The idea of hospice conjures up a number of images – but not necessarily a Jolly Holiday Open House.
On Dec. 12, Matthews House Hospice, a residential hospice located at 131 Wellington St. in Alliston, threw open its doors for an open house that was a celebration of the season.
There were Christmas treats and refreshments, live music by duo Just the Two of Us, and a Christmas tree in the lobby, donated by Somerville Nurseries, that was decorated with ornaments dedicated to loved ones.
“We do this once a year,” said Brenda Pufek, Director of Gifts and Gratitude at Matthews House. “We’re all about living life to the fullest – and what a wonderful way to celebrate, with everyone here.”
Guests included residents and their families, nursing staff, volunteers, and residents of Kingsmere Retirement Residence, who were bused to the hospice.
“I don’t think it’s what people expect,” said Pufek of the holiday celebration, noting that Matthews House Hospice has hosted a number of life-affirming activities over the last few months, including a fashion show in November, and even a Scotch tasting.
“Why not?” demanded Andrea Roylance, Executive Assistant. “The families are just thrilled to be part of it – to be part of living.” It is, she said, an opportunity to rethink the role of hospice: beyond providing a dignified death, to providing quality of life, to the end.
Part of that affirmation will include the addition of a ‘Facilities Dog’ in the new year, trained through C.O.P.E. service dogs and the Canines in the classroom program at Nantyr Shores Secondary School in Innisfil.
C.O.P.E. volunteer Trevor Roberts brought Magic, a service dog in training, to the open house, to introduce the idea. Six young dogs will be graduating from the program in spring, “and the notion is that one of them will come here,” said Roberts.
“Every dog is different, like people,” he said, and those that are more social can become a ‘Facilities Dog’ – visiting with residents and their families to provide comfort, “but also a wonderful support for the people who work here.”
“The focus is on living,” said June Harrow, of Donor Stewardship at Matthews House Hospice. “People laugh, people share cheer. This is definitely a magical place… where all the families and even the pets are welcome.”
Matthews House Hospice offers ten residential palliative care beds, available to residents of South Simcoe, including Bradford West Gwillimbury, at no cost. For more information, click here. Staff include RNs, palliative physicians, and trained volunteers.
Note: Matthew House Hospice’s Hope for the Holidays, originally scheduled for Dec. 1, was rescheduled due to inclement weather. Hope for the Holidays will now take place Dec. 15 at the Gibson Centre, 63 Tupper St. West in Alliston, from 2 to 4 p.m., with light refreshments, music and readings. Purchase a luminary for a loved one, for $20 at the event.
