FAQ

about hospice care

What is hospice care?

Hospice care is all about trying to improve the quality of life for those individuals living with a life-limiting illness or nearing the end of life. Our services are extended to the individual in need of care as well as their friends, family, caregivers and support groups. 

How do I make a referral for residential hospice?

Anyone can make a referral for residential hospice. A Care Coordinator will complete an assessment and referral prior to your admission to Huron Hospice. Contact the South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) at 1-800-811-5146

Do I have to live in Huron County in order to be admitted to Huron Hospice?

No, you don’t have to live in Huron County to access our services, but priority is given to people who live in, or have family in, the South West LHIN. To be admitted, you must have a valid Ontario Health Card.

How long can you stay at the hospice?

Hospice care is available for as long as the patient and family requires it.

What services do you offer?

We offer a variety of programs, counselling, in-home support, and residential hospice for people of all ages. Support is available wherever at your home, a long-term care facility, our residential hospice, and support groups in communities near you.

Our services are broken down into 4 categories:

1. In your home: support to caregivers and comfort for people at end-of-life

2. Residential Hospice: our tranquil, rural home for people at end-of-life. The average length of stay is 11 days.

3. Bereavement Support: support for people of all ages after losing a loved one

4. Support Groups: you do not have to journey alone! We offer support groups in a community near you.

About our finances

How is Huron Hospice funded?

Huron Hospice receives some funding from the provincial government through the South West LHIN ($420,000 annually) to operate 4 residential hospice beds ($105,000 per bed). This funding can only be used for nursing and personal care costs. We rely on the generosity of the community fund the shortfall, an additional $498,000, to keep the doors open.

How much does it cost to operate Huron Hospice?

Our annual budget for 2019-2020 is $918,000.

Why is hospice care so expensive?

The cost of operating a bed at Huron Hospice ($628 per day) is approximately half of the cost of a bed a local hospital ($1200 per day). While the provincial government pays the full operating costs to provide care in a hospital bed, hospice only receives 60% of the required funding from government. The remainder is raised from the local community.

Why are we adding an addition to the house now?

The time is right for this Campaign. Through a feasibility study and our research, the community will need to add two extra beds to maintain the level of hospice care needed for Huron.

Why does the Hospice have a current mortgage?

In August 2017, Huron Hospice purchased a home (that was transformed into our residential hospice) for $950,000. The current mortgage is from that purchase. We paid a deposit of $450,000 and the previous home-owners agreed to carry the mortgage ($500,000 at 3.5% amortized over 25 years with first 6 months interest-free). Our current fundraising plan is to become mortgage-free so that we can dedicate more funding towards providing quality hospice care and services.

What is the financial goal of the capital campaign?

$2.7 Million which will pay for an addition, two years of operating funds, and eliminating our debt.

Who is being asked to support the capital campaign?

Those within the Huron region.

Will the funds raised be used for anything other than the proposed plans?

No

When will construction begin?

Construction will begin when we have reached our campaign goal of $2.7 Million

About donating

Why should I consider a three-year pledge?

Extending a gift over a three-year period allows you to make a contribution to the campaign at a comfortable level while ensuring that we have the funds in place to make each phase of the project happen on schedule.

Will my gift qualify as a charitable donation for income tax purposes?  

Yes. All donations of gifts over $20 will be issued an official tax receipt, which can be used when completing income tax returns.

Can I gift securities to the campaign?

Yes. Gifts of Securities include publicly traded securities (stocks, bonds or mutual funds) and private company shares, and will often maximize your personal tax benefit compared to cashing-out the securities and then donating the cash.

Why does my gift matter?

Every gift counts, because you are making a critical investment in the future of our community. Hospice care is a growing need and you are helping to secure its availability.

Will you acknowledge my gift?

Huron Hospice is offering a number of dedicated naming opportunities at various giving levels to acknowledge major commitments made to the campaign. We would be happy to discuss the various options and what best suits your needs.

Can I give anonymously?

Still have questions?

If you would like to speak directly to someone at Huron Hospice, just give us a call at our administrative office in the Clinton Hospital 519-482-3440 x6300.