Since Kline Hospice House opened its doors in 2002, the beautiful home
and its caring staff have earned the gratitude and praise of many area families.
“Kline House met every need we had.” Pepper Delauter’s father, Stanley Gaver, was fearful that he would
spend the end of his life in a nursing home. “Because of Kline House,
this was something we didn’t have to pursue,” Pepper says
“Dad always loved to joke and kid around, and he was able to do
just that to the very end only because he was so comfortable and at peace
with being at such a beautiful place,” she continues. He was thrilled
that his dog Sadie was allowed to visit, and he enjoyed reconnecting with
old friends and making new friends with Kline House staff and volunteers.
“Kline House met every need we had,” Pepper reflects. As the
end of Stanley’s life drew near, Pepper and other family members
spent the night at Kline House. “I know it not only comforted us
being with him, but he was comforted as well, knowing we were there.”
“This place is a jewel…” “No one ever wants to plan on using a hospice facility—but
when the need is there, I can’t imagine being without Kline House,”
says John McCarthy. “This place is a jewel for Frederick County
residents.” The death of his wife Sally would have been much more
difficult for him and his 10-year-old son to deal with, had it not been
for Kline House, John explains. “No matter how much I could have
prepared our home, I don’t believe that I would have been able to
respond to every situation that occurred. Kline House staff and volunteers
were always ready to respond—not only quickly but professionally.”
Sally, who had recently completed her bachelor’s of science degree
in nursing, was thrilled to have wireless internet access at Kline House.
A former colleague at FMH, where Sally worked for nearly 30 years, provided
a laptop so Sally could continue working on a project. “The thoughtfulness
of the IT division of FMH contributed to Sally’s quality of life
in ways I’ll never be able to explain, but will remember forever,”
John says.
“We were family, not caregivers.” After years of providing care for Hospice patients, Wanda Haslup was able
to welcome her own grandmother, Lydia Frock, to Kline House.
“Fortunately, Kline House had an empty bed when it was time for her
discharge from the hospital,” Wanda recalls. “Family members
were able to continue working without worry—and we could go home
at night, knowing she was well provided for. We were able to be family,
not caregivers.”
Wanda appreciated the opportunity to step away from her role as a nurse
to be the granddaughter her grandmother needed. “It was both a privilege
and an honor to spend the last week of her life by her bedside without
the worry of how her needs were going to be met,” Wanda says. She
and her grandmother enjoyed sitting on the Kline House deck in the crisp
fall air. “She looked out over the fields and said, ‘It’s
not exactly home but it’s close enough.’”