“The kingdom of God has little to do with church and religion - serving God is about serving humanity” Leonhard Ragaz (Swiss theologian born 1868 near Tenna)

The project “Old Cheese Dairy” in Tenna is a civil-society initiative based on a leading by an individual Friend, financially supported by the Zurich Worship Group and individual Friends from Switzerland, Germany and Canada. The Tenna Hospice Association will construct a purpose-built dwelling with space for communal-living during the last period of life. The whole project is built on Quaker values and hopefully Spirit-led.

Living well and in dignity to the last breath and being able to die in peace are universal human needs. In a remote mountain region it is sometimes difficult to age in place. With increasing mobility challenges or failing memory, it becomes often too cumbersome in a 300-year-old farm house on a steep slope. When a partner dies, it becomes too lonely to remain at home. With the transition of the local society into modernity, the extended family networks are changing. Therefore, it is the right time to create a special care place for those who can no longer manage well at home, and for those who do not want to move to a care institution in an urban environment.

The Tenna Hospice Association will build a house with six units that are barrier-free. People with varied abilities and care needs will form an intentional community, with continued support, care, and assistance from family caregivers, volunteers and ambulatory nursing and palliative services. A 24-hour presence will address human security and the ills of social isolation and loneliness.

The construction project will cost CHF 3 Mio. 80% of the donations received came from people affected and with strong ties to the Safien Valley and its culture. In order to offer living space at an affordable rate for everyone, the Tenna Hospice Association is still looking for CHF 700’000 in donations, interest free loans, or legacies. Construction will start in 2019, with an expected completion in October 2020.

Members of the Tenna Hospice Association develop a high competency in palliative, dementia, and spiritual care. A network of local people and health professionals will support this initiative. The ongoing operations will be self-supporting. Residential fees are expected to be significantly lower than in a regional care home. A solidarity fund will raise money for situations of hardship and uninsured care needs.

For more information (mostly in German) visit our website at www.tennahospiz.ch, or write to othmar@tennahospiz.ch.