From the moment of diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, the impact on an individual and their family can be overwhelming, confusing and unpredictable. St. Joseph's Hospice provides services to support and embrace the whole person and their family and caregivers throughout this journey.
In collaboration with St. Joseph's Hospice staff, each individual identifies their personalized care plan which may include education, resource connection, advocacy, emotional support or participation in any of our services offered, including:
Volunteer Visiting: Our volunteers are compassionate listeners who enjoy giving their time through companionship and support. It is not unusual for a visitor to join in on a beloved hobby, participate in card games or companioning on a walk while engaging in friendly conversation. While the volunteer is with you, family caregivers may take some time for themselves.
Cancer Support Group: An essential way for those living with metastatic/untreatable cancer to connect with others who understand the challenges and life changes after a serious diagnosis.
COPD Support Group: An essential way for those living with COPD to connect with others who understand the challenges and life changes after a diagnosis.
Bereavement Activities:
Join us as we focus on making connections through mind, body and soul through activities such as yoga, art, music, crafts, etc. Activities are designed to reduce isolation, encourage healing, promote expression, improve mental health and physical well-being while providing a safe space to hold thoughts and feelings in a welcoming environment.
Day Hospice: Reduce isolation, connect with others while exploring a variety of activities. Refreshments, conversation, and activities are offered.
Walking Group: An opportunity to meet and walk with others who are grieving or caregiving. Explore the benefits of connecting with others who are journeying in their loss one step at a time. From spring to fall, enjoy a leisurely scenic 2.5km route in Canatara Park guided by St. Joseph's Hospice staff and volunteers. During the winter, enjoy a stroll with two loops of the Lambton Mall that equals a 2km route, guided by St. Joseph's Hospice staff and volunteers.
We recognize the mental, physical and emotional stress that individuals who provide care for their loved-one experience and we prioritize the importance of a caregiver's own health and well-being. We are committed to finding new ways to offer support while ensuring each person has an opportunity to feel validated, appreciated and valued. Services available for caregivers include:
Volunteer Phone Support: We understand the challenges that caregivers may experience with attending programs outside of the home. Our Phone Support Program matches caregivers with a volunteer who can provide regular check-ins and conversation.
Caregiver Support Group: An opportunity to connect with others who understand the varied challenges, demands and rewards of caregiving in a relaxed and non-judgmental environment. Groups are offered bi-weekly.
How to Register:
Please contact the Community and Supportive Care team by emailing supportiveservices@sjhospice.ca or calling 519-337-0537 to learn more about these programs and to register.
All programs are provided at no cost.
Click here to view our Groups & Program Calendar
