Exhausted, frustrated, and overwhelmed. These are some of the words used to describe burnout; a psychological condition caused by chronic stress. In palliative care, patients may receive formal care from health care professionals or informal care from members of the patient’s family or chosen family. There are various factors that can negatively contribute to palliative caregiver burnout. Studies have been completed to call attention to and better understand these factors in order to develop strategies to prevent and manage palliative caregiver burnout. Read full article…

Hosted by: Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow Intended Audience: Seniors, Caregivers and families, Volunteers, Compassionate Community members or people interested in learning more about facing serious illness. Description: Do you have a frustrating situation with the health care system about serious illness? Do you have a question about dealing with serious illness that you want to ask, but are too afraid to? This is your chance to Ask Dr. Sammy! In this event, Dr. Sammy will be answering your pre-submitted questions about frustrating Continue reading →

These sessions are meant to provide a meaningful opportunity to engage in richer discussions and grow your support network of fellow caregivers. As a follow-up to the HPCO Caregiver Education series, these sessions will give everyone the opportunity to talk about whatever is on your mind as a caregiver. The sessions are welcoming to all caregivers and are informal and confidential for you to share with others in similar circumstances your experiences specific to all aspects of caregiving, including expressing challenges, emotions, and embracing vulnerability Continue reading →

Grief is a normal process of responding to a loss. The purpose of this grief group will be to encourage participants to safely explore the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of coping with the death of a relative or friend. A main principle of this grief group will be that whatever is shared in the group will be held with the strictness of confidence. This grief support group will be an open group which means participants can join the group at any time. These Continue reading →

At HPCO we strive to provide quality education and support and are excited to be able to do so through our Virtual Community Centre. These activities take place via Zoom and are intended for seniors, people isolated at home, caregivers, and hospice volunteers. Each of the programs is run by our facilitators in a fun and interactive group setting to increase social connection. HPCO understands that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are finding it more difficult to gather with family, friends, and peers Continue reading →

Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) in partnership with the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO) with funding provided by the Government of Ontario, is excited to announce the launch of a new Advance Care Planning Telephone Based Program. This is a pilot program that we are testing to offer a virtual platform for education and support.   The sessions will take place on Wednesday from 1:00 – 1:40 PM starting on January 27th, 2021 and ending on March 31st, 2021. Please note that these sessions will be a Continue reading →

Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) in partnership with the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO) with funding provided by the Government of Ontario, is excited to announce the launch of a new Caregiving for Serious Illness/End-of-Life Telephone Based Program. This is a pilot program that we are testing to offer a virtual platform for education and support.   These sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 2:00 – 2:40 PM starting January 26th, 2021 and ending on March 30th, 2021. Each week we will cover different topics. Please Continue reading →

HPCO is excited to be continuing the Virtual Activity Wellness Hub beginning Tuesday, January 12th due to high interest from participants. We are piloting virtual activities via Zoom meetings for seniors, people isolated at home, caregivers, and hospice volunteers. Activities will be run by facilitators in a fun and interactive group setting to increase social connection. We invite you to join our Wellness Hub on the following dates: January 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27.  Click here to see the activity flyer for details of Continue reading →

Bill 3 – The Compassionate Care Act has received royal assent and is now passed into law in Ontario. Improving Access to Palliative Care in all care settings for all ages now has Legislative momentum! The Bill puts a focus on hospice palliative care and ensures that a framework is developed by the MInister of Health and that the Legislature receives a report on progress. Bill 3 was a Private Member’s bill and as such cannot direct funding or spending, however the Bill puts a Continue reading →