Is Hospice Right for Me?
“It feels like giving up.”
“We’re not there yet.”
“But that’s not for us.”
“I thought that’s where people go to die.”
These are some of the reasons we hear most often from families who later tell us, “I wish we’d found hospice sooner.” It’s normal to be fearful and uncertain if you’re considering hospice care. That’s why we wanted to share a few quick facts about who we are, who we help, and when.
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about hospice and — most of the time — families aren’t aware that hospice is an option. One of the biggest misconceptions is that a disease has to be farther along than they’re experiencing to qualify. Many people mistakenly believe hospice is only for the final weeks or days of life. But hospice gives people a beautiful opportunity to have rich and meaningful experiences earlier than most people realize.
Hospice is Community
Hospice Mississauga has been part of our community for nearly 40 years. In 2024, we will break ground on the first hospice residence to come to our city. Until now, we’ve been the largest city in Canada without a hospice residence. As a community hospice, we visit people in their homes.
We work closely with our community partners (nurses, doctors, and home care providers), and we’re here for everyone, regardless of age. By offering practical, emotional, and spiritual care, hospice enriches the end-of-life experience. We offer dignity, compassion, and holistic support for everyone involved at the end of a life, whether they’re patients, caregivers, family members or people who are bereaved.
One Year
Hospice care is a gentle, compassionate and intentional way to help you or your loved one through the final stage of life, providing you with all the support you need.
Choosing hospice care is a deeply personal decision that often comes when a person’s life expectancy is about a year or less. It is a choice to focus on quality of life and make the most of the time remaining. Hospice provides compassionate support to help navigate this significant stage of life, ensuring that you or your loved one can experience comfort and dignity during this time.
Hospice care isn’t about giving up; it’s about embracing life to the fullest, maximizing the quality of each precious moment. At Hospice Mississauga, we help ease the uncertainty and discomfort of a terminal diagnosis, providing support and empowerment that brings dignity and respect.
What Does Hospice Care Look Like?
We offer personalized care for mind and body. Hospice opens the channels of communication for families — we encourage conversations about end of life wishes, how the sick person hopes to be remembered, and we provide information about the practical steps that should be put in place (for example, Power of Attorney, or estate planning).
Hospice aims (or we hope) to keep both those facing terminal illness and their loved ones out of the stress and chaos of emergency departments.
We support children in their grief at every age and stage so they can heal and integrate with their school communities confidently.
Hospice can also help address the more serious physiological effects of adult grief by supporting it early and often.
Hospice is as much for the people who are dying as it is for the people who are living through the loss of a loved one. We are a hub of life and death, love and grief, fear and comfort.
I’m Still Not Sure
You’re not alone. It’s hard to know, and difficult to accept. Every death is different, just like every life. Regardless of background, culture, or belief system, everyone is welcome and embraced with open arms.
If you have questions about hospice care, and wonder if it’s right for you, we are ready to help. Our team of staff and volunteers is highly trained, experienced, compassionate and fully committed to supporting your needs. We’re here for you.
Please call the Hospice Palliative Care Helpline: 905-667-1865
And when you’re ready, please contact us using the Hospice Mississauga Referral Form.
