Appeal on during Hospice Week
By Diane Morrison

The week of May 7-13 is National Hospice Week. During this time Hospice will be launching their annual appeal.

Most people are aware that hospice is about end-oflife care, but are uncertain as to what Hospice Caledon really does. I would like to take this opportunity to help the community understand exactly what Hospice Caledon offers.

Hospice Caledon has been serving the community since 1991, and was one of the first hospices in Ontario. The mission of Hospice Caledon is to provide support and comfort to individuals and their families who reside in the Town of Caledon who are facing life-challenging illnesses or are grieving a loss. Trained staff and volunteers help them meet their difficult times with dignity and strength. The overriding objectives of hospice care are to honour a person's right to dignity and respect, the relief of pain and suffering and the achievement of a peaceful death, as free as possible from physical, spiritual and emotional distress.

As well, the family can rely on hospice professionals for continued bereavement support after the death, should they choose. Hospice volunteers are specially trained to deal with end of life issues. While this may not be something that many people like to think about, it truly is one of the only things in life that is guaranteed.

Hospice currently employs four staff members, has an active volunteer board of directors and engages approximately 60 volunteers, who are primarily providing visiting and support services to individuals and their families. Referrals come from many sources; sometimes through health care workers already involved with a client, family physicians, hospital discharge planners, or through self-referral.

One of the goals for Hospice is to see clients in the earlier stages of illness in order to develop a relationship with clients and their families. As a member of a Caledon-wide palliative care team, staff can act as an advocate for the family, referring them to other services that would be beneficial- like nursing, physiotherapy, or helping clients find a family doctor. When a family gets sufficient support, they may be able to maintain care for their dying loved one in the familiar atmosphere of their home.

Many people think that hospice care is only for patients with cancer, however, Hospice supports clients and their loved ones with any type of life challenging illness. On top of the volunteer visiting program, Hospice Caledon currently offers a H.UG.S. program for children who are grieving a death, an adult bereavement support group, the Journeys day program for individuals experiencing life-threatening illness, counseling and emotional support. Those who have had to deal with the stress of being a caregiver will know that this can be exhausting and overwhelming. A hospice volunteer can stay with your loved one to give you that much needed break, or make that important run to the pharmacy.

The Hospice office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9-4, however, you if you need help outside of these hours urgent messages are always picked up.

Hospice Caledon is currently engaged in the construction of Bethell House, a residential hospice that will provide a homelike setting for those with a limited life expectancy. The site selected for Bethell House is on the Niagara Escarpment in the picturesque village of Inglewood. Bethell house will have 10 bedrooms; each will have an ensuite bath and double bed "pullout" to enable family members and caregivers to spend the night. Bethell House will be a beautiful place for people to be in their final days while surrounded by family, friends and the comforts of home. The construction of Bethell house is expected commence within the next 12 months.

As you can see, Hospice Caledon continues to grow and strives to meet the needs in our community through the dedication of many wonderful volunteers and phenomenal staff. As our population ages, we will all eventually need the valuable resources that Hospice Caledon has to offer.