Evelyn’s House helps ‘make every moment count’ at end of life

Evelyn’s House, the new BJC hospice house, located on the campus of Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital in Creve Coeur, Missouri, is open and accepting patients. With 16 beds, the spacious 18,000-square-foot ranch-style house offers a full array of services and support for adults, children and their families.

Nearly 150 people attended the ceremonial ribbon cutting, which included a color guard presentation by Boy Scout Troop 641, sponsored by Ross Elementary School in Creve Coeur; a blessing of the house by Jack Sisk, a native St. Louisan and director of the Living Insights Center, and a musical celebration by BJC Hospice music therapists Alison Cole and Chrissy Renick. BJC Hospice music therapy intern Colleen Haviland played the grand piano during the pre-reception.

“Hospice care recognizes, celebrates and respects the unique life journey of each patient,” says Barbara Westland, BJC Hospice director. “Hospice helps families make every moment count by focusing on the spiritual and emotional care of patients, as well as physical comfort.”

While hospice care is routinely provided in a home setting, Evelyn’s House is designed to offer patients and families an alternative choice in special circumstances, such as the short-term management of pain and symptoms, and respite for caregivers.

Patrick White, MD, chief medical officer for BJC Hospice, leads the hospice house. “Evelyn’s House offers our patients exceptional quality medical care in a peaceful home-like setting, designed specifically to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, enhance dignity, and support patients and families. We are proud to be able to offer patients who have serious medical illness personalized medical care delivered from a highly trained and compassionate team.”

“Evelyn’s House is here today due to the generosity of many,” says Steve Lipstein, BJC chief executive officer. “BJC is grateful to the community for answering our call to help us build this warm, comfortable hospice house for anyone needing specialized end-of-life care. We’re especially grateful to Aja and Patrick Stokes for leading the way with a gift that inspired Peggy and Andy Newman to make an equally momentous gift through the Eric P. and Evelyn E. Newman Foundation. The Newmans honored us with the privilege of naming our hospice house for Andy’s mother, Evelyn Newman, a prominent St. Louis community leader and philanthropist who passed away in 2015.”

Additional financial support for the hospice house came from The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, Friends of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Friends of Wings, which supports the BJC Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care program. 

“Dreams can become reality with the support of the community, donors and a compassionate, committed staff,” Westland says. “Evelyn’s House will embody our core purpose of providing exceptional care to patients and families in our community. The home-like environment, our expressive therapy and music therapy staff, social workers, chaplains and volunteers will help support the many needs of the family on their journey with their loved one.”

“The St. Louis community’s generosity and commitment to compassionate end-of-life care helps us more fully embrace patients and families during a difficult time,” Dr. White says. “Our community will be better for having a hospice house.”

For more information, visit www.bjchospice.org/evelynshouse or call 314.996.8100.

Evelyn’s House features include: 

• Sixteen private guest suites for adults, teens and children
• Walkout patio from every suite
• Hospice-specialized care team
• Family gathering spaces with overnight accommodations
• Dedicated music and expressive therapy rooms
• Family kitchen and café
• Meditation room and garden
• Kids and teen activity room
• Salon and spa