Ontario’s hospices are community-base volunteer organizations dedicated to helping people who are living with a life threatening or terminal illness. Their mission is to help these people live at home-wherever that may be- or in a home like setting as comfortably and fully as possible. They provide support to families and friends with a range of services focused on quality of life until the end of life as well as bereavement support for loved ones. Services can include respite care and caregiver support, complementary therapies, liaison with other community support, transportation and friendly visiting by trained volunteers. Some communities also have residential hospices.
What does Hospice mean?In medieval time, a hospice was a place of shelter or sanctuary for travelers, pilgrims and others. No journey in life is more difficult than the path followed by those suffering a life threatening illness, so hospice has now become a philosophy of care built around the quality of life for the dying and those that care for them.
What is hospice palliative care?Hospice palliative care is active compassionate care directed towards improving the quality of life of those with a life threatening illness. Hospice palliative care supports people diagnosed with a life threatening illness and their families, while living with the illness during the time of dying and death and a bereavement period.
Doesn’t hospice mean, “There’s nothing left to do”?No, actually hospice means there is much more that can be done. With hospice, the emphasis of care has shifted from cure to improved quality of life through pain and symptom control. Here, a holistic approach to care is offered where spiritual, psychological concerns are treated as equally important to physical concerns.
What palliative care does ARCH provide?
ARCH currently has a Day Hospice Program and a 10 bed Residential Hospice.
Both care services:
Where is the Algoma Residential Community Hospice located?
The ARCH is located at 229 Fourth Line West (adjacent to the corner of 4th Line and Brule Road.) Our hospice is placed on 3.2 acres of beautiful wooded land donated by Algoma Central Properties.
The hospice opened the doors for residential palliative care in September 2008.
Is it only for cancer patients?
No, hospice care is for anyone who needs dignified, compassionate, comfortable end-of-life care.
How can a person be admitted to the residential hospice?
A referral for admission to our Residential Hospice is made by physician to the Community Care Access Centre. Following confirmation of eligibility, an ARCH staff member will visit the potential resident and family. Our services will be discussed and questions answered at that time.
Questions about referrals can also be addressed by calling ARCH at 705 942 1556 or by e-mailing ARCH at algomahospice@shawbiz.ca
How are individuals admitted to the Day Hospice Program?
Referrals to the Day Program can be made by anyone: the client, physician, family, friend or clergy. Upon receipt of the referral, an eligibility assessment and interview will be made by the Day Hospice Nurse Manager. Questions can be answered at that time.
What are the costs for residential hospice care?
There are no fees for our residential hospice care or Day Hospice Program but donations are encouraged and accepted.
Who staffs the hospice and cares for the patients?
Patient care is provided 24 hours a day by Registered Nurses and licensed Personal Support Workers with palliative care experience. Other members of the team may include the family physician, a physician specializing in palliative care, and a pastoral care worker. ARCH has a small administrative staff as well as volunteers who play an important role in providing support services at the hospice. Volunteers who assist with resident care have completed a 10-week palliative care course.