KAWARTHA LAKES-Hospice residences provide a home-like environment that offers dignity and comfort for individuals receiving end-of-life care. These facilities are an essential option for those in the final stages of a life-limiting illness, providing pain and symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual support, and a place where patients can be surrounded by their loved ones.
Every region should have seven hospice beds per 100,000 people. However, a November 2023 report from the CCS found that Ontario only has 3.47 beds per 100,000 people, below the national average.
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and its community partners, is advocating for the establishment of a dedicated hospice residence in Kawartha Lakes. To illustrate the challenge—a 42-kilometre drive to the nearest hospice residence—CCS has installed a new billboard and is running digital ads throughout the region.
Dr. Baldeep Paul, the Palliative Physician Lead for the team of on-call physicians who work closely with the Hospice Services’ Palliative Care Community Team (PCCT), believes a local hospice residence would greatly benefit families.
“I have witnessed the profound impact that our Palliative Care Community Team has on patients and their families. Our team does an excellent job supporting patients in their preferred places of residence. However, there are times when a patient’s needs exceed what can be managed at home, and a hospital may not be the most appropriate setting. A local hospice residence would fill this gap and provide an additional option for families requiring more intensive care,” said Dr. Paul.
John, a family member who experienced the care provided by Hospice Services, shared his thoughts: “The entire team was wonderful in helping us care for my dad at home for as long as possible. They coordinated so many services for us, which made a big difference. However, when his care needs became more complex, we found ourselves struggling with the absence of a hospice residence in our area. Travelling out of the area was not an option for us, and we wished for a place close by where he could have received care in a peaceful, homelike setting. A local hospice residence would be an invaluable resource for families like ours.”
In partnership with Ontario Health atHome and other home care providers, Community Care’s Hospice Services support patients at home in the community. Ross Memorial Hospital is also vital in delivering compassionate care through its six in-patient palliative care beds. However, with the nearest hospice residence located in Peterborough, some families in Kawartha Lakes can face difficult choices or lengthy travel during a very sensitive time. A hospice residence within the community would provide a much-needed end-of-life option.
That’s why the Canadian Cancer Society has launched the Bring Care Closer campaign, which highlights the need for accessible hospice care in Kawartha Lakes. A billboard showing the 42-kilometre drive to the nearest hospice residence is now visible on Highway 7, and digital ads are being displayed across the community.
Daniel Nowoselski, Advocacy Manager – Hospice Palliative Care at the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), supports the initiative for more hospice options. “Hospice residences are a vital part of Canada’s healthcare system. They enable individuals to spend their final days in a setting that is most comfortable and meaningful to them,” Nowoselski said. “It is important that families in Kawartha Lakes have access to this type of care without having to travel long distances.”
Sharon Yeo, Manager of Community Care Hospice Services in Kawartha Lakes, notes, “Our community is fortunate to have a robust team to support those on their end-of-life journey. Through collaboration with our community partners, Hospice Services acts as a hub for high-quality palliative care. Building a hospice residence would enhance the already exceptional palliative care provided and offer a critical resource for those needing more support.”
Dr. Paul added, “Achieving this vision will require a collective effort, including securing both capital and operational funding and working closely with all levels of government, local stakeholders, and community partners to make this a reality.”
Residents of Kawartha Lakes are encouraged to support this initiative by sending a letter to their local elected officials at cancer.ca/hospice.
