Dundas County Hospice is ready to show off its new home to the community that does much to support its services.
An open house will take place at the 4353 County Road 31 location, Sunday, October 18, from 1-4 p.m.
Dundas County Hospice moved into its new home in August, and started offering day programs at the site in September.
So far, the site is serving the needs of the clients and the hospice volunteers, quite nicely, according to Lisa Casselman, Dundas County Hospice Executive Director.
“The community has been extremely supportive. We are looking forward to show them, what we have done with that support,” she said.
A good example of community support is the 100 Women Who Care About South Dundas group, which paid for the HVAC system at the new hospice location.
The house has been updated for accessibility purposes, and now, the upstairs houses the offices of the three part time staff; executive director Lisa Casselman, director of client services Kathryn Mulder and program assistant Lynn Gee.
The main floor features a large room used for client programming and for volunteer training. There are smaller rooms to give clients the opportunity to break up into smaller groups for various activities, or to take a break and get a little rest.
A big bonus of this new location is the large garage on site, that has allowed Hospice to bring its equipment loan program on site.
“We have quite an extensive collection of items available for loan,” said Casselman.
Anyone living in Dundas County with a life threatening illness, or patients recovering from surgery, and accident or illness who could benefit from a short-term equipment loan, is eligible for this program.
Equipment for loan ranges from lift chairs to wheelchairs to walkers, to bath/shower equipment. The list is quite extensive so anyone interested is encouraged to contact the hospice for details and availability.
For all hospice programs, Casselman encourages people to reach out to hospice for support much earlier in their illnesses.
Dundas County Hospice, does not have hospice beds. It offers visiting service in clients’ homes.
Clients participating in day programs are transported to and from the Williamsburg location. Day program is a weekly program designed for mobile palliative clients to get together for a meal, social interaction and an activity. This allows for caregiver respite.
Hospice offers many services and supports and therapies to clients and families at no charge.
Dundas County Hospice is a non-profit organization. About 55 per cent of its budget is funded by the Ministry of Health through the Champlain LHIN. The other 45 per cent is raised through in memoriam and general donations from local service groups, grants and fundraising.
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