Compassionate Communities

June 10, 2020
During COVID19, our communities’ compassion is coming into full relief. Everywhere, citizens are banding together to create support groups for the vulnerable and socially isolated in their communities. Whether it’s checking in by phone, delivering pre-cooked meals and groceries, or creating postcards to distribute in hospitals for patients who cannot see their loved ones, our compassion is mobilized. Here are some practical tips from Compassionate Communities on how to identify and support the socially isolated in your community: If you are someone who wants to help: Support Continue reading →

Staying Well Series

June 4, 2020
Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) is pleased to present the Staying Well Series to support caregivers, individuals, and families who could benefit from daily reflections to help guide and comfort them during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Many individuals are suffering, and we hope these inspirational messages can help in some small way to lift our spirits in this very challenging time. HPCO has connected with Eugene Dufour to inspire us with encouraging messages in this Staying Well Series.  Eugene is a clinically trained Individual, Marital and Continue reading →

Why Advance Care Planning is More Important Than Ever During the COVID-19 Pandemic

June 1, 2020
In light of all of the activity happening around COVID-19, it is important to acknowledge that our health can change without warning. You never know when someone will have to speak for you. In Ontario, there are specific laws about when and who can make health care decisions on your behalf, should you become mentally incapable of doing so. We encourage you to browse the resources available at the Speak Up Ontario website and participate in the appropriate Advance Care Planning conversations. It can be Continue reading →

Conducting a Reasonable Next of Kin/Claimant Search for an Unclaimed Body

May 15, 2020
Claimant Search for Unclaimed Bodies Purpose of Document This document provides a process for managing unclaimed bodies that were not investigated by a coroner across Ontario. The process ensures reasonable and timely efforts to locate persons who may claim a body in order to respect the dignity of a deceased person. When no claimant can be found, arrangements will be made by the Office of the Chief Coroner for the disposition of an unclaimed body pursuant to the Anatomy Act. This document includes:  Information Continue reading →

Are You A Caregiver?

April 29, 2020
We have free online learning all about caregiving. You might be new to caregiving, or you might be well along your journey. Regardless of the unique circumstances of your situation, we do know that all caregiving can be incredibly rewarding, and it can be incredibly isolating and stressful too. This website is meant to assist you in finding the support you need, exactly when you need it. You can browse the topics in any order you would like to. Each topic is available on the Continue reading →

The Crossroads of Grief: Reflecting on our work with Marginalized Grieving Youth

February 6, 2020
FULL RESEARCH REPORT SUMMARY The Crossroads of Grief: Reflecting on our work with Marginalized Grieving Youth In the Fall of 2019, The Children and Youth Grief Network (CYGN) completed the project; The Crossroads of Grief: Understanding Grief & Diversity (funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation). The FULL Summary Document (including recommendations) is below. Please click here for more information

SE Health Launches the CareChannel

November 15, 2019
SE Health has launched CareChannel, which is a free and comprehensive, educational platform that features over 80 ‘how-to videos’, care guides, and in-class training workshops. The user-friendly, online platform explores topics from self-care, to demonstrations on how to assist someone with crutches, to dementia care. In the spirit of reconciliation, the program was designed with caregivers who are First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and caregivers whose first language is English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Punjabi. CareChannel will meet the needs of over 1 million caregivers Continue reading →

Ontario Caregiver Organization

September 29, 2019
The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) exists to support Ontario’s 3.3 million caregivers; ordinary people who provide physical and/or emotional support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour. The OCO will enhance the caregiving experience by providing one point of access to information, services and supports that empower and enable caregivers to be successful in their role. Where gaps exist in caregiver programs and services, the OCO partners with caregivers, health care providers and other organizations to find new and innovative ways to bridge those Continue reading →

Statement on Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD)

May 31, 2016
On Monday, May 30, 2016, Bill C-14 An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying) passed the report stage in the House of Commons. With the passage of Bill C-14 by the House of Commons, the Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) and the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) remain committed to promoting access to hospice palliative care for all Canadians. We continue to strive to improve the quality of living and dying for persons with Continue reading →