Care & Services
How can I be referred to hospice?
Advance care planning is important when diagnosed with a life-limiting disease. Should hospice care be a part of your end-of-life planning, please ensure you are communicating this to your physician as well as your Care Coordinator. Should they be aware of your intentions to be admitted to hospice as your illness progresses, they will submit an application to Nipissing Serenity Hospice once you meet our eligibility requirements.
We encourage potential residents and families to visit us and tour our hospice at their earliest convenience. This will permit you an opportunity to meet our team, learn more about our programs and services, as well as being able to provide advance care directives to your family in an effort to meet your goals of care. Please call the hospice directly to arrange for a tour.
Is there a cost for hospice care?
There is no cost to our residents for families to receive hospice care at Nipissing Serenity Hospice.
Direct clinical expenses are partially provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care through Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS). Each year, however, NSH must fundraise approximately 40% of its annual operating budget through community fundraising efforts as well as through donations through local donors, foundations, and families. Any donations towards our programs and services are greatly appreciated.
Can my pet visit me in hospice?
Families are welcome to bring their pet from home to visit their loved one in hospice. Your furry family member must be up to date on all required shots and vaccinations and is required to be on a leash at all times while on the premises. Your pet is welcome to stay overnight but must be accompanied by a family member that can assume responsibility for the pets needs and is not to be left with the resident in care.
My family would like to facilitate cultural end-of-life traditions with our loved one; can this be done in hospice?
While we do our absolute best to inform ourselves of the many customs and traditions when a loved one dies, we encourage our families to inform and educate our team on their expectations at end-of-life. Should there be a custom or tradition that is important to you and your loved one, please let us know. We are able to accommodate smudging ceremonies in our Sacred Room and have facilitated Cedar Baths in hospice for our residents.
We would be happy to facilitate with your support and welcome the opportunity to learn from your family.
Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
Please advise your care team of any likes, dislikes, and dietary preferences so we can do our best to meet your expectations while in our care. If you have a request for a special dinner, dessert, or sweet treat, our Red Seal Chef and team of volunteers would be happy to do our best to accommodate!
Can I stay overnight with my loved one?
Each resident room is equipped with a daybed that can be set up to accommodate a restful sleep at the bedside as well as roll-away cots for additional guests.
We also have a fully equipped Guest Room that is available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.
Many area hotels offer a discounted rate for our families as well. Please inquire with our team if you’d like the list as a reference.
Are caregivers to remain on site at all times?
Your loved one’s care needs will be well tended to by our palliative trained team of Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Personal Support Workers (PSWs). Additionally, we have a team of grief and bereavement trained volunteers who give their time, compassion, and support at the bedside so our families can rest when they need to. Certainly, you are welcome to stay as often or as little as you wish but please know in your absence, our care team and volunteers will ensure that all of your loved ones needs are being met.
What are your visiting hours?
At Nipissing Serenity Hospice, we believe that the journey towards end-of-life is not solely that of our resident and understand that families and friends are an integral part of their experience. We do not have visiting hours and you are welcome to come and go as you see fit. Death is not a medical event, but a social event and the community is a large part of that. If you are unable to visit, you are welcome to contact our Care Team directly to inquire about an update for your loved one.
Donations & Fundraising
How can I get others to make memorial donations in my loved one's memory?
When planning the funeral services for your loved one, include our name in the obituary that will be posted publicly. Having our name listed will ensure people will contact us directly, donate using our online platform, or through the funeral home providing services.
If you are hosting a private Celebration of Life, please contact us directly and we would be happy to provide you with some donation cards that can be returned to us in person or by mail.
If you and your family are interested in a list of those who have donated in memory of your loved one, please contact us directly and we can provide the list.
Do you share information about my donation with families?
Unless requested by the donor or the family of an individual being memorialized or honoured by a donation, we do not automatically share this information. When requested, we will share the donor's name and contact information. You may also choose to attach a message to the notification.
If the request is being made by the donor to notify the family that a donation was made in their loved one's name, we require the name and contact information (either an email or complete mailing address) for the family. Without this information, we do not necessarily know who to contact or where to send the notice.
If you're still not sure, please feel free to contact us at any time via email at info@nipissingserenityhospice.ca or by phone at 705-995-3377 during business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-4pm).
I am trying to donate online but it's not working. What do I do?
Contact us directly via email at info@nipissingserenityhospice.ca or by phone at 705-995-3377 during business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-4pm) and we will provide assistance.
Where do my donations go?
All donations are used for care supplies, food and supplies in the kitchen, cleaning supplies, PPE, special activites to honour our residents' last wishes, our facility's water, hydro and heating, repairs on our equipment and infrastructure, and for general administration supplies.
All funds stay directly within the organization to ensure the highest quality of care and experience for our residents and their families.
If you want your donations to go to anything specific, please contact us in person, by phone at 705-995-3377 during business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-4pm) or via email at info@nipissingserenityhospice.ca.
How can I host a fundraiser for you?
We are always open to new fundraising opportunities within the community. If you want to host a fundraiser for us, please contact us directly in person or by phone during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00pm) or via email at info@nipissingserenityhospice.ca.
You can also visit our Fundraise page for additional resources.