Residential hospice care is both a philosophy and practice. It is focused on providing individuals with life-threatening/terminal illnesses or those who are nearing end-of-life with 24/7 comfort, quality of life, care and dignity. In only five years the Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation has been able to alleviate the burden for 891 families, providing them with a new option for care and the ability to make their own decisions regarding their end-of-life experience. Beyond providing residential care, the Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation also offers community bereavement support to those experiencing grief but who did not have a family member at Hospice. This includes community social workers, grief support groups, and counselling.

When my Grandmother was unexpectedly diagnosed with metastasized lung cancer, she was admitted into hospital immediately but unfortunately quickly fell unconscious. We were told that she likely only had days left and were given the option of Hospice. In the condition she was in, we didn’t want to move her. Thankfully, a week later, she became conscious again. At this point, she was presented with the option of Hospice. Now being able to make the decision herself, which was most important to my family, she viewed a virtual tour and was excited to start her own experience.

Once arriving it was like a giant burden lifted of our families’ shoulders. Not only was Grandma receiving high quality care in a comfortable setting, but they also directed that same care towards my Mother and I. We were able to continue staying day and night with my Grandma just as we had in the hospital, but in much more stress-free environment. We had access to a large walk-in shower, snacks, bedding, everything we could need. All of these things allowed us to spend 27 more days with Grandma as a family, and not as caretakers.

When she wasn’t joking around she would be waiting for her Blue Jays games, watching The View or listening to her favourite country songs. All these things made it feel like home. In the hospital things felt like a waiting game, just waiting for the end. Hospice embraces the idea of home and embracing each day as an important one meant to be used to the fullest.

My Grandma passed in the early hours of July 7th, 2021. The staff came to sit with us, to hug us and offer condolences. Before the funeral home came, the staff organized a small farewell ceremony. They gathered with us outside in their beautiful courtyard at the pool and we lit candles and recited a poem, a beautiful send-off for a beautiful woman.

Hospice made all the difference in my family’s life. What could have been the worst month of our lives was transformed into something peaceful, beautiful and meaningful. Offering perspective and purpose to the situation we were in, and for that we are forever thankful to Chatham-Kent Hospice.