Hospice Orillia offers practical, emotional, and spiritual support to those in our community coping with advanced illness, death, and bereavement.
02/05/2026
📬 The February edition of Hospice Happenings is here!
Our latest monthly newsletter is now available online and full of meaningful updates, education, and community connection. In this issue, you’ll find:
- Beyond the Stethoscope
- Opportunities to Become a Volunteer
- Grief Support Walking Group details
- Continued Education for Healthcare Providers
- The Waiting Room Revolution
- Wellness Corner & Hot Tips
PLUS: an early look at the 2026 Hike for Hospice 💙
Take a few minutes to read, reflect, and stay connected to the compassionate work happening in our community.
“Be patient with yourself and others today.
Everyone is doing their best.” ✨
A little patience goes a long way.
With yourself. With others. Always. 🤍
Extend grace inward and outward.
Grief looks different for everyone, and each of us is doing the best we can with what we have. 🌱
A reminder we could all use—especially on the harder days.
02/03/2026
NSMHPCN February Hot Tip 💛 Caring for the Caregiver 💛
Those who care for others often put their own needs last—quietly running on empty while showing up every day with compassion and strength. Caring for the caregiver is essential. When caregivers make space for rest, emotional support, and even small moments of joy, they protect not only their own well-being but also the quality of care they’re able to give.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s a necessary reset that helps prevent burnout, resentment, and exhaustion. Whether it’s asking for help, setting boundaries, or simply taking a deep breath, tending to the caregiver reminds us that compassion truly starts at home. When caregivers are cared for, everyone benefits.
🎥 Watch: Self-Care for the Caregiver: Essential Strategies for Well-Being
👉 https://bit.ly/FEB26W
🎧 Listen: Managing Falls with Steve Powell | Happy Healthy Caregiver Podcast
👉 https://bit.ly/FEB26L
You matter too. 💙
02/02/2026
🐾 Meet the Team: Trooper, COPE Facility Dog 🐾
When I was just a pup, they asked for volunteers to become facility dogs—and I couldn’t help myself! I jumped right in, tail wagging, of course. At first, I thought this important role meant I’d be a full-time treat tester. While treats are still a highlight of my day, I quickly discovered my true purpose was something even better.
Now, I spend my days offering comfort, calm, and unconditional support to humans when they need it most. Whether I’m sitting quietly, giving a gentle nudge, or simply being present, helping people feel safe and supported is what I was made for. I’m incredibly grateful for that little misunderstanding all those years ago, because being a COPE Facility Dog is the best job I could ever imagine. (Though I’ll never say no to a snack, just to be clear. Just need to ask my handler Louise first is all 😉)
Proud to be part of the team—one paw, one moment, and one heart at a time. 💙🐶
01/31/2026
🥳🥳We don't know about you, but we are super excited about the 2026 Hike for Hospice!! 🥳🥳
As you can see the excitement is in the air, we already have a good number of sponsors confirmed! If you would like information on how to sponsor or register for the 2026 Hike, please visit https://nsmhpcn.ca/H4H26
01/30/2026
📬 There’s still time to sign up and receive February's issue of Hospice Happenings straight to your inbox!
February's issue includes:
🎙 Beyond the Stethoscope – Managing Cultural Diversity in End-of-Life Care
💡 Hot Tips – Caring for the Caregiver
📖 How to Become a Volunteer
🌐 Grief Support Walking Group
🌱 Wellness Corner
PLUS 2026 Hike for Hospice!
Don’t miss out on updates, resources, and stories that matter most.
Join us this afternoon for the next NSMHPCN ECHO Session with Georgian Bay Palliative
Care Clinical Coach and E3 Community Services.
Choices at End of Life – Essential Partnerships for Quality Care
A Palliative Approach to Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
We’re pleased to welcome Christine Vallis-Page, MHA, CHE, BCom, RN, CEO, E3 Community Services Inc., and Lisa Wright, RN, BScN, CHPCN(c), SGB OHT Palliative Care Clinical Coach, Hospice Georgian Triangle. Together, they will share insights from their joint program supporting aging individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This session will explore how essential partnerships help people remain in their homes while equipping staff with practical tools to deliver compassionate, person-centred palliative care. The presentation will also address common healthcare gaps faced by this population due to complex behavioural and communication needs.
Experiencing the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness can be an overwhelming and emotionally complex journey, with one of the profound aspects being the grieving of future plans. When someone receives news of a life-limiting illness, it often shatters the expectations and dreams they had envisioned for the future.
