DANBURY — Regional Hospice marked a momentous milestone in January with the tenth anniversary of its Center for Comfort Care & Healing, a one-of-a-kind facility that has redefined end-of-life care in Connecticut.

The year milestone will be celebrated at the organization’s Spring Fling Gala on March 22 at Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Honorees include the late Robert Bedoukian, former board member; the late former Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, who was instrumental in getting new laws passed to accommodate the build; and The Rizzo Companies, who built the Center.

ToniAnn Marchione, LRT (M), BS, president and CEO of Regional Hospice, notes Regional Hospice has been providing care in the community for more than 40 years.

“When we opened our doors to the Center a decade ago, our former president & CEO, Cynthia Emiry Roy, MS, LCSW, CHA, who was the visionary, along with our board members and others, created more than just a hospice facility — the idea was to build a true home where patients and their loved ones could find comfort, dignity, and peace,” Marchione said.

“Today, we’ve not only realized that vision but exceeded it, serving thousands of patients and their loved ones during their most challenging times,” she added.

The 36,000-square-foot Center was meticulously designed to feel like a residential setting, featuring private suites with enough space for family members to stay overnight, comfortable living areas, and peaceful gardens.

The Center boasts a full-service kitchen led by an executive chef who prepares fresh, made-to-order food for patients and their visitors, ensuring that sharing meals remains a meaningful part of family life.

“Our Center for Comfort Care & Healing was revolutionary when it opened, and it continues to set the standard for what hospice care can and should be,” Marchione adds. “As we look to the future, we remain committed to our founding principle: ensuring that every moment of life is lived with dignity, comfort, and grace.”

At the heart of Regional Hospice’s success is its multidisciplinary team approach. The organization brings together physicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, chaplains, massage and sound healing therapists, and specially-trained hospice volunteers. This holistic care team addresses not just physical symptoms, but also the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones.

Regional Hospice’s comprehensive care extends well beyond the Center’s walls. The organization provides exceptional hospice services in private homes, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities throughout the region, as well as at Danbury, New Milford, and Norwalk hospitals. This extensive reach ensures that quality end-of-life care is accessible to all who need it.

For more information, visit regionalhospicect.org.