Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care

11/05/2025

Jenna had the pleasure of guest lecturing at Bow Valley College! The topic? Grief 101 — how to build resilience and compassion, and how to support each other through difficult times.
She met over 60 students across two sessions from the Addictions and Disability Studies program. What a thoughtful and engaged group! Thank you to everyone for your openness, curiosity, and meaningful questions. It was a joy to spend time with you and share these important conversations!

11/03/2025

Deer Season in Renfrew County: Honouring Tradition, Grief, and the Ones Who Aren’t With Us This Year

It’s that time of year again. The mornings are cold, the coffee is strong, and the orange vests start appearing on the backroads and in the bush. Deer season in Renfrew County isn’t just about hunting. It’s about tradition. It’s about families, generations, and the stories that come out around the fire when the day’s hunt is done.

For many families, “the hunt” is a yearly ritual. Time off work, packed trucks, the same old camp, and the same group of friends who’ve been doing this together for decades. It’s a week that marks the rhythm of fall in the Valley.

But for some, this season feels different.
Maybe someone’s too sick this year to go to camp. Maybe last year was their last hunt, though no one realized it at the time. Or maybe this is the first deer season without your dad, your brother, or your lifelong hunting buddy, the one who always had the best stories or made the worst coffee.
These traditions hold deep meaning, and when someone can no longer be there, the absence can feel heavy. The camp becomes not only a place of laughter and routine but also a place where grief quietly shows up.

So how do we honour that?
Maybe it’s keeping their chair by the fire. Hanging their hat or jacket where it always was. Telling their stories out loud, even the ones everyone’s heard a hundred times. Maybe it’s taking a quiet moment before heading out, standing in the cold morning air and saying their name.

Honouring the tradition doesn’t mean pretending everything’s the same. It means carrying them with you, in memory, in ritual, and in the small moments that make the hunt what it is.

For those who are palliative or no longer well enough to make the trip, know that you’re still part of the camp. You’re in every story retold, every meal shared, every dawn that breaks over the bush. The bonds that were built over those early mornings and long days don’t fade; they shift, they soften, and they find new ways to stay alive.
To their camp members still hunting, drop in to see them in your orange, tell them they are missed or bring them a special meal prepared at the camp.

This deer season, as the trucks roll out and the wood stoves are lit, take a moment to honour those who can’t be there.
Because around here, hunting isn’t just about the deer. It’s about connection, belonging, and remembering.

Wishing the hunters a successful season and be safe out there!

11/02/2025

From Grief to Connection: Hospice Retreat Brings Community Together

First annual Widows Retreat at Mont Madawaska in Barry’s Bay Ontario offers meaningful workshops, therapeutic activities, and a glimpse at next year’s expanded program for widowed men.

Madawaska Valley Hospice recently hosted its first annual Widows Retreat at the beautiful Mont Madawaska venue, bringing together 20 widowed women from across Renfrew County and beyond for a weekend of healing, reflection, and connection.
The women who attended represented varying ages and stages, both in life circumstances and in their grief. This created a rich and supportive environment where each participant could feel understood and included. The connections that were made over the weekend were deep and meaningful, a true reminder of the power of shared experience. The retreat offered a thoughtful combination of guided grief workshops, gentle wellness breaks, and nourishing food, creating an atmosphere that was both supportive and restorative.
One participant shared, “The community aspect of it was most meaningful. I already had a couple of widowed friends and family members, but spending time with a larger group somehow helped bring reality and further acceptance of my own circumstance. It felt like a very unique and safe space.” Another participant reflected on her personal journey, saying, “I was afraid I wouldn't find my place as a mom with young teens — boy, was I wrong. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Madawaska Valley Hospice extends heartfelt thanks to all the local practitioners who generously donated their time to provide meaningful and therapeutic activities during the wellness breaks. These sessions offered participants moments of relaxation, reflection, and renewal throughout the weekend.
We are also deeply grateful to our facilitators and volunteers, whose dedication and compassion created a safe, supportive environment for healing and connection. One volunteer shared, “It was wonderful to watch women connect to other women through a shared experience.”
Another volunteer reflected on the impact of the weekend, saying, “It was quite an experience to see and feel the shifts that took place for the participants and support team. Grief is difficult to talk about and, for many, difficult to work with. The experienced and compassionate leaders and volunteers offered a safe and open space for sharing and being heard. The addition of healing modalities such as acupuncture, Therapeutic Touch®, art therapy, Reiki, and guided walks, to mention a few, provided balance to the weekend.”
A special thank-you goes to our personal chef, Jhojhan, and his dedicated volunteer, Soula, who put their love and soul into the beautiful meals they prepared. Their care and attention added warmth, nourishment, and joy to the weekend, making every meal a memorable part of the retreat experience.
Jenna Stamplicoski, Coordinator of Bereavement Services at Madawaska Valley Hospice and organizer of the event, reflected on the success of the weekend: “It definitely was an event to be proud of. An event that provides this level of service and connection is rare to find, especially in rural and remote areas. Our goal was to create an accessible and exceptional retreat experience, and we definitely delivered.”
Most importantly, we thank the participants, the courageous women who gave this new event a chance, who showed up with open hearts, and who leaned into connection even when it felt difficult.
Looking ahead, next year’s retreat will be an expanded version that includes a dedicated day for widowed men, held in the same beautiful space. This will ensure that more members of our community have access to meaningful grief support and connection.
Events like this highlight the importance of community-based grief support and the healing power of connection. Madawaska Valley Hospice remains committed to offering compassionate programs that help individuals navigate loss, build resilience, and rediscover hope. At Madawaska Valley Hospice, we believe no one should face grief alone, and we are here to walk alongside our community every step of the way.

