Opening the Doors of Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin by Peri Hayes The Hospice build began in the spring of 2024 and is now proudly standing tall as an accessible means of support. Welcoming their first resident in July of this year, Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin has opened their doors as a community resource for those receiving palliative care. Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin is a non-profit organization built on honouring life at life’s end, curated to facilitate a meaningful and comfortable experience for individuals and their loved ones. Fulfilling their vision for Hospice to feel like that of a cottage, this transformational space has incorporated an array of features, including wooden beams along the highest ceiling, a tranquil waterfall wall, a cozy fire pit in the backyard and so forth. Hospice also overlooks the gorgeous Waterworks Park and abundant nearby greenery.
Recognizing this is not always possible, the Cottage provides a tranquil and calm space in a home-like atmosphere, and staff are already planning to expand services in the very near future to include options for day care for those remaining at home.” With approximately 35 care staff onboard, Hospice is currently funded to simultaneously provide 24/7 support to eight in- dividuals. Hospice aims to offer as much as possible for family members and friends to be able to remain on-site and close to their loved one. Guests can visit at any time, with care staff enabling access beyond the 8:30 am to 8:30 pm reception hours. Moreover, their Head Chef, Jamie, will be replenishing their café as a means to ensure that nourishing snacks are available. There is also a washer-dryer for families to utilize during their time at Hospice, along with supplies in each resident’s room. With care
The care is demonstrated in the details at Hospice, with hand- made quilts crafted by members of the community on each resident’s bed. Furthermore, the following components are featured: a bright residency with windows and transparent doors for observing the serene nature on the property; luscious outdoor gardens; a relaxing spa with a soaker tub; a blanket warming station; beds suitably sized for cuddling and expanded door frames for residents to travel through Hospice. Additionally, there are Smart TVs in the dining room and in each resident’s room for video calling loved ones and remaining connected. Says Executive Director, Brenda Fleming, “Statistically, most individuals desire to spend their final days at home, surrounded by those they love most.
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Port Stanley Villager • September 2025 • Page 3
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