Gaylord Hospital, a long-term specialty hospital in Wallingford, has wrapped a $653,000 construction project that expands its capacity to lodge families during their loved ones’ extended stays.
The four-month, donor-funded project included construction of a new four-unit building, the MoraLee Guest Cottages (named after donors Linda Morasutti and her husband Robert Lee) and the renovation of an existing two-bedroom guest house for one family, The Maximillian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation Cottage (renamed from the Crockett House after donors).
Both are located a brief walk from the main hospital. Munger Construction of Branford built the new facility.
Gaylord officials said that the project was needed because the hospital has seen a nearly 70 percent increase in out-of-state admissions over the past five years. There’s also demand for such lodging from in-state patients’ families who don’t want to risk long rush-hour or winter commutes. Patients’ families often want to be as close as possible to the hospital, particularly during the most intensive phase of a family member’s hospitalization, according to the 137-bed hospital, which has an average length of stay of 25 days.
“The [existing] house was often full, and we had to turn people away,” Gaylord spokeswoman Tara Knapp said.
The two cottages are not medical treatment settings, but more like hotel rooms. A 400-square-foot unit in the new cottage costs $80 per night, while the renovated cottages costs $120, according to the hospital. Health insurance does not cover the cost.
