What is Hospice Palliative Care?

Hospice encouraged us to continue living, to bring our family, children, friends and even our dog, as we would if Dad was home. Even during the most difficult days, we celebrated our traditions with Dad.

- Kelly Stuckum, daughter of the late Keir Coffin of Collingwood.

Hospice palliative care is a specialized form of healthcare for individuals and families who are living with a life-limiting illness that is usually at an advanced stage. The goal of hospice palliative care is to provide comfort and dignity for the person living with the illness, as well as the best quality of life for both this person and their family.

Hospice Georgian Triangle provides 24-hour, seven-day a week hospice palliative care at Campbell House, a 10-bed facility, in Collingwood Ontario. The 52 professional and support staff, along with an incredible group of volunteers, provide excellent 24-hour seven-day-a-week hospice palliative care and palliative respite care. With its family-style kitchen, sitting rooms, and surrounding gardens, Campbell House is designed to feel like a home away from home for visiting families.

Hospice palliative care can be provided for as long as your doctor and hospice care team certify that your health condition remains life-limiting. Stays at Campbell House are intended for individuals who are in their last three months of life. With our new respite program, we can also offer short stays (less than 14 days) for pain and symptom management or to allow caregivers a break. The path of anyone’s disease when facing a life limiting illness can be unpredictable, but our staff, along with the patients’ physicians and community care team, help families to determine the right time to access either of these services.

View our 360° photos of Campbell House

How much does hospice palliative care cost?

Hospice Georgian Triangle services are free. We are funded partially by the government and more than 50% of our funding is raised through donations, grants, special events, major sponsors and major gifts.

Hospice palliative care in your home

Hospice palliative care may be provided in your home with a family member typically serving as the primary caregiver with the support of visiting physicians, healthcare workers or volunteers. You may also receive palliative care at a hospital, nursing home, or an assisted-living facility. In any care setting, a hospital stay may be needed for symptoms that cannot be managed by the care team.

Early enrollment is critical

Early enrollment in hospice palliative care may help you to live more comfortably and longer during end-of-life, decreasing the burden on your family, and leaving you greater opportunity for legacy work and time for meaningful experiences. Hospice palliative care reduces the likelihood of your family members experiencing complicated grief and prepares your family for your death.

How do I access hospice palliative care?

The decision to seek hospice palliative care is not an easy one. However, there are professional staff at Hospice Georgian Triangle who will help you and your family understand your options and help you with this difficult decision.

It is important to remember that the hospice services are free. Also, you do not require a family doctor for a referral. While most patients are residents of Collingwood, Clearview Township, The Town of Blue Mountains, or Wasaga Beach, patients can come from anywhere in Ontario.

Hospice Georgian Triangle works closely with the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, Ontario Home and Community Care, and other local healthcare providers to ensure all persons with life-limiting illnesses receive a proper assessment and are provided the support they require.

Finally, it is important for you to know that all enquiries are held in the strictest of confidence.