FAQ

Any healthcare provider involved in a person’s care can initiate a referral to Oak Ridges Hospice. However, all referrals must include involvement from the client’s Most Responsible Physician (MRP) (e.g., palliative or family physician) to help determine eligibility. We require direct MRP-to-MRP contact to support a smooth and appropriate transfer of care.

To begin the referral process, your healthcare provider must complete the Oak Ridges Hospice Intake Form, available on our website. For urgent inquiries, call 289-225-0215 (Monday–Friday, business hours)

Once a referral is received, our Intake Coordinator will reach out to the client and/or their Substitute Decision Maker (SDM) or POA within 1 to 3 business days. They will review the referral to determine if a Suitability Assessment is needed. If the individual does not yet meet admission criteria, they may be placed on our waitlist, and the Intake Coordinator will remain in contact to monitor any changes.

A Suitability Assessment is a one-on-one appointment between the Intake Coordinator and the client and/or their SDM or POA. These appointments last about one hour and are designed to ensure hospice care is the right fit.

During the assessment, we will:

• Review our philosophy of care
• Confirm eligibility criteria
• Identify care needs and safety considerations
• Answer any questions from the client, family, or caregivers

We will also ask to review:

• Power of Attorney documentation
• Health card
• Insurance and COVID-19 vaccination status (if applicable)
• All current medications (in their original containers)

If the client meets hospice criteria, a bed offer will be made based on priority and availability. If the client is not yet eligible, they will remain on our waitlist, and we will continue to check in with their healthcare provider.

Bed Offers are made to the referring healthcare provider once a client has completed the intake process and meets admission criteria. If a bed is not immediately available, eligible clients will be added to our waitlist and contacted when a bed becomes available.

We appreciate updates on changes in health status or if the client is transferred to another facility. Please call us at 289-225-0215 with any changes.

They have chosen a comfort-based approach to their care.

• This includes choosing to stop taking “life prolonging” medications or medications that treat conditions such as high cholesterol or vitamins.
• No CPR or taking vital signs such as blood pressure
• No further blood tests or investigations
• Choosing to stop all cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation interventions

When an individual has decided they are emotionally and psychologically prepared to change their goals of care to a comfort-based approach

• Hospice supports this by allowing the focus at end of life to be on spending quality time with family and friends in a home-like environment
• Choosing to focus on comfort at end of life

When they are ready to discuss end of life planning and wishes

• This would include choosing funeral arrangements and considering specific ceremonies or spiritual events

Someone who has a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of less than 3 months

Someone who is no long seeking active medical/curative treatments

Typically, those admitted to hospice have seen some of the following changes:

• Decreased oral intake and appetite
• Eating and drinking less, which are both normal as someone approaches end of life
• Fatigue and the desire to rest in bed most of the time
• No longer able to walk short distances, such as to the washroom
• A significant change in level of functioning within the last few weeks to month

Suitability for hospice is ultimately determined by our intake coordinators and palliative physicians’ team – each case is assessed in detail to determine if Oak Ridges Hospice is the right care setting for the individual and their family

Having a conversation around your goals of care is helpful for you and your doctor to determine if hospice is right for you. If your goals of care are focused on a comfort and symptom management approach, your doctor can conveniently fill out a referral online through our website. Alternatively, your doctor can fax us a referral, along with any supporting documents to (enter IA fax number).

At our residential hospice, we are committed to providing compassionate, dignified end-of-life care at no cost to individuals or their families. All hospice services, including 24/7 nursing care, pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, meals, and comfortable accommodations, are completely free of charge.

Please note: The only exception is the cost of stretcher transfer to the hospice, which is not covered and is the responsibility of the family. This is a private pay service arranged through a third-party provider.

Oak Ridges Hospice respects the values, choices, and autonomy of each individual in our care. We support access to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in accordance with Canadian legislation. Individuals who choose MAiD are welcome at our hospice, provided they meet our standard admission criteria.

Visitors are welcome 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can visit at any time that is most convenient for you. For the safety and comfort of all residents, we ask that all visitors sign in and out at the front desk upon arrival and departure. A reception volunteer will be available to greet you from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Outside of these hours, please ring the front doorbell, and a staff member will assist you. Additionally, we kindly request that visitors be mindful of others and respect quiet moments when needed.

Furry loved ones are welcome to visit Oak Ridges Hospice, provided their vaccinations are up to date. Pets must be kept in a carrier or on a leash when outside of the resident’s suite and are not allowed in the kitchen areas. For the comfort and hygiene of all, we ask that pets be taken outside for bathroom breaks, rather than using pads in the rooms.

See: What to Bring List

We highly advise booking a stretcher transfer to get to hospice. Please see the attached list for some companies that provide this service.

See: Transportation Options

See: Honour Guard RC GOOD