November 2015 —Issue #5
For the most up to date news & information, please visit our website www.hospicecareottawa.ca
Call to action at Annual General Meeting Are you for the 94? “I’m for the 94!” Thanks to our many volunteers and generous donors, At Hospice Care Ottawa’s third annual general meeting Hospice Care Ottawa is moving in the right direction to on September 21st, guest speaker the Honorable meet the hospice care needs of Sharon Carstairs recounted personal individuals and their families in our anecdotes as she spoke passionately community but, we’re not there yet! on the need for palliative care. Much Please help us fundraise for our ongoing debate surrounds the Supreme Court hospice programs and services and for the decision to de-criminalize physician– building of the 12 bed residential hospice assisted death (PAD). Ms. Carstairs wing of the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice in emphasized, however, that assisted Kanata. death is only a small part of the conversation. Experience from other Consider this… countries demonstrates that less than Our population is aging. The number of 6% of people dying request PAD and individuals over age 65 will double in the fewer actually go through with next 20 years. Deaths in our city during it. “I’m for the 94!” she exclaimed, that time will increase from 9,000 to reminding us to focus our discussion on those who need high quality The Honorable Sharon Carstairs at the Hospice 19,000 per year. We know the majority of Care Ottawa Annual General Meeting on people who are dying could benefit from hospice palliative care. September 21, 2015. hospice palliative care but less than 30% actually do. Ms. Carstairs also stressed that to Studies show that a city the size of Ottawa requires 10 ensure appropriate end-of-life care, individuals and hospice palliative care beds per 100,000 population. families must discuss care directives in advance. She Hospice Care Ottawa has only 19 hospice beds. noted that other than a will, the vast majority of Government funds less than 60% of our services and Canadians do not have any advance care plans. We 0% of any capital building costs. We must fundraise need to talk with our loved ones about what we $1.8 million annually in order to continue to provide actually want at end of life. Ms. Carstairs emphasized our services free of charge. We also need to fundraise that it is also important to have things in writing and 100% of our new building at the Ruddy-Shenkman. urged us to do it now!
Final act of kindness - a testimonial After three years of living with a terminal cancer diagnosis, my sister made her final journey through life at the beautiful May Court Hospice. Although I was very familiar with the exceptional care provided by hospice staff and volunteers, our family continued to be amazed by the humanity and respect afforded to all of us by May Court staff and volunteers. Staff and volunteers intuitively knew exactly what my sister, her friends and family needed to receive and hear. Within the first couple of days at hospice, one of the staff gave my sister her first bath in two years, something that wasn't possible for us to do at home. After the bath she was wrapped in blankets, and taken outside. The nurse removed her shoes so she could wiggle her toes in the grass. A couple of days
before she died, my mother mentioned to the doctor that my sister, a woman who was proud about her appearance, would have hated that her hair was due for colouring. Before we knew it, the staff came in to colour her hair. My sister was not conscious at the time, but that didn't stand in the way of the Hospice staff providing that final act of kindness. The calm and comforting atmosphere provided a restful environment for my sister, our family and her many friends. Our dog came to visit. Friends were allowed in with harps and violins to provide nightly concerts to my sister. Staff laughed with us and cried with us. We were never left with unanswered questions and we were never afraid. We are blessed indeed to have Hospice Care Ottawa in our community.
PAGE 2
“Care and respect right to the end”
Mary (left) is very thankful for the assistance provided by Hospice Care Ottawa throughout her mother, Jean’s illness and following her passing.
Mary had taken great care of her mom, Jean, for many years. Despite her ‘fighting Irish spirit’, Jean was diagnosed with bladder cancer and she endured 21 rounds of radiation. As her primary caregiver yet still active in the workforce, Mary, a former Friends of Hospice Ottawa volunteer, realized she needed some help. With an in-home support volunteer in place to provide friendly visits and take Jean to appointments, Mary was able to go about her day knowing that her mom was safe and well taken care of.
