Construction is now underway on Elgin county’s first hospice.
Hospice of Elgin will be a 17,000 sq. ft. facility located on a scenic overview of Waterworks Park.
The cottage-like concept incorporates wood and stone into the design. So much so that the facility is to be known as The Cottage.
But it will be about more than end-of-life care, explained interim executive director Laura Sherwood.
When the palliative care facility opens next year, it will provide care for around 500 individuals and families at end of life.
It will also be a care hub, providing clinic and respite services along with caregiver programs and counselling.
Hospice of Elgin will offer 10 suites for end-of-life care and expects to provide care to around 500 individuals.
Sherwood continued, “Understanding the unique needs of our community has been a critical part in our design thinking and execution. We listened carefully, and centered the design of our hospice around the needs, gaps, traditions and expectations of those living in our community.”
Board president John Callaghan added, “When doors open, hospice will provide exceptional heart-felt care . . . Hospice will forever change how families say goodbye to loved ones in our community.”
The facility will create 30 or more jobs and opportunities for approximately 200 volunteers.
The general contractor is Graceview Enterprises of Belmont.
About Hospice of Elgin
• Elgin county is the only region in Southwestern Ontario without a hospice.
• Hospice of Elgin will build a 17,000 sq. ft. one-floor facility at 8 South Edgeware Road in St. Thomas.
• Hospice of Elgin will provide wrap around care to individuals (and their families) at end-of-life in a welcoming ‘cottage-like’ setting. Hospice is about comfort, quality of life
and care. This includes addressing pain and symptoms, while also supporting the psycho-social, spiritual, and practical needs of the individual.
• Hospice will be a hub of care, meaning that some people will access hospice services (including a clinic, respite, caregiver programs, counselling) but continue to stay at
home. Hospice will also support families, after the death of a loved one.
• Each year, hospice expects to provide care to 500 individuals in our community, of which 100-125 will die at hospice. The average length of stay is 2-3 weeks.
• There is no cost to individuals or families.
• Hospice of Elgin will create 30+ new jobs and 200 volunteer opportunities for our community.
• Hospice of Elgin is a registered charity governed by a local board of directors representing the community.
