As cancer progresses, your Oncologist (cancer doctor) may decide it can no longer be controlled.
This might mean stopping some treatments and medical tests. You are not alone. Your healthcare team will focus on your comfort and quality-of-life to help you feel as well as possible. The months or weeks at end-of-life can look very different from person to person. People can have many types of side effects from an illness. Each person has unique healthcare needs during this time. Having the support of a Palliative Care team or Hospice service can greatly improve quality-of-life.
If you have questions about your illness, prognosis, or palliative care you can always talk to your healthcare team. Talking about this early on can be helpful to support planning your goals of care.
Hospice care is a philosophy (way of thinking or approach) of whole person care. This means that Hospice care looks at you as a whole person, caring for all parts of your body, mind, and spirit. It is for people with an advanced illness and their family members. Hospice services in Waterloo Wellington offer care and support to patients in their final 12-18 months of life.
Local hospice services help to meet community needs through:
Hospices in Waterloo Wellington also offer residence beds for end of life. Hospice palliative care is focused on quality of life, comfort, and dignity.
Hospices run many types of services for people in our community. These programs, classes, or events can be in your own home or on site at a hospice location. Trained, experienced hospice volunteers or staff always lead these services.
Programs and services might include:
Check to see what’s available to patients, caregivers and family members by visiting the Hospice websites below.
The criteria for accepting referrals for admission to a hospice bed can differ depending on each Hospice. You will find the 3 Hospice organizations in Waterloo Wellington listed below. For specific information about each hospice, visit their website, or contact them directly.
“Hospice is both a philosophy and overall approach to care provided to individuals living with – and dying from – a life-limiting illness. Hospice palliative care is designed to relieve suffering and help people live their remaining time in comfort and with dignity.”
— Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice
Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice have two main locations that serve patients in Waterloo Region. They support residents and their loved ones through the end-of-life journey and into bereavement.
Inisfree House
Lisaard House
Hospice Waterloo Region serves residents of Kitchener, Cambridge, Wellsley, Wilmot, Woolwich, North Dumfries, and Waterloo. Their services are offered in home or hospital settings by professional staff and specially trained volunteers. All programs and services are offered free of charge to clients and their families.
Hospice Wellington is a registered charity that has been providing excellent palliative and bereavement support in the Guelph and Wellington County. Residential facility services and community programs are all free of cost.
Palliative care services are not just in the hospital. Home palliative care services can be organized for your home. Palliative care providers will visit you at your house to provide care in the event that you are not able to leave the home.
Hospice Palliative Care Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses can help you and your loved one in the comfort of your home. This community based, palliative care team, works closely with your existing healthcare team to offer you additional support.
Your cancer healthcare team must refer you to this community service. Always talk to your healthcare team if you have any questions about your care at home.
Within the region there are a wide variety of programs and services that offer wellness supports, bereavement, counselling, and grief support. These programs and services are made to help and support people who are living with a life-threatening illness, their families, and their care providers. Search each of the agencies below for more details on the services they offer.