Memorial Forest to be established on Huron Hospice property

PRESS RELEASE: Aug 16, 2019

Huron Hospice, along with the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA), is pleased to announce that a Memorial Forest will be created on the property behind the residence. Families can now plant a tree in memory of a loved one, and help establish a green legacy for generations to come. The forest will serve as a peaceful place for reflection and support well-being, grief and bereavement, and celebrating life. 

The Forest will surround the Tranquility Trail, which was adopted as one of the official trails maintained by BRVTA earlier this summer. The trail winds through the back meadow and natural marsh on the rural estate of Huron Hospice between Goderich and Clinton (37857 Huron Rd, directly across from Woodland Links Golfcourse).

The proposed area of the forest is approximately six acres, and the current trail is open to hospice residents, their families, and the general public to enjoy. The Memorial Forest is a program designed to enhance the grounds of Huron Hospice, provide a place of respite, an engagement opportunity for the community, and create a sustainable legacy for future generations.

“You can now commemorate the life of a loved one by planting a tree – a living memorial that will grow and flourish over the years,'' says Helen Varekamp, member of BRVTA and the one responsible for envisioning the forest. 

Jay McFarlan, co-chair of the board at Huron Hospice adds “We had considered many different ways to use the space behind our residential hospice. Establishing a Memorial Forest is definitely in line with the philosophy of hospice palliative care, and creates a special place where people can honour the life of their loved ones.”

Community members will have the opportunity to donate a tree in memory of a loved one, and participate in an annual dedication service. Donors can choose to display the names of their memorialized persons on a commemorative sign at the forest entrance. Ten different native tree species (both deciduous and evergreen) have been selected to create a mixed forest suitable for the area. Trees can be ordered through the Huron Hospice website and will be professionally planted in the fall of each year by Verbeeks Farm and Garden Centre. Orders received after August 31st will be processed the following year. The cost of a tree is $345.00, which includes a substantial tree, a five-year warranty, planting and the name of your loved one included on the annual memorial plaque at the entrance to the forest. Tax receipts will be issued for the full value of the tree.

This program is open to anyone who wants to remember the life of a loved one, and is not limited to those who have passed through the hospice. By working with local suppliers and the emphasis on native species, the Memorial Forest is a sustainable project that will promote a better environment for years to come. 

Learn more about the forest, or plant a tree through this link, or contact Michelle Field by email at fundhospice@tcc.on.ca

Aerial view of the 12-acre property at Huron Hospice. The memorial forest will be established in the back 6 acres of land that is currently meadow and natural marsh environment.

The backyard at Huron Hospice, where the entrance to the Memorial Forest (and Tranquility Trail) will be available for everyone to enjoy.

UPDATE: Huron County does not approve $1M loan request, citing looming costs of bridges and roads

Press Release:

On February 21, County Staff provided a report to council members regarding the request for a $1M loan to Huron Hospice. The proposed loan would be used to support the second phase of renovations, expanding the 4-bed hospice to make 6-beds possible, and repurpose some of the existing bedrooms. The loan would have also provided matching funds for a $680,000 MOHLTC grant for which the hospice has already been approved. After receiving the staff report, county council voted to not approve the loan, citing that funding would be taken from reserves which have been earmarked for infrastructure projects (roads and bridges). The report also stated that hospice care is a provincial mandate and falls outside the municipal role in providing health care.

“This is disappointing news for Huron Hospice. It means that we may not be able to access the grant, and this significantly delays our renovation plans. The board at Huron Hospice will need to regroup and reconsider our plans for expansion moving forward,” comments Jay McFarlan, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors at Huron Hospice.

Huron Hospice currently runs at- or near-capacity, and there is growing demand for the specialized care the hospice offers. Since opening in May 2018, Huron Hospice has provided care for 42 residents and their families with 24/7 professional nurses on-site. There are no fees for the services. The hospice receives $420,000 per year in funding from the province to provide care but relies on community donations to make the shortfall in funding, an additional $400,000 per year.

Earlier in the month, McFarlan made the request to county council and demonstrated how the hospice fits within the County Economic Development Plan. In that plan, the County identified health care as a key sector for growth and a need for the county to “position itself as a model for high quality rural health care services in Ontario” (Huron County Economic Development Plan 2016-2020). This loan request was an opportunity for the County to address many issues identified in the Economic Development Plan and is not an unusual request considering what other nearby Counties have given to their local hospices.

“It requires significant community support to establish a hospice,” says McFarlan, “and the support we have received to date has been wonderful for the betterment of our community. Huron Hospice is open and providing care for our community right now, but there is a growing need that needs to be addressed. I know our community will continue to be supportive and make us all proud to call Huron County our home.”

For media communications contact Jay McFarlan jay@huronhospice.ca

Huron Hospice asks for $1 Million Loan from County

PRESS RELEASE:

At the Huron County Council meeting on February 6, 2019, Huron Hospice asked the County for a $1 Million loan. The loan will be used to support capital costs and the upcoming phase 2 renovations to the hospice, which opened in May last year. Between May 2018 and January 2019, Huron Hospice Residence provided end-of-life care for 41 people and supported their families, at no cost, in the 4-bed hospice located between Goderich and Clinton.

