Transforming Healthcare at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is taking a significant step forward in enhancing its healthcare services for seniors through a remarkable $6 million donation from the late Marilyn V. Adams, a dedicated philanthropist from Laguna Woods. This generous gift aims to amplify the medical center's efforts in providing compassionate and quality care to elderly patients and those facing life-limiting illnesses, two vulnerable populations that often receive insufficient attention.
Marilyn Adams was not only known for her philanthropic endeavors but also for her profound kindness and commitment to helping the community. According to Maureen Burt, a trusted advisor for Adams, she was a woman who continually thought of others — especially those who were most at risk, including children and seniors. Adams’ legacy will now be intricately linked to the initiatives that arise from her generous donation, specifically the Marilyn V. Adams Geriatric Emergency Program and the Marilyn V. Adams Comfort Care Fund.
A Lasting Legacy of Care
By creating specialized programs focused on the unique needs of older adults, Adams' legacy will live on through the compassionate healthcare services provided at Saddleback Medical Center. These two initiatives aim to ensure that seniors receive urgent care when they need it the most, and that they experience comfort and dignity while navigating the complexities of life-limiting illnesses.
As stated by Christy Ward, president of the MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Foundation, the hospital is profoundly grateful for Adams' trust in expanding their community care efforts. The focus will not just be on treating illnesses, but also on providing support and comfort to patients and their families during difficult times. The ethos of care extends beyond mere healthcare; it incorporates dignity and respect in every interaction.
Specialized Emergency Care for Seniors
The newly-established Geriatric Emergency Program at Saddleback Medical Center promises to deliver around-the-clock specialized emergency care that caters specifically to the elderly. Trained physicians and nurses skilled in geriatric medicine will ensure that seniors receive prompt attention for issues common at their stage of life, such as falls, confusion, infections, and complications from chronic diseases. The program’s design focuses not only on medical needs but also on creating a safe and comforting environment throughout the treatment process.
Comfort Care Services
On the other hand, the comfort care services — widely recognized as palliative and hospice care — will aim at enhancing quality of life for patients with serious conditions. These services prioritize relief from pain, stress, and unpleasant symptoms while providing both medical and emotional support for patients and their families. The transition from active treatment to end-of-life care is navigated with the utmost compassion, ensuring that every individual can find peace and understanding in their final days.
As Shela Kaneshiro, CEO of MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, highlights, these initiatives are grounded in the essential principle of dignified care for patients. The overall mission echoes throughout the hospital's approach: serving everyone within the community with quality and compassionate health care. Adams’ heartfelt contribution solidifies a pathway to better serve those who often find themselves in vulnerable positions.
This transformative financial gift, made possible through meticulous estate planning entrusted to the Saddleback Medical Center Foundation, reflects a deep understanding of what the community needs. Marilyn V. Adams left behind a powerful legacy, and her vision will undoubtedly continue to inspire compassionate healthcare for many years to come.
For more information on these pressing healthcare initiatives and how they impact the community, interested individuals can visit
MemorialCare's official website. The legacy of Marilyn V. Adams not only supports crucial healthcare services but also inspires future generations to prioritize compassion and care in their communities.