Outdoor Pool Another National First for The Connecticut Hospice, Inc.
BRANFORD, CT (PRWEB) August 31, 2014 -- Spanning four decades as the country’s first hospice, The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. is also the nation’s first palliative teaching hospital with an Olympic-sized, heated outdoor pool available to soothe mind and spirit of hospice family members, staff and local residents at it spectacular setting by Long Island Sound.
Manager of Quality: Hospital, Home Care and Hospice Terry Taylor, BSN, MPH said the pool’s beauty and sometimes lively use – including busloads of kids arriving through Branford Parks and Recreation weekly – adds an enjoyable slice of “real life” to those in all stages of life at The Connecticut Hospice, Inc.
“This is the nation’s first hospice and the first palliative teaching hospital to have a heated outdoor pool,” said Terry Taylor, adding, “It brings life on sweet terms for all who experience the energy, spirit and activity it brings. Even people who cannot use it are reminded of special times in their lives. It’s wonderful to be on the sea in the summer, with a beautiful pool that’s being enjoyed by young and old.”
This marks the second season The Connecticut Hospice Inc. has opened the pool for use, with lifeguard assistance from the Town of Branford. The six-lane, in-ground pool with L-shaped deep diving section was once the summer jewel of the former Double Beach Club at the site. Now, it shines again as part of the exceptionally beautiful shoreline grounds at The Connecticut Hospice Inc.
Branford residents using the pool often arrive with colorful floats and cross the main entrance in flip-flops on their way to summer fun, bringing to the serene hospice setting an “intermingling of life” that benefits all who see and share it, said Taylor.
Lifeguard Ben Greenvall said that, since it first opened in the summer of 2013, the pool has become a popular summer spot for hospice visitors and staff and an increasing number of Branford residents – he included – who recognize the unique and beautiful summer experience offered at this special setting.
“At first, when my boss told me I would be working here, I was a little bit apprehensive… because lifeguarding and swimming are kind of exciting, really fun summer opportunities, which you really don’t think about when you think of hospice,” said Greenvall, a student at Branford High School.
“But now that I’ve been here two years, I see how everyone gets something good out of it. Seeing the kids laugh and run around and be happy, I feel like it really brings a good light into this place. And the kids really get a good opportunity, with the view and such a nice pool. I like it here. It’s beautiful.”
Given its grand setting, the pool offers unparalleled refuge to families of loved ones being cared for at The Connecticut Hospice Inc. Whether taking a refreshing dip or relaxing in a chaise lounge on the deck, all five senses are met with the experience of the seashore and all its gifts.
Taylor said it’s extraordinary to think that there are lifeguards manning the pool while other “lifeguards” – members of the nursing staff – may well be floating alongside those enjoying the water.
Non-profit Connecticut Hospice Inc. operates with the knowledge that every minute of life is precious. Established in Branford in 1974, this year marks hospice’s 40th anniversary, or 21st millionth minute, of providing exceptional care for all in need. As the nation’s top-rated, award- winning hospice, The Connecticut Hospice Inc. continues to set the national standard for home and inpatient hospice care.
###
The Connecticut Hospice: First American Hospice
100 Double Beach Road Branford, CT 06405
Contact Phone: (203) 315-7575
Contact Email: emino(at)hospice(dot)com
Website: http://www.hospice.com
Eileen Mino, [email protected], http://www.hospice.com, +1 2033157556, [email protected]
Share this article