Niagara Hospice recently held a reception of staff, volunteers and close friends and family of Paul R. Beatty Sr. of Youngstown to reveal an unexpected, but much-deserved surprise for Mr. Beatty: The residential wing of Niagara Hospice House is now known as the Paul R. Beatty, Sr. Residential Suites in honor of the man who is commonly known as "the guy with the Hospice hat."
Niagara Hospice CEO John Lomeo said, "Many residents of this community were introduced to Niagara Hospice through the support of Paul. It didn't matter whether you knew him or not. He listened to your plight and took on your cause, committed to making sure you received the right care, at the right time, in the right place. He continues today to be a beacon of hope for this community."
Beatty and his family have been supporters of Niagara Hospice for over 17 years, beginning in 2001 when Paul and his family took on the Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Cruise & Clambake, held annually in memory of his brother who passed while under the care of Niagara Hospice.
Niagara Hospice Director of Marketing, PR and Volunteer Services Tricia Degan said, "Paul has demonstrated his passion for hospice care, and his respect and love for his brother, Jack, through his tireless efforts working on this event, and through his advocacy for hospice care in the community in which he is so greatly respected."
In 2009, Paul joined his son, Paul Jr., with the start of the Hospice Dash 5K to benefit Niagara Hospice. In 2011, a half-marathon was added, later named "The Mighty Niagara Half Marathon." The event, and 5K Hospice Dash, brings together the largest group of Niagara Hospice supporters. Growing from just 189 participants for the 5K in 2009, the 2016 5K Hospice Dash and Mighty Niagara Half Marathon hosted nearly 2,000 participants from all over the world.
Although hospice care is primarily provided in a patient's or caregiver's home, there are some individuals who do not have a home environment appropriate for hospice care, or lack the family or friends necessary to provide 24/7 care in a home environment. Additionally, some hospice patients need around-the-clock medical attention during medication adjustments or for symptom management. In response to these needs, Niagara Hospice House was built, serving as Niagara County's only residential hospice house.
The Paul R. Beatty, Sr. Residential Suites are 10 suites specifically designed for patients who need residential hospice care. The general in-patient wing has 10 suites designed for patients needing short-term medical monitoring and symptom management.
The Paul R. Beatty, Sr. Residential Suites were dedicated as such on June 30, in conjunction with the 10-year anniversary of Niagara Hospice House. More than 3,000 patients and families have been served at Niagara Hospice House since June 5, 2007.
Degan said, "Paul Sr. may be our biggest advocate for hospice care, making referrals for friends and family, and often seen in the community wearing his Niagara Hospice hat! He is also very successful at recruiting friends and family to help out with fundraising efforts. Paul Sr. is truly a 'Hospice Hero' who always goes far above and beyond for Niagara Hospice."
Niagara Hospice has served over 25,000 Niagara County residents and their families since 1988. Hospice is specialized care for the terminally ill. For more information, call Niagara Hospice at 716-439-4417 or visit
www.NiagaraHospice.org.