If you have any questions about this event, please reach out!

11/01/2025

Why Making a Holiday Grief Plan Matters!

1. Reduces Anxiety Through Preparation-
The unknown is often harder than the day itself.
Creating a plan helps replace “What will I do?” with “Here’s what I’ll try.”
It turns overwhelming feelings into manageable steps, giving the nervous system a sense of safety and predictability.

2. Promotes Emotional Regulation
Anticipating triggers (like certain songs, meals, or traditions) allows for proactive coping.
You can identify “grief hotspots” and plan grounding or comforting activities in advance.
This preparation supports self-compassion — you’re not blindsided by grief waves.

3. Builds a Sense of Agency and Control
Loss often leaves people feeling powerless.
Planning restores a small but meaningful sense of control.
Even small choices — such as deciding which traditions to keep, change, or skip — reinforce autonomy and empowerment.

4. Encourages Resilient Decision-Making
A plan allows for flexibility — acknowledging that feelings may change from day to day.
It helps people respond rather than react to grief triggers.
This builds adaptive coping, a core skill of resilience.

5. Strengthens Support Systems
When you make a plan, you can communicate your needs to others.
Loved ones know what kind of support is welcome (or not).
It opens doors for connection and understanding rather than isolation.

6. Honours Both Grief and Hope
A plan allows space for remembrance rituals — lighting a candle, visiting a special place, sharing stories.
It also makes room for joy or new traditions without guilt.
This balanced approach reflects resilient grieving: holding both sorrow and gratitude.

7. Prevents Emotional Overload
By scheduling downtime, escape options, or self-care activities, you avoid burnout.
It’s easier to cope when you’ve made room for rest and emotional recovery.

Join MVHPC for Hope for the holidays! We will make a grief plan together.

10/31/2025

Pulling From Your Strengths and Supports
One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from Dr. Lucy Hone’s work on resilient grieving is that resilience isn’t something only a few people are born with. It’s something we can learn and practice.
When we’re hurting, it’s easy to focus on what’s missing or what feels too heavy to carry. But resilience is about remembering what helps us hold on. Lucy talks about being intentional with our choices and asking ourselves a simple question:
Is this helping me, or is this harming me?
That question can change everything.
When we pause long enough to ask it, we start to see what actually supports our healing. Sometimes that means stepping away from what drains us, whether that’s too much scrolling, overcommitting, or trying to keep everyone else comfortable. Other times it’s about leaning into the people, routines, and places that feel steady and kind.
Pulling from your strengths and supports doesn’t mean you have to feel strong all the time. It means recognizing the things that already help you survive hard days. Maybe it’s your sense of humour, your faith, your family, or the quiet moments that remind you of who you are.
Resilience grows each time you choose what helps and let go of what harms. Even small choices count. Today, try asking yourself: What helps me feel a little more like myself? What can I lean on right now?
Healing is built from those moments. It’s not about bouncing back. It’s about finding ways to move forward with care, strength, and self-compassion.

10/28/2025

Let’s learn about oxygen in palliative care!

10/28/2025

Come join us!

Are you curious about how end of life planning and care could support you and your loved ones in your life journey?

Join us at the Killaloe and District Public Library for Walking Two Roads: Hoping for the Best, Planning for the Rest.

This insightful presentation by Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care will focus on the balance between staying positive as we approach this transitional time, while also seeking honest, accurate information. We’ll learn how to stay both hopeful and grounded in reality.

PLEASE NOTE: PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

To register and find out more, email seniors@crc-renfrewcounty.com or call 613-757-3108 .

10/27/2025

Thank you to our Volunteers Diane and Nancy!
They represented MVHPC at the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, Health Services, Seniors Fair last Thursday! Great job and beautiful display of all we do!

10/24/2025

It’s here! Our first MVHPC Widows Retreat!

We’re thrilled to be welcoming our widows retreat guests this evening! Over the next couple of days, we’ll share space, support, and connection as these incredible women navigate their journey of grief and resilience.

Here’s to rest, reflection, and a few moments of joy along the way.

10/23/2025

Excellent workshops that our Retreat guests can participate in this weekend!

10/22/2025

The Importance of Regular Mouth Care at the End of Life

At the end of life, our bodies slow down, and basic functions like swallowing, saliva production, and eating often become more difficult. This can lead to dry mouth, infections, and discomfort — all of which can be distressing for the person and noticeable to their loved ones.

Here’s why regular mouth care matters so much:

Reduces Discomfort
Dry, cracked lips and tongue, mouth sores, or fungal infections can be painful.
Moistening the mouth and gently cleaning it can bring immediate relief.

Prevents Infection
Bacteria build up quickly in the mouth when saliva decreases.

Maintains Dignity and Well-Being
A clean, comfortable mouth helps the person feel cared for and respected.
Loved ones often notice the difference — mouth care can reduce feelings of helplessness and stress for caregivers too.

Enhances Overall Comfort
Mouth care isn’t just physical; it’s emotional. A gentle touch, a moist cloth, or a soft toothbrush can provide reassurance, human connection, and a sense of normalcy.

Practical Tips:
Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge swab for the mouth and lips.
Offer frequent sips of water or ice chips if safe.
Apply lip balm to prevent cracking.
Brush teeth gently if possible, even without toothpaste.
Avoid strong mouthwashes that can dry out the mouth.

Remember: At the end of life, comfort is the goal. Mouth care is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to relieve discomfort and honour the person’s dignity.