Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is there such a reliance on fundraising?
A: Currently, the Province of Ontario only provides limited capital funding for construction of residential hospices. So it’s up largely up to the community to build it. In addition, the Province provides $105,000 per bed per year for nursing costs. This funding approach leaves a significant gap (about 50% of annual operating funds) to fully support the development and operations of residential hospices in Ontario. All residential hospices in Ontario have the same reliance on fundraising, both at start-up and on an ongoing basis.
Q: Why the decision to have a stand-alone facility rather than placing the beds in a local hospital?
A: Residential hospice is a philosophy. A hospice residence is an intimate, home-like setting where people can stay and get support at the end of their lives. To honour this philosophy, there needs to be commitment to a home-like feel, from the moment a person enters the hospice. While it is possible to create a home-like feel at a hospital, it presents significant operational and infrastructure challenges to operate the service in a home-like environment. Therefore, the decision was to develop standalone facilities to provide residential hospice services.
Q: What about Jessica’s House?
A: The passion for Jessica’s House must be recognized and applauded. The fundraising success it has achieved to date speaks to the significant level of support to establish a 3-bed residential hospice in South Huron. Since there is only one 10-bed hospice in London, Jessica’s House also provides services to people from London and Middlesex. What we know is that Huron Hospice consistently is full and has a waitlist so the need for more beds in Huron County is evident.
Q: Why fundraise now when the building is up and running?
A: In 2017, the Ministry of Health informed Huron Hospice that funding would be available for a hospice residence if the residence could be operating by April 2018. With this very limited time, a property was purchased, the home renovated, a program developed, and staff were hired. There was not enough time to raise additional funds to increase the size of the home and create more rooms. Rather than missing the opportunity to get started with 4 rooms, we began on a smaller scale (by using two sitting rooms as bedrooms) knowing we could expand later. The evidence is now clear that more beds and completed facilities are required.
Q: How does the pain management differ in a hospice compared to a hospital or at home?
A: At the end of life, pain management can be very important. Nurses who are hired to work in a hospice are required to have additional training in palliative and hospice care. They have a particular expertise to ensure the last days of someone’s life are as physically and mentally comfortable and meaningful as possible.
Q: How does treatment differ from a hospital?
A: Since there is a registered nurse and a registered practical nurse always on shift and a physician always on call, the level of medical care that is provided at hospice is very similar to a hospital. The big differences are personalized care, a calmer setting and being in a home rather than an institution. The resident rooms and the common living area provide more space for family and other visitors and the volunteers ensure home-cooked meals are served at the time of the resident’s choosing. Pets are welcome and musicians often come by to entertain. The 12-acre rural property provides quiet time to watch birds and local wildlife or go for a walk on the trails.
Q: Can we spread our donation over a few years?
A: Absolutely. A capital gift can be paid over a longer period up to 5 years. The payments can be made in equal amounts each year or the amount can be paid off in less time if that works for you.
Q: What kinds of tax advantages are there?
A: Your gift can be structured to match your financial situation. Huron Hospice is prepared to meet and discuss almost any situation – gifts of cash, securities, real property, life insurance or a bequest in your will. Your financial advisor or legal counsel are the best people to advise you and your family on how to manage your affairs. Below is a brief summary of tax advantages to help frame your thinking.
Q: How do you get into a hospice?
A: The waitlist to get into a hospice in Ontario is managed by Home and Community Care Support Services. Anyone who would like to go to a hospice must indicate to the local office of Home and Community Care Support Services that they are interested. A nurse then visits the person to complete an assessment. The assessment then determines where one will be on the waitlist. Based on the changing health and needs of those on the list, the waitlist is adjusted each day. Any resident of Ontario will be provided free care at any hospice in the province.