 “We are open and functioning and providing quality hospice care close to home right now, but we can do so much more after our phase 2 renovations are complete” says Jay McFarlan, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors at Huron Hospice. “We were under a rushed timeline to open, and we decided to take this two-phase approach to renovations to ensure we could start providing care within that timeline.”

 The South West Local Health Integration Network (SWLHIN) announced in February 2017 that government funding would be available to support nursing costs of four hospice beds in Central Huron, and 6 beds in Stratford. That announcement also stipulated that hiring and training of staff must start no later than March 2018, giving 13 months to raise funds, purchase the property, renovate the house and open doors.

 To date, the hospice has raised $1 million of its $2.5 million goal. The capital campaign costs include purchase of the property, renovations, and the first year of operations.

View fullsize

Architectural plans for Phase 2 renovations have already been completed, and the necessary connections for plumbing, electrical, fire suppression, and networking were prepared during Phase 1 renovations.

 The house was already well-suited to becoming a hospice with wide hallways and wide doors, and large windows that let in lots of natural light. The house is situated on 12-acres of rolling land and natural environment, centrally located in rural Huron County. Phase 1 renovations required a fire sprinkler system, water storage tank, and a backup generator to comply with regulations for operating a 4-bed hospice. The phase 2 plans include a 4-bedroom addition to the house which would allow the existing bedrooms to be repurposed for other things such as a children’s play room, a private spiritual room, a proper nurses’ station, and transform the attached garage into a meeting space for support groups.

 Huron Hospice has been approved for a grant from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for many of these capital expenses, up to $680,000. But the hospice must have matching funds before the grant money is made accessible. A loan from the County would help the hospice access this grant and contribute significantly to the capital campaign.

 “We are building a community resource that will be around for generations,” says Daryl Ball, Huron Hospice board member and capital campaign lead. “Huron Hospice aligns very well with the County’s Economic Development Plan to make this region a desirable place to live.”

 In the most recent Huron County Economic Development Plan, there were several key issues identified in the Strength/Weakness/Opportunity/Threat (SWOT) analysis which align very well with operation of Huron Hospice. Huron Hospice is a “team of local stakeholders already working on key issues such as health care” and is offering “niche health care services including services for the seniors’ population,” which were identified as Strengths and Opportunities, respectively. The County identified a “lack of effort to develop new sector opportunities” and a “perceived lack of access to growth capital” as Weaknesses in the SWOT analysis. Providing one-time capital funds to Huron Hospice would help address those weaknesses.

 The hospice employs 15 highly trained nurses (mixture of full-time, part-time, casual) some of whom have moved to this region specifically so they could use their skills at the hospice. There are also two physicians who frequent the hospice, who have advanced certification and expertise in hospice palliative care, and we are fortunate to have that dedicated resource available in Huron County. If these highly qualified people can’t use their skills in Huron County, they may seek opportunity elsewhere, and this was a Threat identified in the SWOT analysis.

 Also, from the Economic Development Plan, “The county needs to position itself as a model for high quality rural health care services in Ontario” and support senior services, attract key professionals, and “promote quality of health care services as part of the people attraction efforts.”

 Huron Hospice aligns very well with the County Economic Development Plan, and the hospice would not be here without important partnerships we have developed along the way. The County and municipalities have provided in-kind help when they can. Many businesses have modified their work schedules and project timelines to make Huron Hospice Residence a reality. The hospice is also grateful for the network of volunteers who have contributed many hours towards this community resource. We are asking the County for a loan to invest in a community asset that will assist many families and help make Huron County a great place to live.

Council has requested a report from County staff to investigate the viability of our request.

For media inquiries, contact:
Jay McFarlan
jay@huronhospice.ca

---

Below is the slideshow that was presented to County Council:

Huron Residential Hospice Welcomes First Family

Huron Residential Hospice opened its doors, and its arms, to the first resident and their family for end-of-life care.

The hospice is a comfortable, bright, peaceful place offering hospice beds which are much needed in this region. But the hospice is more than just the beds, as it will eventually become a regional hub of for support services, grief and bereavement counselling, and palliative care outreach. It will build on the services already offered in the community and aims to bring it all under one roof. It is important to note that the hospice will not only support residents through their final days, but also support families.

The hospice was created from a recently renovated house, located on a rural stretch of highway between Goderich and Clinton. The hospice maintains a home-like feel, with comfortable couches, a fireplace, large windows with rolling landscapes, that allow families to feel at home, and find peace. Renovations were guided under the simple premise of ‘would I do this in my own home?’

Care at the hospice is free. But the hospice will rely on donations towards their operating budget because the government only provides partial funding for nursing care. To date, the hospice has raised nearly $1 million towards the capital campaign goal of $2.5 million.

The hospice thanks all community members who helped any way they could, big and small. Donations of money, time, skills, in-kind services, and physical labour have all demonstrated that we live in a compassionate community. Thank you to our community for stepping up to the challenge. Together, we have created a wonderful community resource.

