FAQs

After a successful Capital Campaign in 2014, construction began in April 2015. The construction was completed and Chatham-Kent Hospice began operating in April 2016 – almost a year to the day of breaking ground.

The number of beds is determined by provincial standards. The ratio is roughly 10 beds per 100,000 people. It is considered to be the correct size to balance the efficiencies necessary while maintaining the home-like “feel”.

To access residential hospice care the first step is to call the Erie St. Clair LHIN Home & Community Care (formerly CCAC) at 519-436-2222. The helpful staff will ask questions to better understand your needs. Then you will either be connected with a Care Coordinator, or you will be referred to the program or service that is right for your needs. This may include services by Chatham-Kent Hospice.

You do not need a doctor’s referral.

Hospices are meant to provide care in the last phase of life. The average stay in Southwestern Ontario is two weeks. The length of stay varies but at Chatham-Kent Hospice, the average length of stay last was 17 days.

No. All people with life limiting diagnosis are eligible for hospice care. Last year, 58% of our residents had a cancer diagnosis and the remaining 42% had a variety of other diagnoses.

Once the patient has indicated that hospice care is something they would like, a team from Hospice, Hospital and the Palliative Care Consultation Team will access their readiness for hospice, including the progress of their illness and the support they require. Hospice beds are filled efficiently as we accept residents 7 days/24 hours a day.

Chatham-Kent Hospice cares for the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the residents and their loved ones. Chatham-Kent 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 Chatham-Kent Hospice:
• Memorial Donation
• Donation by cash, cheque, credit card or online
• Join the monthly giving program (fits all budgets, easy to set up)
• Gifts of appreciated securities and other personal property such as stocks, bonds or life insurance.
• Gift in Will

Cheques can be made out to Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. Donations can be mailed to or dropped off at Chatham-Kent Hospice 34 Wellington Street East, Chatham, ON N7M 3N7.

Yes! 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 reception, kitchen, administration, special events, gardening and direct support. Visit our Volunteer page to complete a volunteer application form or contact Melanie Watson, Volunteer Coordinator at 519-354- 3113 ext. 2401 or by email at mwatson@chathamkenthospice.com.

Chatham-Kent Hospice is able to operate very effectively and efficiently with the extensive use of dedicated volunteers as well as the benefits and cost savings derived from our community partnerships with St. Andrew’s Residence, Chatham Kent Health Alliance and the Erie St. Clair LHIN Home & Community Care (formerly CCAC) .

What does medical assistance in dying mean?

Medical assistance in dying refers to an individual seeking the assistance from a physician or nurse practitioner to end his or her life in specific circumstances.

What qualifies a person to receive medical assistance in dying?

Under federal legislation (Bill C-14 – Royal Assent – June 17, 2016), people who are eligible to receive medical assistance in dying must:

• Have a serious or incurable illness, disease, or disability;
• Be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capacity;
• Endure physical and psychological suffering that is intolerable to them;
• Their natural death has become reasonably foreseeable
• Two independent physician assessments must agree the person meets the above criteria;
• Must be mentally capable of making a personal request for medical assistance in dying

Are Ontario hospices required by law to allow medical assistance in dying?

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

Will the Chatham-Kent Hospice admit residents for the sole purpose of receiving medical assistance in dying?

No. Chatham-Kent 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 will honour their right to make decisions for themselves and will respect their choice.

Why is the Chatham-Kent Hospice not prohibiting medical assistance in dying?

Chatham-Kent Hospice does not support or oppose medical assistance in dying. Rather, we will respect the decision of our residents and continue to provide compassionate hospice care while respecting their dignity and their rights to make decisions for themselves. We always want to encourage the use of hospice palliative care.   

Are Chatham-Kent Hospice physicians, nurse practitioners or hospice employees obligated to perform or participate in medical assistance in dying?

No. Just as we will respect a residents’ personal decision about medical assistance in dying, we respect the personal objections of our staff. Physicians, nurse practitioners and other staff can refuse to perform or participate in medical assistance in dying.

Additional Resources:

• 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/