A string of donations, including an anonymous contribution, will help Langley Hospice Society replace 14 aging beds with new, fully adjustable beds a year earlier than planned.
The $250,000 purchase means that brand new adjustable beds for the Fran MacDonald Langley Hospice Residence arrived in early May, said Hospice executive director Shannon Todd Booth.
The current centre opened four years ago, after years of fundraising. While it included a great deal of new equipment, the beds were moved over from the older hospice residence. Last year the society replaced all the mattresses, and bought one new bed.
But the goal of replacing the remaining 14 beds was expected to take two more years of fundraising.
Instead, it happened this year thanks to donations from local groups like the Township of Langley Firefighters Charitable Society, some bequests, and a large anonymous donation that arrived unexpectedly, Todd Booth said.
“We have no idea where it came from,” she said.
The Hospice Society has mentioned the need for the bed upgrades, including at last year’s Plates and Glasses fundraiser.
Donors stepped up faster than expected, with the anonymous donation coming just before Christmas, which allowed the beds to be ordered for delivery this spring.
“These beds are the single most important piece of furniture in the building,” Todd Booth said.
Hospice provides end-of-life care for the terminally ill, and many residents can no longer get out of bed. The beds function as their primary mobility devices.
The new beds are fully adjustable, and they can also expand to fit a larger “cuddle bed” mattress with room for more than just the patient.
One of the most common things staff at the Hospice Residence hear is “I’ve been sleeping beside my partner for more than 60 years,” Todd Booth said.
A larger mattress can allow couples to keep sleeping together, to just lie together, or to allow grandkids to cuddle with their grandparent.
Four of the beds will have the double-sized mattresses, Todd Booth said.
The society is very grateful for the community’s financial help to get this project done sooner than planned.
“We know that it’s because of the generous support we receive from donors and supporters that we are able to show up for our community in meaningful ways and continue to hold space for individuals and their families, when they need it most,” she said.