Hospice of Windsor-Essex County has formed a new partnership which will see its volunteers offering respite care in the hospital.
The Changing Lives Together partnership with Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare will give patients the same quality of care that they would get at Hospice, except in the palliative care wing. The palliative care wing has 20 “end-of-life” beds while Hospice only has eight.
“Over the last couple months, we’ve working to develop and adapt volunteer practices,” said Laura Lemmon, communications and event specialist at Hospice. “We are working to align our concept at Hotel-Dieu with what we have in our residential program.”
Joe Perry, director of patient and family services at the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County announces the partnership with Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare for volunteer services including the Burden Bear program, vigil volunteers and Hospice traditions such as the honour guard during a press conference on Oct. 28, 2015.
There are numerous volunteer programs to make patients feel more comfortable in hospital and at home. They’ve implemented the No One Dies Alone program where volunteers keep a bedside vigil with patients.
“To be able to bring such long-steeped Hospice traditions, like the honour guard when a person passes away, is a dream come true,” said Carol Derbyshire, executive director at The Hospice of Windsor. “Any way to bring more comfort to palliative care in the community is always what we strive for.”
Patients checking into the Palliative Care wing will also find Hospice Burden Bears on their beds.
“These bears are handmade by the volunteers from donated materials,” Lemmon said. “They are there for people to feel loved. For some patients who don’t want to talk about what they are going through it’s a great chance to transfer their feelings or fears.”
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County stands as a symbol of hope, providing compassionate care designed to enhance quality of life — founded by Reverend Canon Paul Chidwich in 1979 to address compassionate end-of-life care. It is the first community-based palliative hospice village in North America.
Erie Shores Hospice Co-Chair Cole Cacciavillani and elected officials place their hands on a 1.5 billion year-old granite bolder out front of the nearly completed Erie Shores Hospice in Leamington. The “Child of the Mountain” has found its new home at the entrance of the new 10 bed Erie Shore Hospice in Leamington. The big rock will be a symbol of recognition of the overwhelming support on behalf the county residents and Council. “This outstanding rock is a symbol of the support from the Essex County community; for their Rock-Solid commitment to care in our region,” explained Co-chair Cole Cacciavillani.
