Hospice Quinte: Supporting Our Community Through End-of-Life Care

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Hospice Quinte, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality end-of-life care to anyone who needs it in the Quinte region. While many people have likely heard of hospice and have a basic idea of what it is, they might not know what exactly Hospice Quinte does to help their community, let alone the hard work and dedication it takes to help someone at such a difficult time in the lives of both someone who is dying and their loved ones.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice is about helping our clients to live life, finding joy and meaning along the way, and supporting those left behind to work through their grief and to heal. Anyone who is within the last 12 months of life or the terminal phase of a life-limiting illness may qualify for in-home hospice care. Our volunteers provide up to 4 hours of companionship and caregiver respite a week. Those in the last three months of life, or the end stage of a terminal illness, can have 24/7 care at the Stan Klemencic Care Centre, our state-of-the-art facility on Old Highway 2 in Bayside.

What kind of services does Hospice Quinte provide?

In addition to both in-home and hospice residence services, Hospice Quinte offers a variety of services for people in various end-of-life situations, including bereavement programs, caregivers education and resources, and community support groups. Hospice Quinte has several caregiver and bereavement focused groups such as the Walking Group, Coffee Connections, Graceful Endings Forum, and many more. To learn more about all of Hospice Quinte's community programs, visit hospicequinte.ca/caregiver-support.

What kind of volunteer opportunities are there?

There are plenty of ways you can get involved with Hospice Quinte. Volunteer opportunities include greeter volunteers, kitchen volunteers, event volunteers, and hospice client support volunteers. Arguably the most important volunteers at Hospice Quinte are the Client Support volunteers — they are the backbone of Hospice Quinte, visiting with residents to provide companionship and give respite to caregivers. All of Hospice Quinte's volunteers are a vital part of the excellent care it provides. To learn more about how to become a volunteer, visit hospicequinte.ca/volunteer.

Why does Hospice Quinte need community contributions?

Hospice Quinte relies on the generous support of the community to operate. Ontario Health provides approximately 40% of total funding, leaving the remaining 60% to be covered through fundraising. The cost of care plus all of the other costs associated with running the organization means that the doors could not stay open without the generous support of the community.

How can I support Hospice Quinte?

There are a number of ways you can support Hospice Quinte, including the GEM program, Day of Care, and even third-party fundraisers. Whether you are looking to have an immediate impact or give a more budget-friendly amount over a longer period of time, Hospice Quinte appreciates your generosity.

Hospice care plays a very important role in the healthcare system, providing care specific to the end-of-life process as well as freeing up beds in hospitals or care homes that are better equipped to take care of patients in other circumstances. In order to make sure quality hospice palliative care is available for you or your loved one when you need it, your support is vital to continuing Hospice Quinte's mission.

To learn more about Hospice Quinte, visit hospicequinte.ca or email info@hospicequinte.ca.