Hospice Services
A Green Hospice Home
The Pepper Family Hospice Home and Center for Care is one of only a few “green” free-standing hospice homes in the country, and the first in Illinois. It was constructed in line with the guidelines for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) “Green Building” Rating System. LEED-certified buildings cost less to operate and maintain, are energy- and water-efficient, are healthier and safer for occupants, and use resources more effectively. HPNI is striving to receive a silver rating for the design and construction of this hospic home project. In seeking the silver rating under the LEED system, the agency’s architects not only designed the building to be energy efficient, but took extra efforts such as ensuring that it featured a high percentage of natural lighting throughout the building, that native plants were used throughout the landscaping and as few trees as possible were removed from the property.
The region’s first freestanding hospice home and center for care was built within a setting where patients, family members, visitors, volunteers and staff could find respite, comfort and tranquility. Set among many mature trees, the facility is surrounded by healing gardens, composed of native shrubs, flowering trees, grasses and perennials.
Down to the smallest detail, the goal was to create a healing environment that would promote peace and tranquility and, in turn, reduce pain and stress for everyone using the building. Particular attention was paid to choosing plants with four-season interest and color, while still using native species that were also deer resistant.
Throughout the property, patios and walkways are situated to connect private and public spaces. Benches, tables and chairs specially designed for the needs of healthcare patients have been placed along the paths and on patios. In addition, the large detention area adjacent to the building was designed using native grasses, shrubs and prairie wildflowers to improve water quality and create a wildlife habitat.
