Welcome to Margaret’s Place Hospice

Welcome to Margaret’s Place! Nestled within the heart of Dundas and on St. Joseph’s Campus of Care, Margaret’s Place provides community, connection, support and dignified end of life care for individuals and their families as they journey through the final stages of a life limiting illness. At Margaret’s Place we affirm life and appreciate the beauty and dignity in the Circle of Life, and dying’s normal and natural place in that circle. Surrounded by the beauty of the Spring Creek Ravine, our team of skilled healthcare professionals and trained volunteers care for our residents and their families body, mind and soul.
We are truly blessed and inspired that Margaret’s Place was built by our community; raising $13-million through the Gift of Love campaign, we work every day to live that legacy, striving to serve our community as a natural extension of the services here.  From grief and bereavement support, to day wellness and community outreach,  respite care and in those final days and hours, our 24 hour a day care from our highly-skilled inter-professional team offers comfort and support at every stage of the journey. It is our honour and privilege to service this community as a center of excellence, a community of care, and spirit of hope.

Philosophy of care

Our hospice care encompasses sensitive and compassionate care that helps individuals with a life-limiting illness their final days as fully as possible. Each person comes with their unique story and we will honour their story through our compassionate care. Hospice care affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. It neither hastens nor postpones death. It provides relief from physical pain and other distressing symptoms while integrating the emotional, social and spiritual realms of care. Surrounded by a team of skilled healthcare professionals and trained volunteers, and the beauty of nature, we will care for you – body, mind and soul. Your story, your values and wishes are important to us. Following in the footsteps of the Sisters of St. Joseph, we will walk beside you as you journey with us.

Hospice Residence

The caring and fun-loving staff and volunteer of Margaret’s Place will care for you with compassion and comfort. The family circle is an integral part of the care team and we encourage ongoing conversation. The hospice residence offers 24-hour care to those living with a life-limiting illness.

Hospice Respite

The respite program at Margaret’s Place offers caregiver relief to those in the community who are caring for loved ones with a life-limiting illness. This will provide the caregiver an opportunity to care for themselves. This program also addresses symptom management and stabilization. Our respite beds can be booked in advance for a period of 2 to 14 days.

FAQ’s

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.

When should I consider Hospice?

You may wish to consider hospice care when you or your loved one begin to experience changes that suggest a need for greater support, comfort, and specialized care. These changes can happen gradually or more quickly, and may include:

  • A noticeable decline in condition from week to week, or even day to day
  • Eating and drinking less
  • Sleeping more or having less energy
  • Increasing weakness or fatigue
  • More difficulty moving around or needing help with daily activities
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • New or worsening symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, or anxiety
  • Treatments are no longer effective, or a decision has been made to stop active treatment
  • More frequent hospital visits or emergency care
  • Increased infections or complications
  • Care needs becoming more difficult to manage at home, including the need for 24-hour support

What is the Admission Criteria?

We welcome individuals who may benefit from the comfort, care, and support a hospice environment provides. To be considered for admission, the following criteria are typically met:

  • Living with a progressive, serious, life-limiting, or life-threatening illness, with a limited life expectancy
  • Care goals that focus on a palliative approach, including:
    • Comfort and dignity
    • Relief from pain and other symptoms
    • Enhancing quality of life
    • Support through the end-of-life journey
    • A preference for a natural death, with care centred on comfort and well-being
  • Holding a valid Ontario Health Card
  • Requiring nursing and/or personal support care
  • Needing these services in a hospice setting, where a specialized team can provide compassionate, around-the-clock support

 

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.

How do I apply to hospice?

We are here to help guide you through the referral process with care and sensitivity.

  • If you are currently receiving services through Ontario Health atHome (OHaH), please speak with your Care Coordinator or call 905-523-8600. Your Care Coordinator will support you in arranging a hospice referral.
  • If you are not receiving services through OHaH, you can contact OHaH Intake team directly at 905-523- 0886 to begin the process.

 

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.

 

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

 

“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.”

Margaret’s Place – Hospice Volunteers

At Margaret’s Place, our team of dedicated volunteers play a pivotal role in providing support and comfort to our residents and their families during their end-of-life journey. Our compassionate volunteers bring warmth, companionship, and a helping hand when it’s needed most.

From spending quality time with residents by offering a listening ear, to welcoming guests at our reception desk, baking home-made goodies for our residents and families to enjoy, ensuring that our beautiful gardens are tended to or assisting with other day-to-day tasks, our volunteers are the heart of our hospice community.  They selflessly give their time and kindness to make each day a little brighter for our residents and their families.  Our volunteers are take part in comprehensive training to ensure they are providing the highest level of care and support.

To learn more about how you can become a part of our volunteer team and contribute to the compassionate care provided at Margaret’s Place, please email Coordinator of Volunteers, Brianna Kennelly – BriannaKennelly@sjv.on.ca

Hospice Roles:

  • Reception
  • Cook
  • Baker
  • Friendly Visiting
  • Housekeeping
  • Gardening

Supporting Margaret’s Place Hospice: Your Generosity Will Make A Difference

If you’re interested in exploring the many ways you can contribute to the invaluable work of Margaret’s Place Hospice, we’d love to hear from you. Your donations will help us provide essential care and support to residents and their families during their most challenging times.

Whether you’re considering a monetary gift, in-kind gifts, or have unique ideas for fundraising, to start a conversation about how you can make a meaningful impact, please email Don Davidson at ddavidson@sjv.on.ca.  We look forward to discussing the possibilities and collaborating with you to ensure your generosity benefits those in our care.

Thank you for considering a donation to Margaret’s Place. Your support is a testament to your compassion and commitment to enhancing the lives of those facing life-limiting illnesses. Together, we can bring comfort, care, and support to those who need it most.

Donate to Margaret’s Place Today

CONTACT US

Margaret’s Place Hospice • 56 Governor’s Rd • 905-627-6578

Get in Touch with Margaret’s Place Hospice

Do you have questions about Margaret’s Place Hospice, our programs and services, or the hospice experience? Please contact us via the email form below or gift us a call. We’d be happy to speak with you!

Contact Us

Margaret’s Place Hospice

170 Ogilvie Street
Dundas, Ontario
L9H 0C6

905-627-6578

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