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Erasing wrong perceptions of AIDS hospices

Local facilities provide sincerity, caring and independence for sick

By Anita Chun

Serenity. That is the first word that came to mind as I walked up the

driveway of Chris Brownlie Hospice nestled in the hills of Elysian Park.

Beauty. The single word that describes the interior and exterior of Carl

Bean AIDS Healthcare Center in the West Adams District. Potential. One word

to describe the construction of the newest hospice in West Hollywood.

Negative stereotypes of what a hospice is and the kinds of residents who

live there are not uncommon. I, myself, fell into the category of people

not educated on this topic. A stereotype of associating an AIDS hospice

with a place of sorrow where people go to die is a myth I had before my

visit to all three of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation' s hospices. I thought

I would see people hooked up to IVs, frail, still and listless.

Another misconception I had was that people weren't happy to be spending

their last days at a hospice with a bunch of strange people trying to

comfort them and be their friend. But, in reality, these hospices provide a

warm environment for people with AIDS who have been given a prognosis of

six months or less to live, but who want to live their remaining days to

the fullest. I found the staff at each location to be genuinely sincere,

compassionate and professional.

As I entered the Chris Brownlie Hospice complex, I already felt my

nerves at ease. The cactus garden on the right and the lemon grove and

fountain on the left create a peaceful environment for patients and staff.

I started to think that the actual surroundings are not as horrid and scary

as I first perceived.

At AIDS Healthcare Foundation, 95 cents out of every dollar goes to

patient care. This is apparent as I walk in the front door and see a few

cubicles designated as the administrative offices. Patient care is the

first and foremost goal at each location.

This twostory, 25-bed facility for residents was actually a renovated

nurses' dormitory that belonged to nearby Barlow Respiratory Hospital. I

was impressed by the amount of activities and field trips planned by staff

members for the residents. Such activities include weekly picnics, baseball

games at Dodger Stadium, trips to the theater and much more.

Each resident is allowed to leave and come back when provided

transportation from a staff member, or volunteer or one of their friends. I

did not know that residents were allowed to freely leave the facility at

their leisure. I thought once a resident was admitted to a hospice, there

was not as much mobility and freedom as they could have outside. If

residents prefer to stay within the facility, they are free to watch TV in

the living room, stay in their room or grab a snack from the kitchen.

I walked away with a better understanding of how a hospice functions.

After leaving Chris Brownlie, I felt more comfortable with facing my own

phobias and misconceptions of what to expect from a hospice. I actually

wanted to see another one. I wanted to see if residents were as happy and

comfortable in other hospices, too. I asked my tour guide to show me the

Foundation's other hospices - Carl Bean AIDS Care Center and Linn

House.

My first impression of the Carl Bean AIDS Care Center was not of a

hospice, but a beautiful house. The 1901 DutchColonial exterior of the

center mirrors the impressive and detailed interior. The craftsmanship and

care illustrated throughout the building reflect the work and time donated

by interior designers and architects who worked to preserve its arts and

crafts style. I noticed the hardwood floor was decorated with colorful

handstenciled patterns and the dining room tables had intricate tile

patterns. I was told that each table was unique in design and each tile was

personally laid by the interior designer team. I could only imagine the

amount of care and detail each worker put into making this center very

homey and comfortable.

Adjoining the renovated mansion is a new 25-bed, state-of-the-art,

twostory annex. This complex lets in plenty of natural light and the high

ceilings offer residents a sense of openness and mobility. On this

particular day, Daisy the wonder pup greeted residents in the lobby with a

series of barks. Even a dog can bring a smile or a glimmer of happiness to

residents. The atmosphere seemed to be friendly and staff members greeted

me with warm smiles. Imagine what a person could do when they spend a

little more time talking to residents? Often, a resident just needs someone

to talk to or someone just to listen to their concerns and feelings.

The third hospice, Linn House, is still under construction, but will be

just as special as the other two hospices. At this site, the team of

architects and interior designers benefited from the input of caregivers to

create another facility providing comfort, care and support to its

residents. Presently, only the framework of steel girders exists, with

construction crews nearing completion of the hospice everyday.

These hospices reflect the expansion of AIDS Healthcare Foundation and

its continued commitment to patient care. From touring them, I have found a

new appreciation and respect for the staff members and volunteers who work

there. I no longer have a morbid outlook on the inner workings of a

hospices. I come away feeling the compassion and warmth in these centers

from people who truly make the last days of an individual's life more

comfortable, full and enriching. Residents are respected and not looked

down upon. Residents can be assured that their dignity and self-respect

will not be overlooked or taken for granted. Often these hospices are

second homes; for some, their only homes.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation's hospices provide comprehensive health care

and a range of services integrating the latest advances in pain management,

symptom control, spiritual, emotional and bereavement support. All services

provided at a hospice or healthcare center are offered without regards to

their ability to pay. No one is ever turned away. Administrators, staff and

volunteers at each site provide comfort, compassion, love, and respect to

each patient and their loved ones.Chum is a senior sociology student. She volunteered with AIDS

Healthcare Foundation this summer.

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