Nestled within the verdant landscapes of Bermuda, the Woodland Grove Care Centre is poised to transform how end-of-life care is perceived and delivered.
Spearheaded by Friends of Hospice and guided by an empathetic vision, this initiative seeks not only to provide medical services but to redefine the entire approach to care for the elderly and terminally ill.
Jennifer Mahoney, the executive director of Friends of Hospice, spoke with RG Construction about the underlying philosophy of this revolutionary care model.
“Our goal is not just to redefine palliative and end-of-life care in Bermuda, but the concept of care itself – regardless of the area of focus,” she said.
A groundbreaking celebration took place on site, in Spice Hill Road, Warwick, last September, after the lot was cleared for construction.
The project is now going through a carefully detailed and phased building programme, from excavation to interior fit-out.
According to Ms Mahoney, the systematic approach underscores the meticulous planning and community hope invested in this project.
Woodland Grove Care Centre isn’t just a building: it’s a sanctuary designed to offer exceptional, unconditional care.
Ms Mahoney said: “Our six core values are not just abstract ideals but are palpably reflected in the centre’s architecture, programmes, and most importantly, its ethos.”
Care with dignity
Ms Mahoney emphasises a holistic approach driven by the Eden Alternative ethos, which is supported by the charity’s core values: dignity, compassion, respect, excellence, empathy, and innovation.
The Eden Alternative’s influence is evident in every facet of the centre’s design.
“Every element and space within the Care Centre and on its grounds were developed with this care ethos and our core values in mind,” Ms Mahoney explained.
This model fosters an environment where seniors aren’t just housed but are genuinely cared for in a manner that promotes their quality of life and ongoing engagement with the community.
Solution to senior living needs
Addressing Bermuda’s acute need for senior housing, Ms Mahoney highlighted the critical role of Woodland Grove.
“It’s not just about the number of seniors that will be able to call Woodland Grove home —there will be 25 available spots — but the environment that will be made available to them and how it will impact their quality of life.”
This approach promises to mitigate issues like depression and isolation by engaging seniors in meaningful activities, a cornerstone of the centre’s operational philosophy.
Moreover, the facility is poised to serve as a beacon for educational excellence in palliative care.
Shaping future caregivers
“Our first step was to establish the Friends of Hospice Brian Morris Palliative Care Scholarship fund,” Ms Mahoney noted.
“The longer-term goal is to partner with the Bermuda College Nursing Programme and have Woodland Grove support their students by acting as a training center.”
This strategic educational component is vital as it ensures ongoing professional development and exposure to innovative care practices, such as the Eden Alternative training.
Community involvement in the project has been robust and encouraging.
“Everyone has been extremely supportive of the project, and we really do see this as a community project,” Ms Mahoney said.
Such involvement is crucial for the sustainability and operational success of healthcare initiatives, particularly those that challenge traditional paradigms and introduce innovative care models.
According to organisers, the Woodland Grove Care Centre is striving to be a testament to the power of visionary leadership and community collaboration in creating spaces that honour the full spectrum of life and care.
Through this ambitious project, Bermuda is setting a precedent for the future of senior living and palliative care, projecting a model that other communities globally might be inspired to emulate.
