In the News

Donations Lead to Comfort & Warmth for Hospice House Patients

May 2, 2024

There’s nothing quite like the feel of a warm blanket when you’re feeling cold. That can be especially true for hospice patients, who can often spend much of their day in bed and who may have trouble maintaining their body heat.

Thanks to the support of community donors, patients at the Kaplan Family Hospice House are getting that extra layer of comfort and warmth.

This past winter, a specialized “blanket warmer” was installed at the house, heating up stacks of blankets, which can then be delivered to patients who request them.

“This project was really driven by staff, who are always seeking ways to make our patients more comfortable,” said Jen Sawyer, Clinical Director at the Kaplan House. “Blanket warmers are sometimes used in hospitals to keep patients warm when they’re coming in and out of surgery. We recognized the potential to bring this same level of comfort to our hospice house patients on a regular basis.”

The purchase of the blanket warmer was made possible through last fall’s “Comics for Care” fundraiser hosted by Prince Pizzeria in Saugus. Community supporters generously contributed thousands of dollars in individual donations that night to support this specific initiative.

Since then, the Parmenter Foundation, a non-profit organization which supports end-of-life care and bereavement programs in the MetroWest area, granted funds for a blanket warmer at the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln. Together, the two houses provide care for upwards of 40 patients each day.

“This story exemplifies our staff’s ability to identify a need, and then our community of donors rising to meet that need,” said Lyn Skarmeas, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. “Everyone at the organization is so appreciative of the generous support we received. And the blanket warmers are a concrete example of how donations directly benefit those under our care every day.”