Volunteer Hub

As a hospice volunteer, your compassion makes a meaningful difference—but your safety and well-being matter too. Prioritize safe body mechanics if/when assisting others, take time to rest and stretch, and listen to your body’s signals. Practicing simple self-care and injury prevention helps you stay healthy, present, and able to continue providing comfort and support to those who need it most.

Father’s Day After Loss:

It’s Possible to Hold Both Grief & Gratitude

This article reflects on navigating Father’s Day after the loss of a father, encouraging people to acknowledge the day rather than avoid it, as grief often surfaces regardless. It suggests reframing the holiday as a personal “Remembrance Day,” allowing space to honour and feel connected to one’s dad through meaningful rituals like revisiting memories or engaging in activities he loved. Planning and leaning on supportive relationships can help ease the emotional weight, while also making room to hold both grief and gratitude—honouring loss while still celebrating other important father figures in one’s life.

How Can We Be More Inclusive And Sensitive To Those Who Are Grieving on Mother’s Day

Being mindful of those grieving on Mother’s Day is essential for supporting community well-being, as grief is lifelong, non-linear, and can resurface even decades after a loss. Historically, Mother’s Day was founded as a way to honour all mothers—living and deceased. However, as the holiday became more commercialized, its focus shifted toward celebration, often overlooking those who are grieving. By returning to a more inclusive perspective that acknowledges both joy and loss, we can create space for all experiences and help reduce feelings of isolation during this complex and emotional day.

Advance Care Planning

Advanced care planning is important because it allows individuals to make decisions about their future medical care in the event that they become unable to communicate their wishes. By discussing their values, beliefs, and preferences with their loved ones and healthcare providers, individuals can ensure that their medical care aligns with their desires. Advanced care planning can also prevent confusion and conflict among family members and reduce the burden on healthcare providers. It promotes autonomy and dignity for individuals, ensuring that their wishes are respected and honoured during times of medical crisis. If you are looking for more information on advanced care planning, please reach out to Sidney at sidney@hospiceorillia.ca

MAID + Anticipatory Grief

M.A.I.D stands for Medical Assistance in Dying, which is a practice that allows terminally ill patients to voluntarily end their lives with the assistance of a medical professional. This practice is legal in Canada, under specific conditions, such as being of sound mind and having a grievous and irremediable medical condition. The process is highly regulated and involves extensive assessments to ensure the patient meets the criteria.

Supporting Someone with Heart Disease

Given that heart disease is a leading cause of death, there may be a point in your time volunteering with Hospice Orillia that you will support someone affected by heart disease. Although you do not need to know the diagnosis of an individual, it is helpful to be aware of how you can best support them. Please visit the links below for more information.

Living Wish Foundation

The Living Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that grants individuals with life-threatening illness (a prognosis of 1 year or less) the opportunity to fulfill their final wishes. Established in 1984, the foundation has helped thousands of individuals across the South Georgian Bay area create lasting memories and experiences. The organization’s mission is to provide comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy to those facing the end of their lives. Through the generous support of donors and volunteers, the Living Wish Foundation is able to coordinate and facilitate these special experiences, bringing moments of happiness and peace to those in need.

“End-of-life wishes aren’t overly complicated. They are often examples of things we see every day in this line of work: a request for a specific flavour of ice cream, to have a loved one flown in for a visit from out of country, to be able to go home one last time to see their garden, to have a visit from a beloved pet, to safely spend one last night at the cottage, to celebrate the anniversary/birthday/Christmas a few weeks early…Sometimes all it takes is permission to ask and the right group of motivated people to make it happen.”

Note: As of May 1st, 2025, the Living Wish program became part of Hospice Georgian Triangle’s Community Care Services.

Click below to read more. If you browse their website, you may spot a member of our NSMHPCN team: Nancy Good-Kennedy as their Co-Founder and Director!

During the holiday season, Hospice Orillia is here to provide support to our clients and their families. We understand that this time of year can be especially challenging, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone accessing our services feels valued and cared for. With help from each of you, our wonderful volunteers, we are able to extend a warm hand, offering compassion and understanding through the holidays. We are there to provide comfort and assistance to those who need it!

Click below to read some tips and watch a helpful video.

We Remember

On Remembrance Day, it’s natural to feel a sense of grief as we honour and remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It’s okay to take time to mourn and reflect on the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. It’s important to remember that grieving is natural. Let’s take this day to honour their memory and express our gratitude for their bravery and selflessness.

“Remembrance is one of the ways we make a difference in a Veteran’s life. There are other ways too.”

Click below to read more.

Cicely Saunders’ Influence on Hospice Palliative Care

Cicely Saunders was a British nurse, social worker, physician, and writer who pioneered palliative care and is considered by many as the founder of the modern hospice movement. She is best known for her work in establishing the first modern hospice, St. Christopher’s Hospice, in London, England in 1967. Saunders’ forward-looking approach to end-of-life care emphasized the importance of addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients. Her work transformed the way terminally ill individuals are cared for, and her legacy continues to influence hospice care around the world.

We invite you to visit the King’s College London website to learn more about the remarkable Dame Cicely Saunders. Simply click the button below to explore her story.

What is Pain Management at End-of-Life

Pain management at the end of life focuses on ensuring comfort and minimizing suffering for individuals with terminal illnesses or conditions. This may include medication, physical therapy, and psychological support. The goal is to alleviate physical and emotional distress, allowing patients to maintain their quality of life and dignity during their final days. Careful assessment and ongoing communication between healthcare providers, patients, and their families are essential for pain management for each individual’s unique needs and preferences.

