FAQs

Community hospices provide programs and services that enhance the quality of life for individuals living with a life-threatening illness and still reside in their homes in the community. Community hospices do not have beds for end of life care and residential hospices do.

Palliative Care programs were originally developed primarily within larger healthcare institutions, and hospice care developed within the community as free-standing, primarily volunteer programs.  Over time, these programs gradually evolved to a cohesive movement that aims to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for those who are living with, or dying from, any illness.

To recognize the convergence of hospice and palliative care into one movement, and their common norms of practice, the term “hospice palliative care” was coined.

Hospice palliative care is appropriate for any patient/client and or family affected by a life-threatening illness due to any diagnosis, with any prognosis, regardless of age.

Hospice Waterloo Region offers all programs and services to residents of the Region of Waterloo at no charge.

No. You or anyone you know (family, friend, healthcare professional) can refer you to Hospice Waterloo Region. A third person must receive permission from you first before a Hospice representative can call.

,Hospice volunteers submit to a rigorous screening and training process. All applicants must attend a 45-minute screening interview before being accepted in to the 35-hour training program. Prospective volunteers must also submit a clear police check, insurance verification, immunization documentation, and references prior to being matched with Hospice clients.