There is no cost for your stay with us. However, a few personal expenses may come up during your time here, such as:

• Medications or supplies not covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit (the pharmacy will always check with you first).

• Personal comfort items, like toiletries or favourite snacks.
• Food for visiting family or friends.

We’re here to support you and will always do our best to keep costs minimal and transparent.

At Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin, we treat your personal information with care and confidentiality. Our team follows strict guidelines to keep your information private.

We kindly ask that you also respect the privacy of other patients and families by not sharing their personal stories or details.

Families are asked to take their loved one’s clothing home to launder. If you’re unable to leave the hospice, a washer and dryer are available for your use on site.

We know pets are family, and they’re welcome at Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin with prior approval. Proof of up-to-date vaccinations is required. To keep everyone comfortable, we kindly ask that pets are:

• Calm, clean, and free of fleas or ticks
• Always with a responsible adult
• On a leash or in a carrier outside the resident’s room
• Cleaned up after by their escort

We’re happy to help arrange a special visit for your furry friend!

To protect the comfort and health of our residents, staff, and volunteers, Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin is a fragrance-free space.

Please avoid wearing scented products such as perfumes, fragranced hair products, and avoid bringing items like candles, incense, diffusers, or essential oils.

If you use these items for cultural reasons, please speak with the Manager of Care to discuss accommodations.

To help keep everyone comfortable, please choose low- or no-fragrance flowers and latex-free balloons.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness!

Smoking and vaping are only permitted in the designated area at the northwest corner of the parking lot.

Residents who are able to walk or be wheeled may go with a family member or visitor, as staff are not able to accompany them.

Cigarettes, vapes, and lighters will be safely stored by staff in the care centre.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Residents may use alcohol or cannabis only with a physician’s order. These items will be securely stored and dispensed by nursing staff as directed.

For the comfort and safety of all, alcohol and recreational cannabis use by family members or visitors is not permitted anywhere on hospice grounds.

Thank you for your understanding.

At Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin, we make room for life even at life’s end. If there’s a special occasion you’d like to celebrate, please speak with a staff member.

Private spaces are available to book at no cost, and we’d be honoured to help you make the day meaningful.

At Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin, we understand that spirituality is deeply personal. For some, it may be rooted in faith or religion; for others, it may be found in nature, connection, meaning, or quiet moments of reflection.

When you arrive, your Care Team will gently explore your spiritual needs and wishes as part of your overall care. Our Psychosocial Spiritual team is here to support you in whatever brings you comfort, peace, or a sense of meaning during your time with us.

While we do our best to keep the Cottage feeling like home, your safety is always a priority. From time to time, we hold fire and emergency drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

We’ll always let you and your visitors know ahead of time, and we’ll do our best to keep any disruption to a minimum.

Some days, you may feel well enough to go for a drive, run an errand, or take care of something personal outside the hospice. If so, your physician will chat with you to make sure it’s safe, and if everything looks good, they’ll provide a Leave of Absence order.

We want you to feel as free and supported as possible, while keeping your safety a top priority.

Just like life, care needs can sometimes change. There may be times when a resident feels well enough to leave hospice, even if just for a little while. This can be a hopeful and uplifting moment—and something to celebrate.

We also understand it can bring questions and concerns about what comes next. If this time comes, your Care Team will begin thoughtful planning well in advance. Together with you, your family, your physician, and community care partners, we’ll create a plan that feels right and ensures your care continues with comfort and support.