A former St. Albert hospice resident gave its chaplain permission to read a statement on the impact the Centrella bed she stayed in had on her final chapter.
Matthieu Coloumbe, chaplain at the Covenant Care Foyer Lacombe hospice, said Tuesday the bed, described as a “Cadillac” compared to the “Corolla” it replaced, made a world of difference in her comfort level and quality of life.
He said when she arrived, she had a significant bedsore and the goal of the care team was not to allow it to grow any larger (some bedsores, or pressure ulcers, never fully heal).
But the customizable Centrella bed is so effective at pressure reduction, the resident’s wound actually started to shrink.
“There's a huge difference in my sleep,” Coloumbe said, reading from the statement. “I am so much more comfortable and sleep so much better.
“Thank you so much for selecting me for this (bed). This has dramatically improved my quality of life.”
Coloumbe on Jan. 29 led a reception celebrating the mid-point of a campaign to buy 10 such beds for the hospice on St. Vital Avenue north of Mission Park. He said the resident’s testimonial was just one of many they’ve heard from residents since the Centrella beds arrived.
There are now five in the facility, which houses residents in 10 hospice beds and 12 long-term care beds.
They were purchased for about $100,000 with support from Covenant Foundation and the St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association (SASHA). The Foundation covered two beds, SASHA the other three.
“We have witnessed the profound impact a caring environment can have on families her who are going through an incredibly difficult time,” Joanna Buisman, SASHA chair, said. “This inspired us and it reinforces why we as an organization are proud to serve. As we celebrate this milestone, we also renew our commitment to continue supporting this remarkable community.”
The impetus for the new beds campaign came from a request from an occupational therapist, who suggested the hospice consider new mattresses. The organization decided to do them one better.
The length of the beds can be adjusted to a resident’s height. They’re equipped with fall detection and a voice-activated call system connected to the nursing station.
Coloumbe said the controls are easier to see and use, too.
Cathie Calarco, director of development, Covenant Foundation, said SASHA’s commitment to hospice care has been a “guiding light for this region,” an impact that can’t be overstated.
She also thanked the resident families who contributed.
“Their generosity and belief in improving the care experience for their loved ones and others are inspiring examples of the power of community.”
Coloumbe said Foyer Lacombe could and should try to be the best hospice in the entire area.
“Why not?”