Quotes:

“It’s a bittersweet moment to see the first family walk through the doors. It is a sad and difficult journey to lose a loved one, but it’s comforting to know that they will receive the best possible care and support that we can offer, in a place that feels like home.” – Kathy O'Reilly, Chair of Site Development Committee, Huron Hospice

“During the renovations, we received phone calls almost daily from someone in the community in need of a hospice bed. I know that was a powerful motivator for all the volunteers and work crews that helped with renovations. We are creating something to fulfill a need.” – Michele Field, Fundraising Administrative Lead, Huron Hospice

“We are incredibly thankful to our community for making this dream a reality. The donations of money, time, and hard work has created a place where families can gather and celebrate the last days of life together.” – Jay McFarlan, Huron Hospice Board Member

Hike for Hospice and Grand Opening at Huron Residential Hospice

Huron Residential Hospice, located on highway 8, between Holmesville and Clinton, will host this year’s annual ‘Hike for Hospice’ fundraiser on Sunday May 6 to support the expansion of hospice palliative care programs that will add residential hospice beds in the community this spring.

 The event will also include the official Grand Opening of the new 4-bed Hospice and the event will provide the public with an opportunity to visit the home before residents are admitted. 

Huron Residential Hospice will provide 24 hour/7 days a week care and support through highly skilled registered nursing staff who have specialized training in hospice palliative care as well as dedicated trained volunteers who also have expertise in hospice palliative care.

The “Hike for Hospice” is part of an ongoing $2.5 million capital funding campaign which includes the purchase of the 12-acre property that is home to the Hospice, renovations to the existing home, and financial resources to support the first year of operations.

According to census data, between 500 and 600 Huron County residents pass away each year. The 4 bed Huron Residential Hospice will be able to build upon the wonderful hospice palliative care services that currently exist in Huron and Perth by providing another option where people facing end of life may seek care and support.

Support for grieving family members and friends is also a critical component of a comprehensive hospice palliative care program.  It is likely that almost every resident of Huron County will someday be touched by the sensitive supports and hospice palliative programs offered at or associated with Huron Residential Hospice.

The Hike for Hospice will be held at the Hospice site and will also include the new ‘Tranquility Trail’ which is located on the property.  The trail offers an opportunity for people to experience nature in a quiet, natural setting and provides for a time to reflect and think which can provide for emotional release and restorative effect.  It is with this intent that members of the Bayfield and Maitland Trail Associations with the assistance of Woodland Links Golf Course have undertaken the effort to create the gift of a walking path, through the tall grasses and natural pasture located behind the home.

Everyone is invited to come out and participate at “The Hike for Hospice and Grand Opening” The event will also feature games for children, music and lots of entertainment for everyone.

Registration for the hike is at 12:30pm, with the grand opening and ribbon cutting scheduled for 1:15pm followed by the hike at 1:30pm. There will be organized tours of the home and the public is invited to come and see the home and the stay to enjoy a pig roast at 3:00pm. Tickets for the dinner are $20, and children under 10 eat free.

Hikers that gather more than $100 in pledges will eat free!!

Come out and support this event and help our community make moments matter for those in our community who are in need of care and support at end of life!

More details about the event, including online registration for the hike are available at www.HuronResidentialHospice.com or call 519-482-3440 x6301.

Hospice gifted $100,000 from Saint Elizabeth

Saint Elizabeth is giving $100,000 to the Huron Perth Residential Hospice project. This generous gift will help support the opening of 10 new residential hospice beds in Huron and Perth Counties, where there is currently a gap in services. The funding will be used to hire an Executive Director who will guide the establishment of an innovative care model for small and rural communities.

“With two sites, one in Stratford and one in central Huron located near Clinton, there are many details to manage, and this funding will help ensure the development goes smoothly and that strong leadership is in place,” says Anne Fontana, chair of the Hospice Care Avon Maitland board.

The central Huron site plans to open in March 2018 and the Stratford site in December 2018. Both sites will provide residential hospice palliative care for people in their final days of life, as well as support services for extended family. The new beds are expected to serve up to 100 clients and their families each year.

Saint Elizabeth is a not-for-profit charitable organization that was founded by four nurses more than a century ago to provide care for those in need. The organization has since grown to become Canada’s largest social enterprise with over 8,000 employees nationwide, including about 350 in this region. Saint Elizabeth is known for its high-quality services, which include home care, seniors care, support for family caregivers, and hospice care.

Since 2015, Saint Elizabeth has provided millions of dollars to support the hospice care movement and improve access to end of life care for Canadians.

Photo Caption: Julie Adams (far right), Director of Hospice Programs & Partnerships, Saint Elizabeth Health Care met with representatives Anne Fontana, Andy Werner and Kathy O'Reilly( left to right) from Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice and Central Huron Residential Hospice to review plans for the 2 new hospices in Huron Perth and provide funding of $100,000 to support the hiring of an Executive Director to oversee the start up of the 2 hospices.