b'Oak Ridges Anniversary(continued from page 41) When the hospice option is chosen for end of life care,able for new volunteers, if anyone would like to help Brent pointed out, The familys caregiving role is light- out.ened. There is less stress on the family members who haveThepandemicposedsomechallengesduringthe been trying their best to manage their loved ones illnesshospicesrst year of operation, Brent said. One problem at home. was stashortages due to illness, or isolation because Thank you for making the lastCelebrating Success: Trained volunteers take on various duties such as an- of contact with someone who had COVID. PPE, mask, months of my fathers life meaningful.swering the phone, baking, helping with laundry, deliver- rapid testing, sanitation and social distancing protocols I could not have done this for him. HAPPY1 STANNIVERSARY ing meals, or just chatting to the residents. includingcontinue to be followed to ensure that the hospice is a safe I thank each one of you forThere are over 100 appreciated volunteers,place to be, as directed by public health guidelines.making him feel better each day that he had. OAK RIDGES HOSPICE board members, Brent said.provided an amazingFutureplansincludeestablishingaGriefand In the past year, volunteersBereavement Volunteer Program to continue to support 8,000 hours of service, equivalent to four full time sta families after their loved ones pass away. Michelleagreed.Shesharedaheartwarmingstory.Amembers, he reported. Some weekend shifts are avail- They feel like part of the hospice family, and often hospiceresidentwasupsetbecausehewasunabletocome back to visit and have a cup of tea, Brent added.plan anything for his wifes birthday. The staand vol- Public education and fundraising e orts continue. The unteers rallied. Cook Joanna whipped up the birthday5th Hike for Hospice event is planned for Sunday June 5 The testimonials say it all:The above message is one ofgirls favourite dessert. Someone went out to buy rosesat Palmer Park. Michelle estimated that 300 participants many written by people expressing heartfelt appreciationand decorations for the surprise party. Everybody sangwill do a one orve km route, followed by a BBQ.for the end of life care provided for their loved ones atHappy Birthday. Sign up at oakridgeshospice.com.Oak Ridges Hospice in Port Perry. Things like this happen all the time at the hospice, saidDonations are appreciated to subsidize the Morgan & OakRidgesHospiceofDurhamLtd.,namedtheMichelle. We love to help celebrate special occasions. Sidhu house. Government funding only covers half of the Morgan & Sidhu House after its generous donors, and isThe patient and their relatives are all part of the hos- cost of operation, and costs have increased dramatically the only hospice to serve the population of the Region ofpice family. Theres a lot of bonding, Brent remarked. due to the pandemic, Brent explained.Durham, which exceeds 700,000 people. There are eightEach resident has a beautifully decorated private bed- We hope to see 150 residents in hospice this year, beds available, free of charge. room and an ensuite bathroom. Theres a comfortable pullBrent said. Being part of an organization that brings suchExecutive Director Brent Farr reported that theout couch bed available for the residents signi cant other,wonderful care and comfort to individuals and their fami- rst resident was welcomed on April 28, 2020. A total of 78who can stay overnight. Family and friends are welcomelies is truly an honour.residentsandtheirfamiliesbene ttedfromthehighto visit. Three home cooked meals a day are provided,By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugogquality medical care and TLC provided in the home-likeplus snacks and beverages are always available for the hospice setting. resident and their family members too. Theres a lovely dining room, common room and garden. What are the di erences between a hospiceIts a tranquil environment, Brent described.and a palliative care bed at a hospital or long termSpecially trained stais on hand, including Registered care home? Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, PSWs, doctors, and When you walk in the door of Oak Ridges Hospice, youa Supportive Spiritual counsellor.are greeted in a friendly manner. Delicious aromas, ofThe ratio of nursing stato residents at the hospice is homemade soups and freshly baked cookies, waft from4:1, compared to 25:1 in hospitals and 40:1 in long term the kitchen. The dcor is cheerful.care, Brent said.Theres a welcoming vibe, very di erent from an in- The North Durham Family Health Palliative care team stitution, Brent commented. is a great addition to our care community, he noted. All Tourscanbearrangedbyappointmentbyof our staand volunteers provide outstanding service.contacting Fund Development and Communications He emphasized the importance of compassionate care, CoordinatorMichelleBetlemat289-225-0205orcomfort and pain management for hospice patients. mbetlem@oakridgeshospice.com. Please turn to page 42The hospice has a beautiful, positive environment, FOCUS - MAY 202241'