Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hospice Residence?

A hospice residence is a health care facility and registered charity that provides end-of-life palliative care in a home-like setting. Compassionate care and comfort are delivered free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by a highly qualified team of health professionals skilled in all aspects of palliative care and assisted by allied healthcare professionals and friendly volunteer staff.
Hospice care includes pain and symptom management as well as emotional, spiritual and social support not only for the patients, but also for their families and loved ones. The tranquil setting offers an alternative to dying in hospital or at home.

What are the Benefits of a Hospice Residence?

Alternative Care: A Hospice Residence provides a dignified alternative to dying in hospital or long-term care facility – a warm environment where the focus is on the patient, not the illness, delivering optimal care and a better end-of-life experience for both the patient and their family.

Family Support: A Hospice Residence provides a variety of supports, including physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual. Families who have benefited from the services provided by a Hospice Residence frequently express how the burden and stress of being a primary caregiver was lifted when their loved one was moved to a hospice bed. Finally they could focus on spending quality time as a partner, brother or daughter at this crucial time.

Diversity and Acceptance: Hospice Residence care is non-denominational and culturally sensitive. Care is available to anyone, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, economic status or disability. Residents are able to live their final days in a way that honours their belief and value system.

Healthcare System Relief: When a palliative patient is cared for in a Hospice Residence, Emergency Room visits and hospital bed admission are minimized, resulting in reduced wait times for other patients as well as improved hospital bed utilization and significant savings to the health care system. The average cost of an acute-care hospital bed in Ontario is approximately $1400/day, vs $700/day in a hospice bed.

Is there a cost to stay at the hospice?

No, hospice resident’s care is provided free of charge, to residents of Durham with a valid OHIP card.

How is a Hospice Residence funded?

The provincial government provides funding for approximately half of the annual operating costs for the hospice. The other half is covered entirely through charitable donations and fundraising activities.

How many beds does Oak Ridges Hospice have?

Oak Ridges Hospice is funded for 8 palliative care beds. The hospice was built with the capacity to expand up to 10 beds should demand warrant and additional provincial funding become available.

Who is eligible for admission?

Oak Ridges Hospice works collaboratively with health care providers and community stakeholders to accept referrals for clients who are receiving end-of-life care in their last few weeks of life. Admissions will be based on meeting Oak Ridges Hospice eligibility criteria and an assessment tool that identifies those most in need of hospice services.

How can I support Oak Ridges Hospice?

  • Make a financial donation
  • Make a Memorial Donation to honour a loved one
  • Make a gift of securities, stocks, bonds or life insurance
  • Leave a gift to Oak Ridges Hospice in your will
  • Host a fundraising event to support Oak Ridges Hospice
  • Spread the word about Oak Ridges Hospice to family, friends and associates and encourage them to support us
  • Make a donation of goods or services to support our hospice
  • Consider being a volunteer

How do I make a referral for my family/friend or myself who has a life-limiting illness?

A referral can be made by the Most Responsible Physician (MRP) of the client such as a Palliative Physician or Family Physician. A referral can be completed by community stakeholders, but the Most Responsible Physician will need to be aware of referral and provide contact information. The referral can be made via our "Oak Ridges Hospice Intake Referral Form" under "Providers"

What if my family/friend or myself doesn't have a most responsible physician available in my care?

The Intake Coordinator will assit and/or advocate for the individual by connecting them with our community stakeholders such as Home and Community Care and VON Hospice Services.