by Glenda Jones
In February 2012, the Almonte Community Coordinators (the Hub) conceived of a palliative care volunteer visitor service that could help clients through the last stages of life. Fuelled with support from every side, the steering committee was convinced this would be an asset to the community. In late October a Board was formed for the hospice, and by March 2013 the Hub Hospice Palliative Care became a full-fledged corporation of its own, with charitable status, and a coordinator of volunteers who proceeded to train a team of volunteers.
Christine Bois, Chair of the Board of Hub Hospice, has just announced that the hospice will be accepting clients as of September 9, 2013. Referrals can be made personally or through a health care provider, physician, family member, care giver, or other agency by calling the hospice at (613)406-7020 or by visiting the website – www.hubhospice.com The coordinator, Wendy Powell, will respond as soon as possible to arrange a home visit, and to provide clients with the appropriate level of care. Trained volunteer visitors will be matched to clients for added support for family as well.
The Hub is particularly proud to have been a part of this endeavour, and is pleased that the Board of Hub Hospice has been proactive in partnering with the health provider community on several levels to form a coordinated service for palliative care. The hospice is at the forefront of this movement recognizing that home support at the end of life is the choice of most people.