Last Meeting’s Program (5.28.24 bulletin)
Ashley Winters, executive director of Mercy House of Chambersburg, discussed the origin of the nonprofit end-of-life care home and its function.
She and other members of her family were inspired to start Mercy House because of experiences they had trying to find a suitable end-of-life facility for her 93-year-old grandmother. They weren’t able to find a way to keep her at home, and they were unimpressed with the quality of care at some institutional alternatives.
Eventually, with the aid of an aunt and uncle, Ashley, a Shippensburg resident, set up meetings with like-minded individuals in
Chambersburg to establish an end-of-life care home and find funding,
Mercy House opened its doors in November 2023. It is licensed as a personal care home, but focuses solely on end-of-life care and is contracted with local hospitals for referrals.
The home features 10 private rooms and includes a family lounge, kitchen, and dining room.
“End of life is not a popular topic to talk about, but it is important for people to know what the options are out there. Letting the family know what your wishes are and talking with them about it are important,” Ashley said.
Patients referred to the home generally stay for a period of 30-45 days. Some of been there for only a few hours, and the longest a resident has stayed was 84 days, Ashley said.
Staff includes a house manager, a medical tech, and one or two caregivers on duty at any given time.
The home charges $375 daily for its services, but adjustments can be made for those who lack insurance or have difficulty paying. Mercy House relies on community donations as well.
