The 'Home Away From Home' Model: What to Expect at Fairfield County House

For many families in Fairfield County, the transition to hospice care comes with a difficult realization: their own home may no longer be equipped to handle the physical demands of caregiving, but a hospital room feels too cold for a final goodbye.

This "middle ground" is where the Residential Hospice House model shines. Unlike institutional settings, Fairfield County House is exactly what it sounds like—a house.

1. A Neighborhood, Not a Medical Zone

Located on a quiet residential street in Stamford, our house doesn't look like a facility. There are no parking garages, no security badges required at the front desk, and no sterile corridors. When you pull into the driveway, you are entering a neighborhood. This familiar setting helps lower the "biological stress" for both the patient and their visiting family members.

2. Private Suites with a Personal Touch

Every resident at Fairfield County House has a private room designed to look like a bedroom, not a ward. We encourage families to bring:

• Favorite quilts or pillows.

• Family photographs and personal mementos.

• The resident’s favorite music or aromatherapy.

Each room offers enough space for family members to sit comfortably, read, or even stay overnight, ensuring that no one has to say goodbye at the end of "visiting hours."

3. The Heart of the House: The Kitchen and Living Areas

In a hospital, food comes on a plastic tray. At Fairfield County House, the smell of brewing coffee and home-cooked meals often fills the air. Our common areas include a fully equipped kitchen and a warm living room where families can gather, share stories, and support one another. These spaces allow for "normalcy" in an abnormal time.

4. 24/7 Professional Care in the Background

While the environment is residential, the care is expert. Our nursing staff and caregivers are specialists in end-of-life care, focusing on pain management and comfort. Because we maintain a high staff-to-resident ratio, our team has the time to truly get to know each resident’s preferences, from how they like their tea to the best time for a quiet nap.

5. Seamless Integration with Hospice Agencies

Fairfield County House works in tandem with local hospice agencies. While we provide the 24/7 residential setting and caregiving support, the clinical hospice team (nurses, social workers, and chaplains) visits the house just as they would a private home. This collaborative approach ensures that every medical and emotional need is met with precision.

6. Freedom and Flexibility

Hospital "visiting hours" can be a barrier to meaningful time. In our home, there are no rigid schedules. Grandchildren can visit, favorite pets can come for a "tail-wagging" therapy session (with prior arrangement), and families can celebrate birthdays or anniversaries in our garden or communal spaces.

The Fairfield County House Difference

Choosing residential end of life care in Stamford, CT means choosing peace over paperwork. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to the belief that every person deserves to spend their final days surrounded by beauty, dignity, and the comforts of home.

Would you like to see the house for yourself?

• Take a Virtual Tour or Schedule a Visit

• Learn About Our Resident Care Services

• Make a Gift to Support Our Residents