Iris Respite House Supporting Caregivers

By Janice Lane Palko

If you’ve ever provided care for someone, you know how tiring and challenging it can be. According to an October 2023 AARP report, more than 60% of respondents said that caregiving increased their level of stress and worry, while nearly 40% said they rarely or never feel relaxed.

One of the challenges facing our society is: who cares for the caregiver?

Lisa Story, Founder and Clinical Director of Hope Grows, whose mission is to cultivate caregiver wellness, does. She turned to nature and the dirt of the earth to cope with the grief of losing her father, and, in 2008, conceived the idea of an overnight bed and breakfast with healing and restorative gardens for caregivers. While learning horticultural therapy as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Lisa realized there was little support for caregivers in the Pittsburgh area, a place where they could take a short break from the stress of caring for someone that was restorative.

In January 2023, Story’s vision became a reality when the Hope Grows Iris Respite House Bed & Breakfast opened. Located in Moon Township, the Iris Respite House is a tiny oasis of solitude. The Story’s home was transformed into a safe haven for family caregivers. It is surrounded by healing gardens, each with a theme from childhood to death, transitioning one through the journey of life.

“We’ve had approximately 15 caregivers stay with us so far, and we are hoping to increase that number and get the word out,” said Amy Oledzki, Communications & Marketing Coordinator for Hope Grows.

Caregivers say that one of the best things about a stay at the Iris Respite House is that they can catch up on sleep. Uninterrupted sleep! “Many of our caregivers also enjoy walking the trails around the property and relaxing in the gardens. Each garden has a sign with a QR code that you can scan and read about, with suggested therapeutic activities to do. Several of our caregivers also take advantage of our endless indoor swimming pool,” said Ms. Oledzki.

Guests are invited to stay overnight Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday of every week. Bookings open up on Friday and Saturday as well for the first weekend of the month.

Lisa Story and her husband, Charles , are still living in the house for a bit longer. “During the work week, we have our staff at the house – a few members of our Clinical team are always around, along with our Horticulturist and our House & Gardens Coordinator. There is a smaller office out back where our Executive Director and Communications & Marketing Coordinator work. We have scheduled counseling sessions and support groups from time to time, and there’s always a volunteer or two in the gardens,” said Ms. Oledzki. “We ask that anyone wanting a tour of the grounds to call ahead to schedule, or join us for self-guided tours every ‘Therapeutic Thursday’ from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. during the months of May through October.”

Some organizations, such as UPMC Family Hospice, use a grant to pay for their caregivers to stay. “Donations from individuals and groups are also made for those who cannot afford to pay, and we have some foundations that provide grants to offset costs, too,” said Ms. Oledzki.

The Iris Respite House has been a godsend for caregivers as some of the guestbook entries have shown:

“Such a blessing! I absolutely loved my stay here. It was the most relaxing day I can remember in my life. I felt so cared for and valued, and I got a recharge I needed. Looking forward to coming again. May this be the first of many!”

“Thanks so much for a wonderful stay! It was much needed and definitely helped me decompress. I’ll be in touch and will refer anyone who could be helped!”

“Thank you for this lovely immersion in beauty. It was an oasis of peace and calm for me. Beauty at literally every turn, everywhere inside the house and out. Thank you for creating this."

"How is it that you always know exactly what I need? What a place! What a staff! What a service to those of us oft-ignored. The best people. The most beautiful surroundings, inside and out. The smallest detail not missed. The tastiest food. The best bed and breakfast I ever stayed in!”

Caregivers interested in a stay can book online at www.hopegrows.org/stay, call Hope Grows at 412-369-HOPE (4673), or email info@hopegrows.org.