Coping with a terminal illness is extremely difficult, particularly as end-of-life nears.  It is important for individuals to have a choice about where they will spend their final days, whenever possible.  The majority of people when asked, will say that they would prefer to die at home, while others may choose a hospital or nursing home.

It takes an average of 56 hours a week to care for someone in the last few weeks of life. This is very difficult for many families when both adults are working. A hospice will provide that level of support for the client and the family.

As our population ages, there will be an increased demand for hospice services. Northumberland County has become a retirement destination which means we not only have more seniors living in this area, they are often without the support systems that they may have had earlier in their life and the residential hospice is a crucial part of the health care team.

The local hospitals are very full. For example, Campbellford Memorial Hospital in Trent Hills is at 98% capacity. When palliative patients are admitted, the hospital may not have enough beds to move them from the Emergency Department. If they are moved to the acute care part of the hospital, they may share a room with one or more patients. By building a residential hospice, we are freeing up beds throughout the hospital. The beds in a residential hospice also cost less than a hospital bed which is a more efficient use of our health care system.

The atmosphere in a residential hospice is calm, quiet and comfortable. Each client has his or her own private room. The family is encouraged to come and spend as much time as they like with the patient – even eating and sleeping there if they wish. Everything is geared towards supporting the client and the family so they can maximize the quality of every day.

Most of us would prefer to stay at home, but the last few weeks are very difficult for the client and the family. By moving to a residential hospice for the last few weeks, the family receives the support they need to be fully present for their loved one without having to worry about all the details of daily living. The patient also knows that the hospice staff and volunteers are passionate and knowledgeable about palliative care. The client will receive the best medical support in a warm home-like setting. It is really the best of both worlds.

We welcome anyone in Northumberland County and surrounding communities who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. We also provide care to family members who live elsewhere, but want to be near their family at this important time of their life. Referrals may come from physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, Community Care Access Centres, as well as family and friends.

There is no fee for residential care at The Bridge Hospice. We rely on private donations, In Memoriams, fund-raising events and bequests.

Volunteer your time, make a tax deductible donation, pledge your support or make a bequest in your will. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Please review our Resident Referral Page for admission criteria and our Referral for Admission Consideration form