Hospice Richmond Hill provides a variety of programs to support individuals and families who are living with a life-threatening illness or caring for a loved one. We also offer grief and bereavement support to children, youth and adults who are experiencing the death of a loved one.
Hospice Richmond Hill aims to provide support through a continuum of care: at diagnosis, during treatment, when there is a change from treatment for cure to treatment to care, end of life and beyond.
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Eligibility Criteria
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Progressive life-threatening illness (not disease specific) Any age Referrals can easily be made by the individual, family member, friend, clergy, or health care provider. |
In-home Visiting Volunteer Program
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Services can begin as soon as a diagnosis of a life threatening illness is made Client and volunteer matched by personality, experiences, cultural background, language spoken, availability and proximity. More than one volunteer may be assigned to a family, depending on need and availability. Visits are arranged during the day and/or evening, 7 days a week. Client services are extended to all family and caregivers. |
What the program can offer clients and their families…
* Companionship * Emotional & spiritual support * Non-medical support * Caregiver relief * Practical assistance * Comfort measures * Driving for appointments and errands * Life Review and Legacy Work * Non-medical support to supplement health care team
In partnership with C.H.A.T.S. (Community Home Assistance to Seniors), Hospice Richmond Hill offers a twice monthly support group for caregivers. The group allows caregivers to confidentially share their caregiving experiences and discuss a variety of relevant topics. Professional staff facilitate the discussions and provide links to other community support and advocacy for the caregiver’s role. The group offers a timely response to caregivers’ current needs and challenges.
Therapies offered may include:
Reiki, Yoga, Massage Therapy (RMT),Therapeutic Touch, Shiatsu, Meditation, Music Therapy, Reflexology, Art Therapy.
About the Volunteers…
Complementary Therapy Volunteers complete the same training as In-Home Visiting Volunteers; however, they are also required to be licensed and insured through the College or Association they practice under. Proof of their registration and insurance is required before they are able to volunteer.
What the program can offer clients and their families…
Complementary therapies are often used as a means of relaxation and stress-reduction for the participant. In group settings like a yoga class, participants also have the opportunity to socialize and interact with others who may be sharing a similar experience.
Yoga for Relaxation - Drop-in class
Gentle yoga is offered on a weekly basis to clients, their caregivers and visiting volunteers. The class is designed to provide gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promote flexibility and strength. Yoga can enhance body awareness and is a positive way to connect body, mind and spirit for the purpose of physical and emotional well-being.
Simple breathing exercises are practiced to promote relaxation and enhance well-being. The breathing exercises can be a useful tool for stress management.
Grief and Bereavement Support Program
This program is available to children, teens, adults and seniors who are grieving the death of a loved one or to families of palliative clients participating in other Hospice programs. Referrals can be made by the individual, a family member, friend, clergy, or health care provider.
Professional staff offer resources and validation of the natural experience of grief before or after a death has occurred. Clients may also be matched with a trained volunteer for 1:1 support or in a closed support group.
What the program can offer clients and their families…
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One to one support in person, in the home, by phone or email Specialized Group sessions offered according to need Closed or Drop-In, Spousal Loss, Teen Loss Art-based approaches ( for all ages) In school support for children and youth Education and consultation Twice yearly Memorials for Hospice families and the community at large |
Services for Grieving Children and Youth
Children and youth (4-18 years of age) who are experiencing the death of a friend or family member or are grieving a death are eligible to participate. They will learn about grief, dying and death in a safe, supportive environment while giving them the opportunity to share their stories and experiences through creative and artistic expression. Programs can be arranged at a mutually convenient time and location. i.e. during school hours or after school
Referrals can be made by a parent, teacher, other professionals or the loved one with the life-threatening diagnosis.
Education, Consultation and Referral
Our professional staff, who are experienced in assisting families in the context of hospice palliative care, are available to individuals and the community at large by providing education and consultation regarding dying, death, grief and bereavement. This service can include offering resources and support to schools, teachers and classrooms or workplaces. Within the scope of hospice palliative care, our staff are able to provide referrals and connections to other community supports and resources as needed.