and foremost goal at each location.
This twostory, 25-bed facility for residents was actually a
renovated
nurses’ dormitory that belonged to nearby Barlow Respiratory
Hospital. I
was impressed by the amount of activities and field trips
planned by staff
members for the residents. Such activities include weekly
picnics, baseball
games at Dodger Stadium, trips to the theater and much more.
Each resident is allowed to leave and come back when
provided
transportation from a staff member, or volunteer or one of their
friends. I
did not know that residents were allowed to freely leave the
facility at
their leisure. I thought once a resident was admitted to a
hospice, there
was not as much mobility and freedom as they could have outside.
If
residents prefer to stay within the facility, they are free to
watch TV in
the living room, stay in their room or grab a snack from the
kitchen.
I walked away with a better understanding of how a hospice
functions.
After leaving Chris Brownlie, I felt more comfortable with
facing my own
phobias and misconceptions of what to expect from a hospice. I
actually
wanted to see another one. I wanted to see if residents were as
happy and
comfortable in other hospices, too. I asked my tour guide to
show me the
Foundation’s other hospices – Carl Bean AIDS Care Center and
Linn
House.
My first impression of the Carl Bean AIDS Care Center was not of
a
hospice, but a beautiful house. The 1901 DutchColonial exterior
of the
center mirrors the impressive and detailed interior. The
craftsmanship and
care illustrated throughout the building reflect the work and
time donated
by interior designers and architects who worked to preserve its
arts and
crafts style. I noticed the hardwood floor was decorated with
colorful
handstenciled patterns and the dining room tables had intricate
tile
patterns. I was told that each table was unique in design and
each tile was
personally laid by the interior designer team. I could only
imagine the
amount of care and detail each worker put into making this
center very
homey and comfortable.
Adjoining the renovated mansion is a new 25-bed,
state-of-the-art,
twostory annex. This complex lets in plenty of natural light and
the high
ceilings offer residents a sense of openness and mobility. On
this
particular day, Daisy the wonder pup greeted residents in the
lobby with a
series of barks. Even a dog can bring a smile or a glimmer of
happiness to
residents. The atmosphere seemed to be friendly and staff
members greeted
me with warm smiles. Imagine what a person could do when they
spend a
little more time talking to residents? Often, a resident just
needs someone
to talk to or someone just to listen to their concerns and
feelings.
The third hospice, Linn House, is still under construction, but
will be
just as special as the other two hospices. At this site, the
team of
architects and interior designers benefited from the input of
caregivers to
create another facility providing comfort, care and support to
its
residents. Presently, only the framework of steel girders
exists, with
construction crews nearing completion of the hospice
everyday.
These hospices reflect the expansion of AIDS Healthcare
Foundation and
its continued commitment to patient care. From touring them, I
have found a
new appreciation and respect for the staff members and
volunteers who work
there. I no longer have a morbid outlook on the inner workings
of a
hospices. I come away feeling the compassion and warmth in these
centers
from people who truly make the last days of an individual’s life
more
comfortable, full and enriching. Residents are respected and not
looked
down upon. Residents can be assured that their dignity and
self-respect
will not be overlooked or taken for granted. Often these
hospices are
second homes; for some, their only homes.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s hospices provide comprehensive
health care
and a range of services integrating the latest advances in pain
management,
symptom control, spiritual, emotional and bereavement support.
All services
provided at a hospice or healthcare center are offered without
regards to
their ability to pay. No one is ever turned away.
Administrators, staff and
volunteers at each site provide comfort, compassion, love, and
respect to
each patient and their loved ones.Chum is a senior sociology
student. She volunteered with AIDS
Healthcare Foundation this summer.