The Patients

Ecuador’s Hansen’s patients come from all walks of life. The environment at Damien House is one of hope and optimism. Patients are extremely fortunate to live in such a supportive community. Some patients will need to spend the rest of their lives at Damien House for long-term care of complications of their illness.

About half of the resident patients receive regular visits from their family members. For those without such visitors, the Damien House staff and residents become their family, keeping their spirits up. Damien House reaches out to involve the patients’ families, educating them about Hansen’s disease, dispelling fear, and offering psychological and spiritual counsel. The hospital also offers medical services to family members, and prescription help when possible.