June Callwood

June Callwood was a well-known Canadian journalist, author, and social activist who played a significant role in advancing hospice palliative care in Canada. She was a co-founder of Casey House, the first hospice for people with HIV/AIDS in Canada, and she also played a key role in establishing Emily’s House, a children’s hospice in Toronto. June was instrumental in promoting and advocating for Hospice Palliative Care in Canada. She founded the “Dignity Project” in 1982, which aimed to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their families. Callwood’s advocacy work helped to increase awareness and support for hospice palliative care across the country. She fought for compassionate end-of-life care for patients all over, and her efforts have had a lasting impact on the hospice palliative care movement in Canada.If you would like to know more about June Callwood and her amazing movement in the Hospice Palliative Care world, please read this article!

National Indigenous History Month

National Indigenous History Month, also know as Indigenous Heritage Month is observed every June in Canada to honour the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous peoples. It is a time to recognize the important contributions and unique cultural identities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Throughout the month, there are various events, activities, and educational initiatives that aim to promote awareness and understanding of Indigenous history. This observance provides an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about the rich and complex histories of Indigenous peoples, and to celebrate their resilience and achievements.

Hospice Palliative Care Week

Hospice palliative care is a specialized type of medical care for people with life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness, rather than trying to cure the disease. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family. Hospice palliative care can be provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals, hospices, long-term care facilities, and at home. It often includes a team of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, it can also include volunteers, caretakers, etc., who work together to provide comprehensive support. This year, Hospice Palliative Care Week takes place from May 4-10!

Advance Care Planning

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process that allows individuals to make decisions about their future medical care in the event that they are unable to communicate their wishes. It involves discussing and documenting preferences for treatments, such as resuscitation, ventilation, and other life-sustaining measures. ACP can also include appointing a healthcare proxy to make decisions on their behalf; this is also know as a Substitute Decision Maker. It is important for individuals to have these conversations with their loved ones and healthcare providers to ensure that their wishes are known and respected. This month, we want to share with you what Advance Care Planning is, and how naming a substitute decision maker is so important!

Death Care

Death care, also known as end-of-life care, includes a range of services and support for individuals and their loved ones as they near the end of life. This can include hospice care, palliative care, funeral planning, grief counseling, and legal and financial planning. It is designed to provide comfort, guidance, and assistance during a challenging and emotional time. Death care professionals, such as hospice staff, social workers, and funeral directors, play a crucial role in providing compassionate and comprehensive support to those facing the end of life. Please look at the link provided to learn more about what death care could involve!

Volunteer Well-being

As a hospice volunteer, it’s important to prioritize your well-being to care for others. Setting boundaries to avoid overcommitting yourself allowing for time to rest and recharge, and practicing self-care through activities such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones, are some ways to maintain a healthy well-being. If you are ever struggling, make sure to communicate openly with Hospice Orillia about your needs and limitations, and ask for support from your direct supervisor if needed. Remember, to continue making a positive impact, maintaining your well-being is crucial.

Caregiver Well-being

Being a caregiver can be physically and emotionally demanding, leading to stress, fatigue, and burnout. Caregivers must prioritize their health and well-being to care for others. This includes taking regular breaks, receiving support from friends and family, and engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and maintaining a healthy diet. Caregivers should also look out for signs of burnout and seek help if needed. By prioritizing their well-being, caregivers can ensure they can continue providing care to those in need.

Autism & Grief

Grieving is a universal experience and affects people of all abilities in a variety of ways. Individuals on the autism spectrum may not display grief in ways a neurotypical person would. For more information, please visit the link below.

Pain and Dementia

Pain can have a significant impact on people with dementia. People with dementia may have difficulty communicating their pain due to cognitive impairment, leading to underreporting and inadequate treatment. Behavioural changes, such as agitation or aggression, may be the only indication of pain. Additionally, pain can worsen existing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, making the condition more challenging to manage. It can also lead to further decline in cognitive function and overall quality of life. This month, we will be looking at how pain affects people with dementia!

Perinatal Awareness Month

Perinatal refers to the period before and after childbirth, typically spanning the weeks before and after the baby’s birth. Perinatal care involves monitoring the health and well-being of the mother and baby during pregnancy, labour, and delivery, as well as in the immediate postpartum period. This month is Perinatal Awareness Month, as well as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day on October 15th. This month, we will be spreading awareness to Perinatal….

MAID

During Hospice Orillia’s annual volunteer check-ins, we asked what you would like to learn more about. We received quite a few questions about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). This medical procedure allows eligible patients to request and receive assistance to end their lives peacefully and painlessly. This option is available to individuals who are suffering from a medical condition that causes enduring and intolerable suffering. To qualify for MAID, patients must meet specific criteria and undergo a thorough assessment by healthcare professionals. For more information on MAID, please see the links below!

A Palliative Approach to Care

A palliative approach to care is a crucial aspect of managing life-limiting illnesses, aiming to provide relief from the symptoms and stress that come with the condition. This approach focuses on improving the overall quality of life for patients, as well as providing support to their families. It involves an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals working together to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patients. Palliative care can be provided alongside primary treatment and can be offered at any stage of an illness, not just at the end of life. It is important to know that palliative care is not the same as hospice care, as it can be provided at any point during an illness, not just in the final stages.

As you know, everyone grieves differently, processes differently, and feels differently. You will never know how you will grieve, process, and feel until you have lost a loved one, and there is never “getting over” the grief you feel. This link will teach you about anticipatory grief, understanding grief, and self-care!

While many people have not had the chance to be present during the final stages of a loved one’s dying journey, it is something that many consider to be an honour. HPCO and NSMHPCN have a variety of resources to help prepare for this. Please take a look at the links below: