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Kairos House and Outreach Programs Assist Persons with HIV/AIDS Kairos House, a seven bedroom hospice for persons living with HIV / AIDS, has been an important Edmonton Commandery project for over 15 years. The social parallels between HIV / AIDS and leprosy, the ancient cause of the Order of St. Lazarus, are strong and led to the Commandery adopting Kairos as its key project. Operated by Catholic Social Services, the Kairos residential and outreach programs assist men and women with their physical, emotional, medical and social needs to improve their quality of life and minimize the need for hospitalization. Occupancy at Kairos House during 2005 was virtually 100 per cent, with a wait list ranging from three to seven individuals. During the year, staff in the home cared for 16 residents (of whom four died at the residence); the outreach program served 22 individuals and their families. Kairos House relies heavily on the Catholic Social Services annual fundraising campaign, Sign of Hope, as well as donations from community organizations such as the Order of St. Lazarus. At Kairos House, it costs less than $100 per day to serve a client; acute care in a hospital setting is more than $1,000. In the last few years, 98 per cent of all clients have chosen to die at Kairos House rather than in an acute care setting. Many of the men and women served by the Kairos program have other issues including addictions, mental health concerns, other physical health ailments, developmental disabilities and a lack of support systems. The staff and volunteers of Kairos help clients deal with dramatic changes to their physical health, self-esteem, daily habits and general lifestyle. The staff work closely with the University of Alberta HIV Clinic, and with social workers who visit residents on a regular basis. A psychologist makes house calls to keep in contact with residents, and a medical practitioner works closely with staff and residents. While there is a nominal rent charge at Kairos House, which helps pay for accommodation, food, utilities, laundry and a staff of six individuals who provide 24 hour service, no client has never been refused service on the basis of financial status. Since 1990 the Edmonton Commandery has donated approximately $300,000 to Kairos House and its outreach programs. These funds have helped maintain the facility itself, including furniture, renovations, exterior landscaping including a backyard sitting area, and have assisted with food and other components of residential living. As well, each Christmas members of the Order visit Kairos House to wrap gifts for the children of families involved with the Kairos programs, and for the residents themselves. The gifts are purchased with funds donated by an anonymous member of the Order, who has done so for more than 10 years. The need for Kairos House is great and it will continue to be a major project of the Edmonton Commandery. » Back To Top |
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