Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions & Services

DO I NEED A DOCTOR'S REFERRAL TO COME TO HOSPICE VAUGHAN?

You do not need a referral to access service or join any of HV’s community programs. Referrals can be made by yourself, a family member, a caregiver, or another health care provider. You do need a referral from your physician or HCSS case manager to access a bed at residence for end of life care.

WHAT IS THE COST OF HOSPICE VAUGHAN'S PROGRAMS AND SERVICES?
There is no cost to any of Hospice Vaughan’s programs & services, including our 12- bed Hospice Palliative Care Residence.
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT TO OBTAIN SERVICE & SUPPORT FROM HOSPICE VAUGHAN?

There is no time limit restricting support from Hospice Vaughan. We can support you and your family from diagnosis forward. Referrals can also be made to other supportive health care providers and community agencies.

DOES HOSPICE VAUGHAN ONLY SERVE INDIVIDUALS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER?

No, Hospice Vaughan serves all individuals who are wanting support at end of life regardless of their disease. We support anyone regardless of race, culture, age, or means.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Bring soap, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, denture care items, electric razor comb/brush, shampoo, deodorant, and any other personal care items that will help with comfort. You are also welcome to bring a favourite pillow and blanket, cherished pictures, and other personal items that may help make the space more personal and relaxing. Personal pyjamas are also welcome (please note: the garment will be opened at the back to provide for easier washing and care of the resident).

CAN CHILDREN COME TO THE HOSPICE?
Children are welcome to visit. Parents are asked to always oversee the care of their children. The children’s area is always open with board games and activities to occupy their time.
ARE PETS ALLOWED?

Pets are welcome but please consult with our care team before your pet is brought in. If you plan to bring in your pet, please ensure:

  • Your pet is friendly, house trained and well behaved
  • All pets must have an up-to-date immunization record
  • All pets must be supervised by an adult at all times and will clean up after them in the event of an accident
  • If another resident has allergies to a pet, we may restrict the areas of visitation to the resident’s room
  • Pets must be on a leash at all times during their stay
ALCOHOL?

The consumption of alcohol is permitted; however, it must be approved by your overseeing physician. Families are welcome to bring their loved one’s favourite drink for moderate consumption. If this becomes a problem for the care and comfort of those we serve or other guests, we may limit alcohol on the premises.

CANNABIS?

The smoking of cannabis by client/friends/family in the Hospice Vaughan building is prohibited. You may smoke in the designated outdoor smoking areas; the client should be accompanied by a staff or family member. The use of cannabis products (oils, edibles, etc.) by the client may be used if approved by the overseeing physician.

SMOKING AND VAPING?

Smoking or vaping on Hospice Vaughan property is prohibited. Residents may smoke or vape in designated areas only, when accompanied by staff or family member.

WHAT IS THE RESIDENT CAPACITY AT HOSPICE VAUGHAN?
In December of 2022, we expanded the Hospice Residence from 10 to 12 residential beds to respond to the growing need in the community.
DOES HOSPICE VAUGHAN SERVE PEOPLE AT HOME?

In 2022-23, Hospice Vaughan served 185 people at home in the community and supported 436 caregivers.

WHAT DO THE RESIDENT ROOMS LOOK LIKE?

Each suite at Hospice Vaughan has large picture windows facing into the gardens, private bathroom, refrigerator and television. We offer the opportunity to take a virtual tour of the facility which can be located on our website.

AM I READY TO RECEIVE PALLIATIVE CARE?

89% of people with life-limiting illness, such as a progressive neurological illness and organ failure, could benefit from palliative care.

HOW CAN I CONTACT HOSPICE VAUGHAN?

You can get in contact with us in several ways which include:

  • Email: info@hospicevaughan.com
  • Phone: 1-905-850-6266
  • Fax: 1-905-850-7987
  • Residence Referral Fax: 1-289-256-2084
  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday –> 9AM – 5PM
  • Send us a message at the bottom of the “Contact Us” page located in the “About Us” tab.
WHEN CAN REFERRALS BE MADE?

