Tara and Kelly have worked together at The Cook Family Residence since it opened in early 2021. Tara is a personal support worker and former esthetician with 18 years of involvement in palliative care. Kelly is a registered practical nurse with over 27 years of experience. When asked what makes hospice care special, both agree that it is by far the best level of care for a very important reason: time.
At Hospice, there are no time limits and no rush. Care is provided when and as often as needed, not according to a pre-set routine or schedule. Residents can rest and sleep as much as they like and eat when they feel hungry. They can receive care when they’re ready.
For Tara, having time means being able to understand people’s preferences. She likes to know if it’s important for someone to have their hair curled, nails painted, or beard shaved. Do they like to dress in a certain way, face the gardens, or smell the fresh air? What are their favourite foods? Do they want company or would they rather be alone or sleep?
“It’s important to tend to someone like they still matter, and at Hospice there is time to do that,” says Tara. “I try to help people feel like themselves for as long as they can, giving them the best day possible and treating them the way they deserve to be treated at the end of their life.”
Having ample time extends to family members, too, who often need extra support and reassurance from staff and volunteers. Kelly explains how wonderful it is to be able to help families adjust and prepare. Once they relax and get to know the care team, Hospice starts to feel like home. After someone passes away, many family members return to visit, to say hello again and share memories of their time at Hospice.
“There are many special moments when you develop close relationships with families, and they are so appreciative. It helps knowing that you have given them the comfort, attention and time that make such a difference.”
About the Cook Family Residence
Our 11-bed hospice residence provides palliative care for those at end of life and support for their families. The residence interdisciplinary team consists of specially trained palliative nurses, personal support workers, social workers, spiritual care providers, kitchen and housekeeping aides along with many different volunteer supports.
The space has been designed for the comfort of the resident and their family and, in addition to private individual rooms with opportunity for family to stay over, it includes individual private outdoor courtyards, many quiet places for reflection, special family gathering places and common outdoor space for contemplation.