ENSO HOUSE IS POWERED BY VOLUNTEERS

Enso House volunteers creating possibilities

Ann Cutcher, MD, director of Enso House says, “Enso functions because of the numerous gifts of time, talent and skills that volunteers bring through the door as they enter this space.” Upon entering the front door, one immediately recognizes that Enso House is a home and not an institution. Amidst aromas of baking and home cooked meals visitors are welcomed with a cup of tea or coffee and conversation. Staff and volunteers recognize that caring for a guest also involves caring for family members and friends. Volunteers bring skills in both traditional and alternative areas such as massage, reiki, reflexology and aroma therapies. They are happy to sit quietly with the guest or assist in the creation of special celebrations with family.

Caring for a parent or spouse during their final days can be physically and emotionally draining. Sometimes the demands of caregiving feel overwhelming and undermine lifelong relationships. The professional and compassionate staff at Enso House can provide care 24/7 and allow family members to be themselves.

Located in a rural setting, the house is set back from the roadway and is spacious enough to accommodate caregivers, guests and their families. Guest rooms, with their large picture windows, look out on a large pasture and onto a small pond at the heavily wooded tree line. Deer and coyotes prowl the field at dusk and bird feeders hanging in patients’ windows attract a multitude of the island’s wild birds. Enso House has a unique ability to provide exemplary end of life care to the Whidbey community and is once again open for referrals. To learn more about Enso House visit www.ensohouse.org. “We are a true nonprofit organization,” says Dr. Cutcher, “and have been since our first day. We could not exist without the support of the Whidbey Island community.”