A referral can be made at the time of diagnosis or any time after. Referrals to our residence programs need to be facilitated by an attending physician.

WHERE CAN I GET A REFERRAL FORM FOR PALLIATIVE CARE?

There is a button that allows you to download the Palliative Care Common Referral Form which can be found on the Referral Form page in the Admissions & Services tab.

ARE ALL HOSPICE PROVIDERS THE SAME?

No, hospice providers are independent from one another and can be profit or not- for-profit. Hospice Vaughan is a not-for-profit organization.

ARE PEOPLE SATISFIED WITH HOSPICE CARE?

97% of people have said that all their needs were being met in a residential hospice and 89% gave a rating of “Excellent” for overall care. 82% of people agreed or strongly agreed that hospice palliative care helped to improve the patient’s quality of life.

DOES HOSPICE VAUGHAN SUPPORT THEIR RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE DAY?

At Hospice Vaughan, we support our patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with compassionate and comprehensive care at no cost to the resident.

WHERE IS HOSPICE VAUGHAN LOCATED?

Hospice Vaughan is located at:

9383 Islington Avenue
Vaughan, Ontario
L4F 3G7

WHEN DID HOSPICE VAUGHAN CHANGE LOCATIONS?

On June 24, 2021, Hospice Vaughan opened their new state of the art health care facility and hub for palliative care.

Community events

WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS?

Our event calendar provides information about each event and program including details regarding date, time, location, and registration details.

ARE ALL HOSPICE VAUGHAN EVENTS & PROGRAMS HELD AT HOSPICE VAUGHAN?

No. Depending on the event/program, it can be held at a different facility or perhaps even online.

DOES HOSPICE VAUGHAN OFFER SUPPORT SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES?

Yes, Hospice Vaughan offers several support services for individuals & families which include Palliative Support, Caregiver Support, Child & Youth Support, and Grief & Bereavement.

HOW CAN I HOST A THIRD-PARTY EVENT?

Hospice Vaughan has created a Third-Party Community Event Toolkit that includes information regarding how to host a third-party event, how to operate and manage a third-party event, and how to register a third-party event.

Privacy Policy

ARE ALL THE STAFF TRAINED AT HOSPICE VAUGHAN?

All Hospice Vaughan staff, volunteers, and students will participate in privacy and confidentiality training and indicate comprehension and agreement by signing the Confidentiality Agreement Form of Acknowledgement upon commencement of work and on an annual basis.

WHAT DOES HOSPICE VAUGHAN DO WITH OUR PERSONAL & HEALTH INFORMATION?

During the course of our various programs, we frequently gather and use personal and health information. This information will be carefully protected. Utilization or sharing of this information will be limited to relevant healthcare providers and individuals the client identifies through express or implied consent.

HOW DOES HOSPICE VAUGHAN PROTECT OUR PRIVACY?

In accordance with our mission, Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA Bill 31), public expectations for privacy, and internationally accepted information principles, Hospice Vaughan is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of the person, organizational, and health information of our clients, staff, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders regardless of the medium (verbal, written, or electronic).

HOW OFTEN IS THE PRIVACY POLICY REVIEWED/EDITED?
The Privacy Policies are reviewed every 2 years unless there is legislated or significant practice changes.
WHAT PROCEDURE DOES HOSPICE VAUGHAN FOLLOW REGARDING BREACH OF PRIVACY OR CONFIDENTIALITY?
  1. Contain the breach and notify affected individuals
  2. Notify those affected by the breach
  3. Investigate
  4. Notify the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC)
  5. Reduce the risk of future breaches
WHAT IS A PRIVACY BREACH OR BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY AT HOSPICE VAUGHAN?

A privacy breach occurs when personal information is collected, retained, used, disclosed, or disposed of in ways that do not comply with Ontario’s privacy laws.

For community, by community.

Providing world class palliative and bereavement care when its needed, where its needed.