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Local hospices about more than end-of-life care

National Hospice Palliative Care Week runs May 6-12.

Hospices in Ontario provide more than palliative end-of-life care.

They provide a wide range of services that focus on quality of life, not only for individuals facing a life-ending illness, but for their families and loved ones, said Margo Cooney, president of Matthews House Hospice.

These programs include community outreach, reiki, massage therapy, yoga, drumming circles, and art therapy.

“We’re not just an end-of-life service. We are from diagnosis. We can help people go through that journey, whether it’s two days or 20 years,” Cooney said.

“You get a diagnosis, and that can be devastating. We can help you live life fully, and when the time comes when you are facing the end of the journey, we can support that as well, through residential hospice or sanctuary at home.”

Cooney spoke at the Compassionate Communities flag raising in Bradford West Gwillimbury on Tuesday, marking National Hospice Palliative Care Week May 6-12.

The week recognizes hospice services and the importance of compassionate communities, in providing support to people at the end of life and those who are grieving.

Matthews House Hospice, located in Alliston, is open to residents of Bradford West Gwillimbury.

“I certainly know first-hand how important it is to have a place where families can be relaxed and be with their loved ones,” Mayor Rob Keffer said.

It is important to help people at the end of their journeys to be “living your life and living it well, right to the end,” he added.
 

Keffer noted his council made a donation to the hospice six years ago at the urging of the late councillor Ron Simpson.

“Ever since then, we’ve been involved in Matthews House,” he said.

Funds from the annual Mayor & Council Golf Classic tournament have been earmarked for the hospice, and a recent funding announcement by the County of Simcoe also recognized “the good work hospices do in our communities.”

The county has made a three-year, $1.5-million commitment to the its Hospice Alliance. The funding will increase the number of hospice beds in the county from 20 to 45 by supporting 25 new residential beds – four at Campbell House in Collingwood, five at Orillia’s Mariposa House, six at Hospice Huronia in Midland, and 10 in Alliston at Matthews House’s new residential hospice, now nearing completion.

“We recognize the need and demand for end-of-life care services is growing, and similar to our investment in area hospitals, this funding commitment is a direct investment in our residents and vital services that impact the quality of life,” said Simcoe County Warden Gerry Marshall.

With the approval of its Hospice Alliance partners, “we’re expecting to receive $600,000 of that $1.5 million over the next three years,” said Kim Woodland, Matthews House CEO. “It’s a wonderful contribution that will allow us to purchase equipment and beds, finish off the painting — all sorts of good things. It’s a wonderful opportunity.”

Matthew House’s new 10-bed facility is slated to open on June 21, with a public open house June 22 and June 23.

The increase in the number of hospice beds means “no waiting list, no triaging,” said Cooney. It also means that beds may be available for caregiver relief, taking in a loved one who has opted to stay at home, to give family caregivers a break.

“They burn out, and they have to take care of their own personal health. That’s a huge need in our community,” said Cooney. “Frequently people internalize the stress and they don’t have to. There are so many supports out there.”


Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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