What is the difference between palliative care & hospice care?
Palliative care provides comfort and dignity for a person living with a life-limiting illness while providing the best quality of life possible for both patient and family. It takes place in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, community, in-home and hospices. It is available at any stage of the illness, even upon diagnosis.
Hospice Palliative Care aims to relieve suffering and offer hope, peace and dignity to improve the quality of life of an individual with a life-limiting illness. The focus in this caring environment is to provide comfort rather than a cure. Support begins once it is clear that recovery is not possible, generally within a six month period, if desired. Family physicians refer patients and families, and care is offered in home-like, peaceful environments.
Who would benefit from hospice care?
Patients with a life-limiting illness, their families and caregivers. Through all stages of a patient’s journey, hospice care provides a network for ongoing support and healing for everyone affected by the life-limiting illness of a loved one.
Is a hospice like a hospital? How are they different?
Hospitals are focused on treatment and recovery with the goal of restoring health and prolonging life. Hospice care supports only those patients and their families who are facing a life-ending illness.
Unlike the institutional environment of a hospital, hospices are designed to be home-like, a dignified, peaceful setting. Through specialized care, programs and services, hospice care supports the physical, psychological, emotional, cultural, social and spiritual well-being of patients, caregivers and families.
How long do people usually stay in hospice?
This varies from patient to patient. It depends on the time of admission and illness trajectory. Many individuals are admitted in later stages of their end-of-life journey.
What types of programs do you offer for families?
- Day to day spiritual, social and/or psychological support
- Care focussing on emotional distress
- Bereavement Groups
- Grief and Loss Support Groups
Is there a cost for hospice care?
No. Hospice care is absolutely FREE for patients, families and caregivers.
Why was the Villa chosen to build a hospice?
Across our health region, there is a shortage of hospice beds. Answering the call of our local health Integration Network and the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care, St. Joseph’s Villa was awarded funding for six residential hospice beds. The Villa was chosen to build and manage these beds because of our tradition of caring, our proven expertise and our location in the heart of the most underserved area in the health region. Supporting the work by the Sisters of St. Joseph, we will continue to support those who are in need in our community. We are proud that this hospice at St. Joseph’s Villa will also support Ontario’s commitment to strengthen access to palliative care across the province, while meeting the need in Dundas, Ancaster, West Hamilton, Flamborough and surrounding areas.
How can I support the hospice?
Be part of the Villa’s legacy and join in our community of care, our network of hope. There are many ways you can get involved!
We are grateful for the outpouring of support from extraordinary donors. Their commitment makes it possible for us to provide this service for our community. While we will receive government funding to cover nursing care for six hospice beds, we graciously rely on the generosity of this community to make our vision of service a reality.
“A gift to hospice is a gift of love.” – Bishop Douglas Crosby
To Donate, Host an Event or learn about our fundraising initiatives, please contact the Foundation Office – 905-627-9011 x2293
If you are looking for a rewarding, meaningful, fulfilling opportunity to give back to our community, consider becoming a Margaret’s Place Volunteer. From baking, to gardening, to music therapy, to compassionate companionship, generous and caring volunteers enrich the Hospice experience and ensure patients, caregivers and families receive the support they need.
To Volunteer or learn more about contributing your time and talents to Margaret’s Place, please call
Deborah Fernandes 905-627-3541 x2240 for more information.
“Excellence in Hospice care is built around a community of volunteers.”