Q.  What is the process for admission to Hospice?

A. When a patient is in their own home, the LHIN does the assessment and referral to Hospice. When a patient is in the hospital then the Social Worker on the ward will initiate the referral and the LHIN will complete the referral process. 

Debbie Robinson RN, CHPCN(c), Director of Residential Care

Q. Who Qualifies for Residential Hospice care?

A. The applicant must be in the final stages of a life-limiting illness, with a prognosis of approximately three months or less. There must be a need for care and supportive comfort measures. The applicant or the applicant's family must also live within the Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant-Burlington Local Health Integrated Network (HNHB LHIN).

All applicants are assessed in their current place of care before they are admitted to the hospice.

Q. How is care provided?

A. We have registered nurses and personal support workers who provide 24-hour care to our residents. The family doctors are welcome to remain the most responsible physician, or our two palliative care physicians Dr. Russell and Dr. Kanani will be responsible and assume care.

Q. Are there support programs to help family members at your hospice?

A. Families can participate in a variety of bereavement support programs such as music therapy, individual counseling, group counseling, and our bi-annual memorial services. Programs for children and adults are available both separately and concurrent.

Jessica Milette, MSW, Manager of Bereavement and Supportive Care

Q. Who can take part in the Volunteer Visiting and Day Hospice Programs?  How do I know if I qualify?

A. We welcome anyone who has been diagnosed with a progressive life-limiting illness at any point in their journey. We accept referrals from families or friends, doctor’s offices, nursing agencies, outreach teams, or simply give us a call. As with all of our Hospice programs, there is no cost to clients or their families.

For more information, click here for Volunteer Visiting or click here for the Day Hospice Program.

Cherilyn Kislosky-McLellan RPN, Coordinator of Volunteers and Day Hospice

Q. What is Camp Keaton Hamilton and who can apply?

A. Camp Keaton Hamilton, formerly Camp Erin is a 3 day camp in Bracebridge for children and teens aged 7-17 who have experienced the death of someone close to them. This weekend-long experience is filled with traditional, fun camp activities combined with grief education and emotional support- lead by grief professionals and trained volunteers. Camp Keaton provides a unique opportunity for peer bonding between children and teens facing a similar life circumstance. Camp Keaton is offered free to all families.

Concurrent bereavement groups for parents and children/youth are held throughout the year and are available to all current and previous Camp Keaton families.

Karen Nowicki Administrative Assistant Camp Keaton Hamilton

Susan Repa, Coordinator of Children and Family Support Programs and Camp Keaton Hamilton Director

Q.  Is there a fee for Hospice Services? How can we help your hospice financially?

A. All of the programs offered at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice are provided at no charge to the clients, residents, and families, and their loved ones. With only a fraction of costs covered by the government, we continue to be able to provide these services; we rely on the generosity of our donors. Anyone can make an “In Memorial” donation, become a monthly donor or make a one-time donation. Please consider the Hospice when making a general donation, or consider planned giving and Legacy donations.