• Provides support for not only the patient but the caregivers and loved ones.
The goal of 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 his or her family. A “family” is whoever the person says his or her family is. It may include relatives, partners and friends

• Variety of supports available including physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual.
An important objective of palliative care is relief of pain and other symptoms to improve the quality of life for residents and their family. Palliative care meets not only physical needs, but also psychological, social, cultural, emotional and spiritual needs of each person and family. Palliative care may be the main focus of care when a cure for the illness is no longer possible.

• Non-denominational, culturally sensitive.
Residential Hospice care is available to anyone regardless of race, national origin, colour, political affiliation, religion, age, sexual orientation, economic circumstance or disability. Residents live out their final days with dignity in a way that honours their belief and value system.

No, residential hospice services will enhance the care already available from palliative care services both at home and in the hospital. The Bridge Hospice will be a team member in providing end-of- life care to our community.

The first goal is pain and symptom management. We also care for the spiritual and emotional needs of residents and their families.

There is no cost to residents or their families for hospice care thanks to the government funding and the generous donations we receive from the community.

However, some expenses may arise and may include:

• Medical transport to the Hospice
• Charges for medication that is not covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit or your third-party insurance
• Familiar personal care items such as preferred brand toiletries which may bring comfort to the resident
• Food- related costs

Regardless of age, anyone with a life limiting diagnosis is eligible for hospice care. To date, we have served residents in their 30’s up into the 100’s.

Residents can come from anywhere in Ontario however it is best if people access Hospice care closest to their loved ones. We want to make it easy for families to be together during this difficult time. This includes helping them be physically closer, decreasing the stress that comes from travelling.

There are no set visiting hours at Hospice. Families are encouraged to stay and visit with their loved ones at any time.

Yes, pets are also welcome to visit. We ask that they have up-to-date Immunizations, be well groomed, and be of gentle temperament.

Smoking is prohibited inside the hospice building but we you are welcome to smoke outside.

Yes, you do need a referral, however this may come from a doctor, a nurse practitioner or even a nurse.

The Bridge Hospice cares for people in the last phase of life, when death is imminent. The average stay is
two weeks, but can range from a day to several weeks.

Yes. All people with life-limiting diagnoses are eligible for hospice care. Last year, 66% of our residents had a cancer diagnosis and the remaining 34% had a variety of other diagnoses.

Once the patient has indicated that hospice care is something they would like, a team from Hospice will assess their readiness for hospice, including the progress of their illness and the support they require.

The Bridge Hospice cares for the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the residents and their loved ones. The Bridge Hospice Foundation works to raise the money needed to provide these services. These two organizations work closely together to provide the best end of life experience for the community we serve.

There are many ways you can make a gift to The Bridge Hospice:

• Make a Memorial or Living Tribute Donation
• Make a Gift of Securities and other personal property such as stocks, bonds or life insurance.
• Become a Monthly Donor
• Organize a Third-Party Event
• Leave a Gift in your Will – become a Legacy Society member
• Donation by cash, cheque, credit card or online

Cheques can be made out to The Bridge Hospice Foundation. Donations can be mailed to or dropped off at:
The Bridge Hospice
P.O. Box 354
137 Old Hastings Road
Warkworth, ON K0K 3K0

Hospice volunteers give a priceless gift to those who are affected by end-of-life challenges. They are ordinary people who make an extraordinary difference! Volunteer opportunities include resident care, administration, special events, grounds and gardening, outreach, etc. Visit our Volunteer page to complete a volunteer application form.

Making the best use of donor dollars is vital, as it ensures effective budget management and maximizes the impact of contributions. Leveraging volunteer resources and strategic planning allows us to provide exceptional care and support, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those in need.

Currently, there are no laws mandating hospices to permit medical assistance in dying at their facilities.

No. The Bridge Hospice will not admit any person for the sole purpose of medical assistance in dying. Rather, once in our care, should a resident make their own decision to receive medical assistance in dying and wish to remain in hospice, we honour their right to make decisions for themselves and will respect their choice.

No. All costs associated with medical assistance in dying are covered through the provincial government.

Government of Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/medical-assistance-dying.html

Government of Ontario – http://health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/maid/