The realization that certain milestones, aspirations, and long-held dreams may not come to fruition can lead to a profound sense of loss. This form of grief is unique in that it involves mourning not only for the present but also for a future that now takes on a different and uncertain shape. The individual may grapple with the idea of not being able to witness key life events, accomplish personal and professional goals, or share meaningful moments with loved ones as originally planned. Coping with this grief involves navigating the acceptance of a new, unexpected reality while finding ways to cherish and make the most of the time that remains. It’s a deeply emotional process that requires support, compassion, and understanding from both the individual and those close to them.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, reach out, our Supportive Counselling program can help! For more information, please call Sidney Grocott, Community Social Worker, (705) 325-0505 ext. 211 or visit https://hospiceorillia.ca/supportive-counselling/
01/26/2026
✨ Meet the Team Monday ✨
We’re excited to introduce our new “Meet the Team Monday” social media series!
Each week, we’ll be shining a light on the incredible people behind the work we do at Hospice Orillia — their roles, passions, and the heart they bring to our services and our community every day. 💜
Today we would like to shine the spotlight on Jackie!
Jackie supports our Visting Program (including Footprints Projects and Caregiver Connection) as well as our Bereavement Program (including One-to-One Peer Support and Group Facilitation – you might recognize her from posts about our Youth Equine Therapy Group). 🐴
Jackie is also a key member of the Hike for Hospice planning committee!
We’ve included a quote Jackie gave us about her volunteering experience:
"Getting to volunteer with Hospice Orillia and be a part of each client's unique journey is a gift."
Please join us in thanking Jackie for giving her time and talents to supporting the mission of Hospice Orillia! 👏💖
Stay tuned to our socials as we celebrate more faces that shape our organization and serve our community! 👥🏡
01/24/2026
💛 Call for Volunteers: Complementary Therapy Program – Hospice Orillia 💛
Hospice Orillia is seeking compassionate volunteers to join our Complementary Therapy Program. This program supports individuals living with a progressive, life-limiting illness through Reiki, offering gentle, holistic care that nurtures the mind, body, and soul.
Complementary Therapies are designed to reduce stress and promote deep relaxation. They work alongside the care individuals are already receiving and are intended to be calming, supportive, and non-invasive. Each person is eligible for up to six sessions, helping to bring comfort during a meaningful time in their journey.
All Complementary Therapy services at Hospice Orillia are provided by trained practitioners who generously volunteer their time and talents.
If you are a certified practitioner with a caring heart and a desire to make a difference, we would love to connect with you.
📅 Interested in learning more? Join one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions on Zoom.
Our next session takes place February 10.
Your presence can offer peace, comfort, and healing in ways that truly matter.
01/23/2026
Myth vs. Fact Friday
Myth: Many people believe hospice care can only begin with a doctor’s referral — but that’s not true.
Fact: Patients and families can initiate the conversation and seek information directly from hospice professionals.
At Hospice Orillia, we are part of a Palliative Approach to Care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Patients and families are welcome to contact us directly to ask questions, explore our programs and services, and talk about how we can support them — now or in the future.
These conversations are not about giving up hope. They are about sharing information, planning ahead, and ensuring individuals and families feel supported every step of the way.
💛 If you’re wondering how Hospice Orillia may be able to help, we’re here to listen. A simple conversation can be the first step. Please reach out (705) 325-0505 or visit https://hospiceorillia.ca
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Hospice Orillia offers practical, emotional and spiritual support to those in our community coping with advanced illness, death and bereavement. Our volunteers and staff serve clients and their loved ones of all ages and backgrounds with compassion and respect, while honouring their choices and supporting them through their life journey.
We believe that death is a part of life, a rite of passage. There is much that can be done to help individuals and their families face this time with dignity and quality in their lives. Each person is unique and his or her distinctness will be respected within an atmosphere of confidentiality.
Mission / Vision / Philosophy
Mission: Hospice Orillia offers practical, emotional and spiritual support to those in our community coping with advanced illness, death and bereavement. Our volunteers and staff serve clients and their loved ones of all ages and backgrounds with compassion and respect, while honouring their choices and supporting them through their life journey.
Vision: Hospice Orillia will be recognized as a leader in both providing and advocating for Hospice Palliative Care services within our community. We will enhance the awareness and understanding of the need for these services through education, collaboration and community involvement.
Philosophy: We believe that death is a part of life, a rite of passage. There is much that can be done to help individuals and their families face this time with dignity and quality in their lives. Each person is unique and his or her distinctness will be respected within an atmosphere of confidentiality.
Inclusion: Hospice Orillia is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, can contribute fully, and have equal opportunities. Hospice Orillia’s programs, services and opportunities will be accessible regardless of age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, receipt of public assistance, record of offences, s*x, or s*xual orientation.
