As the COVID-19 situation evolves, Chatham-Kent Hospice is continuing to take actions to protect our residents and their families, clients, volunteers and staff.
To Our Hospice Families:
Please know that our Hospice residents are our first priority and our professional care team continues to provide compassionate care. We are continuing with additional cleaning measures to keep our staff and visitors safe. Staff/visitor screening and visitor restrictions are still in place (2 dedicated visitors per resident).
We understand that visitor restrictions make a difficult time even more difficult for your family. Our Hospice team are doing everything they can to support families and encourage the use of face time, Skype and telephone to keep in touch with your loved one. To contact a hospice family by phone please call the hospice at 519-354-3113.
To Those who require Grief & Bereavement Support:
We understand that on top of your grief, all this uncertainty makes it more difficult to cope well. Although all our programs have been suspended at this time, please know that our Supportive Care Team is available to provide support by telephone. Please call your Supportive Care team member or Sally Reaume at 519-354-3113 ext. 2406
If you are not currently involved in our programs and wishing to seek out our bereavement services, we are still accepting referrals and will complete the intake process so that once our restrictions are lifted we will be able to book you in right away.
An excellent resource to help you in your grief during this difficult time is www.what’syourgrief.com
To Our Valued Volunteers:
Our volunteers are a vital part of our Hospice team however our primary concern is your health and safety. We have limited the number of volunteers needed each day to reception where you will assist with screening visitors, kitchen volunteers to prepare meals for residents and baked goods for families and Direct Volunteers to assist with resident care and support.
We understand that your individual situation will direct your decision on whether you are able to continue to volunteer at Chatham-Kent Hospice during this uncertainty. Please connect with Melanie if you need to take a step back from volunteering at this time. We thank you for your continued support!
To our Dedicated Donors:
Because of your support, we are able to continue to offer compassionate, end-of-life care to our Hospice families even through this crisis. Thank You!
We are already experiencing the impacts of this pandemic on our fundraising efforts with the postponement of our Hike for Hospice to Sunday, June 14, 2020, the cancellation of many fundraising events in support of Chatham-Kent Hospice as well as the reduction in memorial donations with the restrictions on funeral gatherings. Because we rely on donations to cover everyday expenses (food, utilities, supplies), our Hospice families need your help now more than ever. If you are able, please consider how you can continue to offer support – sign up for Hike for Hospice, join our Hospice Heroes Monthly Giving Program or consider making a donation today.
To Our Community:
Chatham-Kent has proven to be a kind, compassionate and caring community. Right now that is more important than ever! Take care of your family, friends and neighbours by practicing social distancing, self-isolation (if necessary) and frequent hand washing. Stay connected with loved ones through telephone calls, video chats or letters. Offer to pick up supplies for someone who can’t leave their home. Above all take care of yourself so you are able to take care of others.
Together we will get through this crisis stronger than ever.