When diSalvo Interiors designer Carol Hannam lost her mother, she was so impressed by and grateful for the services that The Hospice Inn in Melville offered her and her family during such a difficult time. And when she shared her experiences with her employer, the Garden City designing business felt compelled to make the facility a more pleasant and homey place for other residents and their families who are often there to visit.

diSalvo designers will change everything about The Inn's interior space, according to diSalvo Interiors co-owner Rosemarie diSalvo, everything from the wallpaper, window treatments, flooring and furniture and more.

"We want to try to make it a more welcoming, home-like setting that individuals and their families feel relaxed in, a very serene atmosphere," diSalvo told Garden City Life. "It's lacking all of that right now and it's just a shame."

Maureen Hinkelman, president and CEO of the Hospice Care Network, is excited about the project and knows it will enhance the comfort levels of both residents and their families. "The families spend a great deal of time at The Inn and the more we can add to the beauty and home-like atmosphere, the more it will help the families."

For example, Hinkelman said, children are often visiting a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle at The Inn. There's a family room where children and other family members can stay while the patient is resting or receiving care; a patio that patients and their families can enjoy during nice weather; and a sunroom that is usable during colder or inclement weather, although open to experiencing nature. "The enhancement of any of these areas would be a gift to the patients and families," Hinkelman said, adding that the project will focus on the family areas first and then progress to other areas as community support increases.

"We opened The Hospice Inn in March of 2004," she said. "Although The Inn was certainly decorated, we feel that with the expertise of diSalvo Interiors The Inn will be so much more beautiful while meeting the various needs of these spaces."

The project, which will be done in increments so as not to greatly disturb patients and their visiting families, kicked off with a fundraising party in diSalvo's showroom on Franklin Avenue. Further, during the past several months, diSalvo has invited their vendors and suppliers to participate in the program by donating in-kind services and/or products.

diSalvo was happy to report that the Paper Hangers Guild is willing to donate its services to install and paint and whatever else they could do to help. diSalvo's biggest challenge right now, however, according to Rosemarie, is finding a flooring supplier; the soon-to-be renovated space is approximately 20,000 square feet.

"We need donations, whether individuals or companies want to step up to the plate," diSalvo said, adding that The Hospice Inn will recognize donors by placing their name on a brass plaque. Those individuals and/or companies interested in donating services should call Joanne Miller, liaison between diSalvo Interiors and the vendors and suppliers that have come on board, at (873-6011).

Hospice usage in the US is growing. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that one million Americans with life-limiting illnesses were served by the nation's 3,300 hospices this year.

Hospice Care Network is a not-for-profit organization that is located in Woodbury, Bay Shore and Fresh Meadows, Queens. They have been serving individuals with terminal illness in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens counties since 1988 and their mission is to focus on an individual's quality of life so their final days are spent with dignity, peace and grace. They also care for the dying person's loved ones. The team at Hospice Care Network provides the following services:

Hospice Inn-The first freestanding hospice care facility in the Long Island region (located in Melville) that is designed to address the needs of patients when hospice at home is not possible. They also offer short-term inpatient care at the Hospice and Palliative Care Center located at Franklin Hospital Medical Center in Franklin Square.

Pediatric Hospice Program- Their pediatric physicians are specially trained to address the needs of children who have been diagnosed with advanced illness. They also offer emotional support to parents and family members.

Perinatal Support-A resource that is one-of-its-kind designed to offer support for parents when they learn that their unborn child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

Marks Center for Caregivers-A unique program that provides a variety of services to help patients and their families get through this difficult time.

Caregiver Transportation Program-A service designed to provide passenger van rides to caregivers to visit their loved ones, free of charge, from their homes to and from any of their locations.

Bereavement Services-The bereavement counselors provide support for adults and children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Counseling is also offered to members of the community who are not part of the program.

Children's Bereavement Camp-Each year children who participate in the bereavement groups enjoy a special day filled with fun activities.

If someone you know needs care and supportive services as they face the final stages of life, tell them to call our hotline at 1-800-2-HOSPICE. If interested in patient care, special event or administrative volunteer opportunities or would like to make a donation to support programs and services, call 832-7100.