Choosing a hospice isn't like picking a hotel. It’s heavy. When you're looking into the Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake, Ohio, you aren't just looking for a building with beds. You’re looking for a soft place to land during what is, honestly, the hardest stretch of your life.
Located right off I-90 at the intersection of Crocker and Clemens Roads, this place doesn't feel like a medical facility. It’s tucked away on 30 wooded acres. It looks like a massive, 40,000-square-foot Craftsman-style home. If you didn't see the discreet signage for Hospice of the Western Reserve, you might just think it’s a private estate.
But what actually happens inside?
The Ames Family Hospice House Experience: More Than Just a Bed
Most people assume hospice is only for the "final hours." That's a huge misconception. While many do come here for that, the Ames Family Hospice House serves a much broader purpose. It’s an inpatient unit (IPU) designed for symptom management that just can’t be handled at home.
Maybe the pain meds need constant adjusting. Maybe the breathing issues are getting scary.
The facility has 32 private suites. Each one is huge. We’re talking large windows, views of the woods, and enough space for a family to actually live there for a few days. They have rollaway beds in every room. Why? Because the staff knows you aren't going to leave your mom’s side at 2:00 AM.
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What sets the Westlake location apart?
Honestly, it's the "vibe." That sounds casual for such a serious topic, but it matters.
- LEED Gold Certification: It’s one of the few hospice houses in the country built with such a high environmental standard. It uses natural light to reduce the "institutional" feel.
- Creative Therapy: They have actual art and music therapy studios. This isn't just "background music." It’s clinical intervention that helps patients process things they can't put into words.
- Family Kitchens: You can smell cookies baking. There are kitchens where families can cook a "real" meal together, which can be incredibly grounding when everything else feels like it's spinning out of control.
- Pet Friendly: This is a big one. You can bring the family dog. Sometimes, a golden retriever's head on a lap does more than any sedative.
Why Location Matters for Westside Families
Before this facility opened in 2012, families on the west side of Cleveland had to trek across town to the David Simpson Hospice House in Euclid. If you’ve ever driven I-90 during rush hour, you know that’s a nightmare.
The Ames Family Hospice House changed the game for residents in Westlake, Bay Village, North Olmsted, and Rocky River. It allowed people to stay in their own community. It sounds like a small detail, but being five minutes away from home means the grandkids can pop in after soccer practice. It keeps life feeling "normal" for as long as possible.
The project was largely possible thanks to the late Jay and Chuck Ames. Their foundation prioritized "the alleviation of human suffering," and you can see that mission in the architecture. The central atrium is a soaring space that feels spiritual without being tied to one specific religion.
Dealing With the "Hospice Myth"
Let's get real for a second. There is a lot of fear around these places. People think once you go to "The Ames House," you never come out.
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That’s actually false.
Plenty of patients go there for "respite care." This is basically a five-day stay to give the primary caregiver at home—usually a spouse or a child—a chance to rest. Caregiving is exhausting. It’s okay to admit that. The Ames House takes over the heavy lifting so the family can just be family again for a few days.
Others go for "General Inpatient Care" (GIP). Once the symptoms are stabilized—maybe the agitation is gone or the pain is under control—the patient might actually go back home.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cost
Money is the elephant in the room. Most people think a facility this nice must be incredibly expensive.
Here’s the deal: Hospice is a Medicare benefit. It’s also covered by Medicaid and most private insurance. This covers the doctors, the nurses, the social workers, the chaplains, and the medications related to the terminal illness.
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However, there’s a catch with inpatient houses like this one. While the care is covered, "room and board" can sometimes be a private-pay situation if the patient doesn't meet specific clinical "acute" criteria. It’s confusing. Honestly, the best thing to do is talk to their finance team early. They are remarkably good at navigating the red tape.
The Staff: The "Real-Life Angels" Factor
If you look at reviews for Ames Family Hospice House, you’ll see the word "angels" over and over. It’s a cliché, but it’s there for a reason.
The nurse-to-patient ratio here is much lower than in a hospital or a typical nursing home. The nurses aren't rushing from room to room with a clipboard, looking at their watches. They have time to sit. They have time to listen to the same story for the fifth time.
The volunteers are the unsung heroes. They’re the ones making sure the bird feeders outside the windows are full. They’re the ones who will sit with a patient so a daughter can go home and take a shower.
Actionable Steps for Families in Westlake
If you’re considering hospice care for a loved one, don't wait until it's an emergency. The biggest regret most families have is waiting too long to start services.
- Request a Consultation: You don't need a doctor's order just to talk to them. You can call the Hospice of the Western Reserve directly and ask for an informational visit.
- Take the Virtual Tour: If you aren't ready to walk through the doors yet, their website has a virtual tour. It helps de-mystify the space.
- Check the "Levels of Care": Ask your current doctor if your loved one qualifies for GIP (General Inpatient) or if they would be looking at Routine Home Care. This affects the cost.
- Visit the Grounds: Even if you don't go inside, drive down Hospice Way. Walk the half-mile trail. See if the environment feels right for your family.
The Ames Family Hospice House isn't a place of "giving up." It’s a place where the goal shifts from "curing" to "living well." In a world of sterile hospital hallways and beeping machines, that shift can be the greatest gift you give someone you love.