Eventually, new health issues sent Jean to the hospital. Jean was told she had a form of blood cancer. Jean was given the option of daily treatments at the hospital or palliative care. She was admitted to the Central West Hospice on a snowy, stormy day and was greeted by the warm and friendly staff and volunteers. Her daughter was already in the room to help her mom get settled and Jean told her, “Mary, I feel already like I died and have gone to heaven.” Knowing that Jean was comfortable and in good hands with the hospice staff, Mary and her siblings were able to relax and not worry about her care or medications. Many visitors came throughout Jean’s stay, they were able to bring in food, sleep over during the nights and even enjoy the company of a fellow hospice guest’s golden retriever. “I was able to put aside my caregiver role and be a daughter to enjoy the last moments with mom,” said Mary. Jean passed away peacefully at the Central West Hospice with her daughters by her side. Mary stated that “Mom experienced care and respect right to the end.” Following Jean’s death, Mary, a single woman, had no family waiting for her at home. The monthly follow up bereavement calls from Hospice Care Ottawa were a fundamental part of her coping strategy. After years of being a caregiver, Mary had a hard time putting herself first, but knowing that she could not continue her grief journey alone she reached out for more support. Mary accessed Hospice Care Ottawa counselling services, attended the bi-weekly walks as well as various grief support groups. “The bereavement supports were more than I expected. The monthly follow up calls were appreciated and I found comfort in knowing that what I was going through was normal.” Mary and her family are thankful for the assistance provided by Hospice Care Ottawa right from the beginning of Jean’s illness through to the end of her life. Now a strong advocate for Hospice Care Ottawa, Mary stated “every family member is going to need hospice care at some point”. Hospice Care Ottawa provides emotional and social support when a lifethreatening illness is diagnosed through to when being at home is no longer possible, and during bereavement. Our programs and services are provided without charge to people in Ottawa.
Our Mission We accompany and support individuals and their families through their end-of-life journey by providing compassionate high quality care.
Our Hospice Sites May Court Hospice 114 Cameron Avenue Ottawa, ON K1S 0X1 Phone: 613-260-2906
Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice 110 McCurdy Drive Kanata, ON K2L 2Z6 Phone: 613-591-6002
Central West Hospice 1400 Carling Avenue Ottawa, ON K1Z 7L8 Phone: 613-688-4379
La Maison de l’est 879 ch. Hiawatha Park Orléans, ON K1C 3B1 Phone: 613-424-6560 ext. 223
Our Board of Directors Janet Dunbrack - Chair John Laframboise - Vice Chair Randy Tivy - Treasurer J. Lynn Thomson - Secretary Tracy Arnett Sheila Brady Ronald Caza Dawn Cooper Kathy Greene Alnoor Maherali Heni Nadel Hélène Sabourin Christopher Warburton Stephen Whitehead
Ex Officio Members Dr. Andrew Mai, Medical Director Sharon Murphy, Past President, The May Court Club of Ottawa
Lisa Sullivan, Executive Director
PAGE 3
Leaving a legacy today Ian Henderson wanted to provide a gift that would be enjoyed now and for years to come, so through his foundation he donated a library to the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice complete with stunning solid wood cases, pictures and countless new books. Both his belief in and experiences with hospice drove him to make this and many generous gifts to Hospice Care Ottawa. Now, for many of our clients the sun-drenched living room of the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice is the perfect place to flip through a book from our Ian Henderson Foundation lending library. In 2005 Ian’s wife, Suzanne, spent three weeks on the 5th floor at Elizabeth Bruyère. He stayed at the hospital throughout her stay. There he met many families and got to know many of the patients. The chaplain saw how compassionate Ian was with the families and said to him, “You don’t see people as dying – you see them as living.” The end-of-life care he witnessed his wife receive helped him to gain insight into the importance of the hospice movement. After his wife passed away, he volunteered with Hospice Care Ottawa, then known as Friends of Hospice Ottawa. He wanted to deepen his knowledge of hospice care so he pursued Algonquin College’s Palliative Care course. As he studied, he realized that grief was his passion. For eight years he has studied in depth about grief with Dr. Alan Wolfelt in Fort Collins, Colorado. Seven years ago, Ian developed Bereavement Support & Education Ottawa and through the Community
Foundation of Ottawa established The Ian Henderson Foundation. Throughout the years Ian has remained a steadfast supporter of Hospice Care Ottawa. He helps with the volunteer-led peer support groups for our grieving clients and, through his foundation, has sponsored the Hike for Hospice year after year. In addition to providing the beautiful lending library, Ian has made arrangements in his estate plans to support Hospice Care Ottawa. Ian continues to monitor the library with care and routinely replenishes grief resources. “I enjoy walking into the Hospice – it is bright, friendly and cheery.” Many people have not heard about hospice care and have misconceptions about its role in healthcare. Ian is a wonderful advocate for Hospice Care Ottawa and wants to help spread the word about hospice. “My hope is that everyone can die with care in such a wonderful place as this,” he says about Hospice Care Ottawa.
