The Magic of McClure Miller Respite House

Almost everyone I talk with about McClure Miller Respite House has a connection to someone who spent time there, and a story to share.

Whether it’s about the quality hospice care provided by the skilled, compassionate care team, appreciation for the dedicated volunteers, or the comfortable, home-like setting, everyone expresses their gratitude for this unique resource.

To honor the vision of the Respite House's founders, we must make sure we can welcome anyone who needs the care provided at Vermont’s only Medicare-certified inpatient hospice residence. To do so, we turn to our generous community – all of you – to help us grow and sustain the Respite House to meet the changing needs of our neighbors.

I invite you to read about the Conant family, who said goodbye to Norbert Conant at the Respite House, about Ryan Morissette and the meaning he finds in his work there, and about the growing need for care that you can help meet with your gift.

With gratitude,

Christine Werneke,

President & COO

UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice

Support Our Work

In Norbert Conant's Final Days, Nature was Never Far Away

Hospice care helped a family honor what he loved.

After a long life of military service, travel and time spent in nature, Norbert Conant and his family found peace and compassionate care from the hospice team at Home Health & Hospice.

“The skill and knowledge of everyone on the hospice team was beyond anything we had previously experienced,” says Heidi, Norbert's daughter. “Every detail was thought about and attended to."

Read Norbert's Story

First He Saved Lives. Now He Helps Bring Life to Those at Their End.

Ryan Morissette started his nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department. But after COVID and 15 years of trying to “save lives,” his heart wasn’t in it anymore. Then he found the McClure Miller Respite House and discovered that focusing on quality of life, and helping people die with dignity, can be much more rewarding.

Meet Ryan

A Home for All

“Everyone should be fortunate enough to receive this level of support in their final chapter.”

- Family of Mary Ann Minardo

Fundraising to grow and sustain the McClure Miller Respite House increases hospice access for our community. Learn about the need and how you can help.

Learn more

"Coming to McClure Miller Respite House was the moment I could stop being a caregiver and just be his wife again. This place let us step into the final part of his journey with grace. It was peaceful. He wasn’t in pain. He was ready, and we were held.”

- Kate Mitchell about her husband Mitch’s time at McClure Miller Respite House

Celebrating Excellence

The Hospice team recently received a SHPBest™ Superior Performer Award.

This award recognizes high quality service to families and caregivers of hospice patients, as recognized by the CAHPS (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) Hospice Survey. Home Health & Hospice ranked in the top 20% in this national survey.

The 35th Jiggety Jog is in the Books!

A rainy forecast didn't stop nearly 250 runners, walkers, volunteers and jiggety-joggers from gathering on May 31 for the 35th annual Jiggety Jog. The beloved event surpassed its fundraising goal of $125,000, supporting more than 140 days of care at the McClure Miller Respite House.

A heartfelt thank you to all the participants, our top fundraisers Carol Hewitt Bitter and Alice Christian, our Presenting Sponsor, North Country Federal Credit Union, all our incredible sponsors and everyone who had a hand in organizing the 35th Jiggety Jog. See you next year!

Support from you is crucial to achieving our vision of people thriving in healthy communities.

Make Your Gift Today!

Want to learn more about any of the programs in this issue?

Visit us online at: UVMHomeHealth.org or call (802) 658-1900