Chatham-Kent Hospice is opening its doors to the public this month as it celebrates 10 years of providing end-of-life care and support to residents and their families.
The organization will host a series of Community Open House tours on Wednesday afternoons throughout June, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about hospice care, tour the facility and meet staff members who support residents and loved ones during end-of-life journeys.
“Over the past decade, our community has helped make Chatham-Kent Hospice a place of dignity, compassion, and support for families when they need it most,” said Jessica Smith, executive director of Chatham-Kent Hospice. “These tours are an opportunity for us to welcome the community inside and share the difference their support has made.”
The tours are open to anyone interested in learning more about hospice services, whether for future care needs or to better understand the organization’s role in the community. Participation is limited to help minimize disruptions for residents and their visitors. Community groups of eight or more are encouraged to arrange private tours.
Since opening in April 2016, Chatham-Kent Hospice has provided residential hospice care to more than 1,786 families and grief and bereavement support to more than 2,700 individuals.
The hospice operates a 10-bed residential facility that offers specialized pain and symptom management, along with around-the-clock care from physicians, nurses, personal support workers and volunteers in a home-like setting.
Officials say the hospice relies on community donations to provide its services at no cost to residents and families. The Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation raises funds to support operations and requires approximately $235,000 in donations each month to meet the facility’s ongoing needs.
Registration information for the June tours is available through Chatham-Kent Hospice.
