Heritage Heights receives estate gift to enhance end-of-life care services

CHELAN - Heritage Heights at Lake Chelan has received an estate gift from the Tipler Estate, marking a significant contribution to the assisted living facility's end-of-life care services. During the challenging times of COVID-19, neighbors Norm and Janice Sturm provided crucial support to Lori Tipler and her terminally ill husband, Ron. In appreciation of their assistance, Lori Tipler designated her home to a trust to enhance end-of-life care, trusting the Sturms to select an appropriate recipient. Heritage Heights was chosen for its established reputation in providing such care.

The Tipler Charitable Trust's aim is to fund a nonprofit organization that can extend or introduce services for end-of-life care. Heritage Heights plans to use the funds to improve its facilities, including remodeling a wing to offer a comfortable space for families and hospice staff and to enhance staff training. This initiative will allow residents to remain in a familiar setting, supported by skilled care, towards the end of their lives.

Maria Jan, RN, has been appointed the Director of Wellness, bringing extensive clinical and management experience to the facility. The funding will also support hiring dedicated staff and training existing personnel to strengthen the facility's end-of-life services in collaboration with local hospice agencies.

Heritage Heights extends its gratitude to the Chelan community, including Adam Rynd and Shannon Kraft of Coldwell Banker, for their donation and to the Sturms for their role in facilitating the Tipler estate gift. This contribution is expected to significantly enhance the quality of end-of-life care provided by Heritage Heights.