Hospices began in medieval times. A hospice was a place of shelter or sanctuary for travelers, pilgrims and others. No journey in life is more difficult than the path followed by those suffering a life-threatening illness, so 'hospice' has now become a philosophy of care built around the quality of life for the dying and those that care for them.

Ontario's hospices are community-based volunteer organizations dedicated to helping people who are living with a life-threatening or terminal illness. A Hospices mission is to help these people live at home � wherever that may be � or in a home-like setting as comfortably and fully as possible. They provide support to families and friends, with a range of services focused on quality of life until the end of life as well as bereavement support for loved ones. Services can include respite care and caregiver relief, complementary therapies, liaison with other community supports, transportation and friendly visiting by trained volunteers. Some communities also have residential hospices.

The terms hospice and palliative care are often used interchangeably. Palliative care, provided in the home, pertains to the comfort and support provided to clients and their loved ones coping with advanced terminal-illness and bereavement. Hospice palliative care is active, compassionate care directed towards improving the quality of life of those with a life-threatening illness. Hospice palliative care supports people diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and their families, while living with the illness during the time of dying and death and for a bereavement period.

Hospice care, in-home and individual and group programs are individualized; we provide service that is adaptable and responsive to the special needs of the individual and their loved ones, and is not disease specific.

Hospice care includes:

• In-home visiting volunteers

• Case Coordination & Assessment

• Advocacy

• Individual and group support (day hospice programs)

• Relief to caregivers (respite)

• Physical, emotional and spiritual support

• Referrals to other community services, agencies etc.

• Crisis intervention

• Practical support - light meal preparation, grocery shopping, some personal assistance, bedside comfort, family member support, complementary therapy

• Bereavement services including information, one to one support, groups, education and referrals

• Information to client and family to make informed decisions

• Hospice services are provided in the client's home or other places of temporary or permanent residence. Individual and group support is offered at the Heart House Hospice.

Heart House Hospice provides support for community members and their families living with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

Since a fee would prevent many people from receiving the amount of help they need, all of our services are provided free of charge to the client and their families. Donations are always welcome.

The Ministry of Health and the United Way of Peel Region provide approximately 50 per cent of total budget. The remaining 50 per cent is generated through community fund raising initiatives and support from individuals, corporations, community groups, bequests, in-memoriam gifts and foundations etc. Click here to discover How You Can Help.

With the permission of the client anyone can make a referral to Heart House Hospice.