We are thrilled to have this opportunity to tell our community more about our caring and supportive Day Away Program!
Our Day Away Program is designed for individuals who are living with a life-limiting illness. It gives our clients a chance to come together, to socialize and be with others who can understand what they are going through. Staff, with the support of highly trained volunteers, provide refreshments, coffee and tea, and most importantly, smiles and laughter.
Our Day Program Coordinator, Kayla Haas, prepares activities for the group that everyone can take part in. Examples of activities include music trivia, painting bird houses, playing cards and working on puzzles.
When and Where Does It Take Place?
We run our Day Away Program on Tuesdays at our Gies Family Centre, 100 Solstice Way in Waterloo. The Tuesday group is a full day group (usually about 10am-2pm) and includes lunch. On Thursdays we run our Day Away Program in Cambridge, inside our satellite office at the Langs Hub, 1145 Concession Road. In the Cambridge program, the program usually runs 10am-12noon and once a month we have a longer program that includes lunch.
We are excited to announce the launch of a second Waterloo Day Away Program day! Starting Wednesday October 16th, we will be starting a new group that will meet weekly on Wednesday’s at our Gies Family Centre. It will start with time frame of 10am-12noon and we hope to grow it into a longer program as time goes on!
What Our Clients Say About The Program
I feel like the best version of myself when I am here.
I would attend Day Program every day, if it was available.
Everybody’s excited to see me and I’m excited to see everybody. I’m truly happy I got the courage to go to Hospice. It feels like one big happy family where I can be myself without fear of judgement. I enjoy the good company, expressing myself freely, and lunch! On Tuesdays, I have the most amazing friends, and I feel blessed. I feel like I can be open about anything. Try the group and see how it feels – you will keep coming back!
FAQs
Here are the Frequently Asked Questions we receive about our Day Away Program:
Who is eligible to join?
Clients must be living with a life-limiting or palliative illness to attend. A prognosis of 18 months or less. They must be independent in their care needs (i.e. medication, toileting) and able to meaningfully participate in the group.
What is the age range? Gender?
This is a program for adults. We have a mix of genders, backgrounds and faiths. Our group tends to have members 40 years old and up. Our program requires kindness and respect from all individuals. We are a Positive Space for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
What does it cost?
There is no cost to participants for any of the services or programs offered by Hospice Waterloo Region.
Can you arrange transportation?
We have a volunteer driver team that will pick up the client to bring them to and from our hospice programs. We occasionally have capacity to drive clients to their medical appointments as well.
Apply to Join the Program
If you know someone who might be a good fit for the Day Away Program, please contact us!
You can reach us by phone at 519-743-4114 or via email [email protected]
Thank you for taking the time to read about our Day Away Program!
Generously supported by The Savvas Chamberlain Family Foundation