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Frequently Asked Questions about Hospice Care
- What is hospice palliative care?
- Who can receive care from Hospice?
- Where is hospice palliative care provided?
- How does Hospice support families and friends of clients?
- Is Hospice where you go when there is “nothing else to be done”
- Do clients have to pay?
- Is Friends of Hospice Ottawa a religious organization?
- Is Hospice just for specific diseases or ages?
- How is Hospice care different from other types of health care?
- Who pays for Hospice care?
- When is the right time to call Hospice?
- Who can refer a client to Hospice?
- What is the Hospice Code of Ethics?
- What is Hospice’s position on physician-assisted suicide?
- Who are Hospice volunteers and what do they do?
- How do I register for Hospice care?
- How do I contact Friends of Hospice Ottawa?
The terms hospice and palliative care are used interchangeably in most parts of Canada. Hospice palliative care - or comfort care - is an integrated program in which expert physical, social, emotional and spiritual support is provided to clients and family members coping with life threatening illness, death or bereavement.
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Anyone who is dealing with a life threatening illness living in Ottawa west including : Ashton, Bells Corner, Carp, Dunrobin, Fitzroy Harbour, Kanata, Kars, Kinburn, Manotick, Munster, Nepean, North Gower, Richmond, Stittsville, Woodlawn, and surrounding rural areas can access our services and support, regardless of age, status or community. Referrals can be made to Hospice by anyone, even yourself.
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Hospice care is a philosophy of care, not a place. On any given day, over 80 people are registered with Friends of Hospice. Hospice clients receive care in their own homes, retirement homes or at one of our two day hospices.
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Our Caregiver and Bereavement programs offer support and counselling to clients, family members (including children and teens) or close friends, offering help in coming to terms with life threatening illness, death and loss, both before and after a death may occur. After a death, the Friends of Hospice Bereavement Services program offers a variety of support services, and follows families for one year with assessment, grief counselling or bereavement support as needed.
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Hospice is the "something more" that can be done for the client and the family when the illness may not be cured. Hospice provides active compassionate care that focuses on comfort and support of the client and family. When faced with a life threatening illness, many clients and family members tend to dwell on the imminent loss of life rather than on making the most of the life being lived at present. Hospice helps clients reclaim the spirit of life. It helps them understand that although a diagnosis of life threatening illness may lead to sadness, anger and pain, quality end of life care provides opportunities for reminiscence, reconciliation, laughter, and hope that will enable a client to live each day to its fullest.
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Friends of Hospice Ottawa is a visiting hospice, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the residents of Western Ottawa. We rely on volunteers,donations and fundraising to keep our services available to all within the community at no cost.
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No. We have no designated religious affiliation. Our spiritual care services include:
- non-denominational, interfaith spiritual counselling
- help to connect with a faith or traditions that have meaning for you
- referral to community clergy and faith communities
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No. Hospice provides care for people of any age and for anyone living with a life threatening illness regardless of prognoses. These illnesses include, but are not limited to: Cardiac Disease, MS. Renal Disease, Respiratory Disease, Neurological illnesses, Lou Gehrig's Disease, AIDS, Liver failure, Alzheimer's, Cancer, etc.
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- Comfort vs. cure: For most health care professionals, the goal is to get well. At Friends of Hospice Ottawa, the staff, volunteers and family recognize that the client may not return to health. They focus on comfort, support, and care rather than cure.
- Interdisciplinary team approach: All members of the Hospice care team work together to coordinate care along with our community care partners.
- Family focus: Hospice care focuses on the entire family. Hospice staff and volunteers help family members become involved in the client’s care.
- Grief Support: Hospice care does not end when a client dies. Our bereavement support staff and volunteers maintain contact with family members for upto one year after the death of their loved one.
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The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care provide operating support for 30% of our operating costs.
Community donations and event fundraisers support the majority of Hospice services and programs. You can help us by making a donation to support hospice palliative care in your community.
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Friends of Hospice Ottawa recognizes that dealing with a life threatening illness may be stressful and frightening. We encourage clients and their families to consult with us shortly after diagnosis, so as to ensure the client and their family are aware of the variety of options available to them. Unfortunately, many people become engaged in hospice care too late to fully benefit from the many services available to them and their families.
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Friends or family members of those with a life threatening illness can contact hospice at any time without a referral from a doctor. Referrals are also received from health care facilities, health care professionals, social service agencies, clergy, other interested parties.
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Friends of Hospice Ottawa's Code of Ethics
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Hospice philosophy does not support physician-assisted suicide. All of Friends of Hospice Ottawa’s services are based on the philosophy that every individual has the right to spend their remaining days in peace and dignity surrounded by those they love. Hospice affirms life for as long as it lasts, neither hastening nor postponing death.
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Volunteers are men and women of all ages and backgrounds, employed and retired, who give their time to help others. All volunteers have completed an extensive training program and are members of the Friends of Hospice team. Volunteers choose assignments that best suit their time, skills, and interests. They provide practical and emotional support to clients and families, bereavement support, and office and fundraising assistance.
Interested in volunteering? Click here
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