The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc.

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, clinical end-of-life care and supportive services to individuals and families facing life-altering diagnoses. Founded in 1979, it serves the Windsor-Essex community by offering a wide range of palliative and wellness programs aimed at meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones.

History and Mission

Established in 1979, The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County was created to deliver specialized, equitable access to palliative care in the region. The organization is committed to supporting adults, children, and caregivers in settings of their choice, whether in their own homes or in dedicated hospice residences. Despite receiving only partial government funding, the hospice depends heavily on community volunteers and donors to sustain its services free of charge to patients and families[1].

Facilities

The hospice operates two residential campuses in the Windsor-Essex area:

• Windsor Residence: Located in Windsor, Ontario, this campus offers 10 suites for residential palliative care.
• Erie Shores Campus: Located in Leamington, Ontario, this campus also provides 10 palliative care suites.

Together, these residences offer a total of 20 beds to accommodate patients requiring round-the-clock care in a homelike environment, all at no cost to the patient or their family[2].

Services and Programs

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County offers a comprehensive suite of services that extend beyond end-of-life care. These include:

• Palliative Medicine Programs: Clinical care focused on symptom management and quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
• At-Home Care: Support and care provided to patients in their own homes.
• Support Groups and Wellness Programs: Over 50 programs designed to support the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of patients, families, and caregivers throughout the illness trajectory—from pre-diagnosis through bereavement.
• Counseling and Spiritual Care: Holistic services addressing psychological and spiritual needs.
• Educational Outreach: Resources and education to empower patients and families facing serious illness[1][3][5].

Community Engagement and Fundraising

The organization actively engages the community through various fundraising events and awareness campaigns, including:

• The annual Rubber Duck Drop
• The signature Hospice Gala
• The Hospice Dove Pin Campaign

These events raise essential funds that enable the hospice to continue providing care without charging patients or families[1].

Accessibility and Language

Services are fully accessible, accommodating various needs related to parking, entrance, and washrooms. The hospice also offers support in English and French, with interpretive services available for other languages upon request[3].

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. continues to be a vital resource in southwestern Ontario, embodying a community-driven approach to compassionate hospice and palliative care. Its comprehensive services support patients and families through challenging diagnoses, emphasizing dignity, comfort, and quality of life.

Business Registration Number: 108084393RR0001