Along the lake's edge is a beautiful place for reflection. Passionate about growing palliative care, local physicians spend their dock days illuminating the significance of Hospice of Elgin and expanding the capacity of specialized care in this community.
The lives of human beings are finite. Death is a universal experience, yet it remains deeply personal and often shrouded in mystery. Many people grapple with feelings of uncertainty and fear when confronting this. End-of-life moments can be cathartic, symbolic, and transitional. Hospice serves as an invaluable resource at this time in one's life. What does the term 'hospice' mean? By definition, 'hospice' is both a place and type of care, palliative care, which prioritizes quality of life for individuals - and families.
Hospice's esteemed Medical Director, Dr. Kyra Harris-Schulz, shares what 'hospice' means to her: "In my work as a Palliative Care Physician, I've come to appreciate that many people are afraid of palliative care because they think that it is all about dying - but when I think about palliative care, I think about how it really is all about living; it is about how people with serious illness live up until the very end of their lives. Palliative care is a specialized healing art that focuses on the idea that while it's undoubtedly important how long we live, it's also incredibly important how well we live. I've often called myself a 'Quality of Life Doctor', because my work is premised on helping to support those with serious illness while expertly relieving their pain and suffering. It is truly a privilege to care for people in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, to hear their stories, and to honour their experiences."
Hospice offers specialized medical care, as well as emotional, physical. social and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones. Hospice care can be offered in a variety of settings (home, hospice residences, day programs etc.) and is often provided at no cost to families, thanks to the generous support of community donors.
Dr. Erica Van Daalen, Dr. Kevin Mardell, Dr. Annie Keeler, Dr. Kyra Harris-Schulz. Dr. Kellie Scott, Dr. Bob Jones
"There is something special about our medical community here in Elgin County" reflects Dr. Bob Jones. "We're a small community with a big heart, and I am immensely proud of the unprecedented support of the physicians in our community."