“I enjoy walking into the Hospice – it is bright, friendly and cheery,” said Ian Henderson says of Hospice Care Ottawa
Through our staff and volunteers, like Ian, we are helping many people along their grief journey. Our expanded bereavement support services include walks, groups and retreats. If you are looking for grief support, please contact Sandy Curtis Arnot at 613-591-6002 ext. 29
Ways to give this holiday season
CONNECT WITH US
Our programs and services are provided without charge. We rely on the generosity of community support and donations to make this happen. We have a variety of ways that you can support our organization. Use the donation slip on the reverse of this page or consider the following gifts:
Stay connected to Hospice Care Ottawa through your favourite social media
⃝ Partners in Comfort Monthly Giving Program ⃝ Legacy Gift / Bequest ⃝ Gift of Securities For more information about the above, please contact Sue McIntosh by calling 613-260-2906 ext. 224 or fill out your information the back of this form and mail it to: Hospice Care Ottawa, 114 Cameron Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 0X1
Do you have a story for us? If you have an experience with Hospice Care Ottawa that you would like to share with others please contact: Kristina Voth-Childs, Communications Coordinator at 613-591-6002 ext. 26 or Kristina.Voth-Childs@hospicecareottawa.ca You have received our newsletter in appreciation of your support of Hospice Care Ottawa. Please let us know if you do not wish to receive future newsletters or if you would prefer to receive them by email. Please contact Kristina at the coordinates above.
PAGE 4
Upcoming Special Events Mark your calendars!
Delivery of our services is made possible through the support of a small dedicated staff, over 1,000 volunteers and generous donors like you. Please consider supporting our special events, make a donation or include Hospice Care Ottawa in your estate planning. For more information about how you can give please call Sue McIntosh, Manager, Fund Development at 613-260-2906 ext. 224.
Homes for the Holidays November 13, 14 & 15, 2015 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Tour eight exceptional homes from Rockcliffe to Kanata, exquisitely decorated by some of Ottawa’s top florists. Back by popular demand, our Holiday PopUp Shop will be held at the Irish Ambassador’s Residence. Here you can start your holiday shopping with the big selection from local shop vendors and specialty foods. New this year, our Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice will feature a Gingerbread Builder’s Bake-Off where everyone can vote for their favourite creation while sipping cider and stocking up on holiday finds in the Handmade Emporium. Have fun and support hospice care in Ottawa. All funds will stay in our community to allow Hospice Care Ottawa to provide programs and services at no cost to those living with a life-limiting illness.
$50 per person
Shine A Light Remembrance Ceremonies December 3, 2015, 7-8:30 p.m. Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice, 110 McCurdy Drive Master of Ceremonies, Steve Madely
December 7, 2015, 7-8:30 p.m. May Court Hospice, 114 Cameron Ave. Master of Ceremonies, Rob Clipperton Please join us as we gather to remember people in our lives who have died. Shine A Light card ornaments will be available at our Hospice sites. Here you can write the names of your loved ones and hang them on our Memory Walls. A beautiful tree will be lit in their honour. These serene evenings will include peaceful music, readings and friendship. Everyone is welcome to share in this time of remembrance. Donations are welcome but not required.
An added bonus for early ticket purchasers… A complimentary ticket to the Signatures Show
For more information or to purchase ticket booklets, visit www.hospicecareottawa.ca or call 613-260-2906 ext. 232 Thank you to our major sponsors
Refreshments will be served.
To RSVP or to have a Shine A Light ornament personalized and displayed in advance at one of our hospice locations, please fill out the below form and mail to us by November 30 or call Lesley at 613-260-2906 ext. 222
YES! I would like to support Hospice Care Ottawa Donor Information (for charitable tax receipt):
Please direct my donation to:
Name: __________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ Prov.: ________________________ Postal Code: _______________________ Tel.: __________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________ ⃝ Check this box if you wish to receive correspondence by email
I wish to make a tax-deductible contribution of: $_________________________ ⃝ My cheque is enclosed, payable to Hospice Care Ottawa ⃝ Please charge my Credit Card:
⃝ Visa
⃝ MasterCard
⃝ AmEX
Credit Card #: _________________________________Expiry Date: _________ Name on Card: ____________________________________________________
⃝ Hospice Care Ottawa Programs & Services ⃝ Ruddy-Shenkman Residential Hospice Building Fund ⃝ Shine A Light of Remembrance My Shine A Light of Remembrance donation is in honour of: _________________________________________________ Which Hospice location would you like the name displayed? ⃝ May Court Hospice
⃝ Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice
Thank you for your support! Please mail to Hospice Care Ottawa, 114 Cameron Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 0X1 You can also donate online at www.hospicecareottawa.ca or by calling Lesley at 613-260-2906 ext. 222 Charitable Registration # 11896 3701 RR0001