May 1, 2019, Milton, Ontario – With National Palliative Care Week almost upon us, The Townsend Smith Foundation (TSF) is in full support of recognizing the importance of end-of-life care for patients, their loved ones and the caregivers that support them.
National Palliative Care Week will be observed in Canada from May 5-11 this year.
The Foundation is currently raising funds to build a palliative care hospice to serve members of the North Halton communities in their final days. One TSF fundraising initiative will be its second annual Hike for Hospice on May 25, 2019.
Residential hospices are built by communities. Once a hospice is built, government funding can cover some of its operational costs. Largely, a hospice comes together with the support of private and corporate citizens in the form of donations of land, money, and expertise. At the moment, the Foundation is focused on finding a suitable property and raising the $3.5-5 million necessary to build a ten-bed facility for residents of Milton, Georgetown, Acton and the communities in between.
“Few people at the end-of-life actually require acute medical care, yet 70 per cent of deaths occur in hospital,” said John Barrett, TSF President. “Most people would prefer to die at home, but not all have the resources to make this possible. A residential hospice provides a peaceful, private space at no cost to residents and their families.
“Excellent hospice care is provided in Oakville and Burlington, with residents of those cities being a priority. Over a ten-year period, Milton District Hospital classified almost 600 patients as palliative. Only one received a hospice bed. With a combined population of almost 200,000, North Halton desperately needs a local option.”
Established in 2011, the Townsend Smith Foundation was named for the late Ron Townsend and the late Tessie Smith, both active Milton residents. The Foundation is a registered charitable corporation.
CONTACT:
John Barrett, President
Townsend Smith Foundation
Tel: 289-878-3407
E-mail: admin@townsend-smith.ca
Hospice made losing Mike a little bit more bearable knowing he was well taken care of in his final days. Being able to walk through the door and feel like you’re walking into your best friends home was amazing. Being able to be his wife again and not his caregiver took a lot of the burden off of me and allowed me to have that connection with Mike again before his passing. Laying with Mike in hospice, each of us on our side of the bed, is one of my most cherished memories. Having a hospice locally would have allowed me and my boys to spend more time together with Mike and less time driving back and forth a few times a day.
Come and learn more about Compassionate Communities, and making your family and friends aware of your wishes and choices for care, from Karen Candy, Director, Carpenter Hospice, Burlington, and Carol Sloan, Director Palliative Care Consultation, Acclaim Health Halton.This event is sponsored by Townsend Smith Foundation, CARP Halton, and Knox Presbyterian Church, MiltonFor more information, please contact info@townsend-smith.ca, or 289-878-3407.
Hospices are residential palliative facilities dedicated to the care of patients near the end of their lives due to life-limiting illnesses, and their families. The provincial government leaves their establishment up to communities.
The Townsend Smith Foundation is looking to establish a 15,000 sq. ft. hospice with 10 beds in north Halton. Residential hospice care operates at about $500/day compared with compared with $1100-1500 for a hospital bed. Maintaining it will cost an additional $1.6 million/ year, 50% of which is to be covered by community fundraising. “This hike is a wonderful opportunity to bring awareness to the work that Townsend Smith Foundation is striving to accomplish. A hospice is so needed locally, and would bring so much value to our community. Fundraising from this event will go directly to supporting building a hospice,” says John Barrett, Board Chair.
As part of these efforts, we’re holding the second annual Hike for Hospice on Saturday May 25, 2019 at Milton Community Park. The 5 km route will wind its way through the picturesque streets of the Willmott neighbourhood. Events kick-off at 9 a.m. with registration, and family events. Walkers are invited to register online, or in person. The hike begins at 10 a.m.
The Townsend Smith Foundation is a registered charity led by a volunteer board. It was started in 2011 by the families and friends of Milton residents Ron Townsend, and Tessie Smith. For more information on the foundation visit our website: www.townsend-smith.ca
For more information contact:
Kate Holmes
Director of Development
kate@townsend-smith.ca
Support groups provide a safe, compassionate place to talk, meet others who are also grieving, share ideas, receive support and learn about other community services. All support groups require registration.
Milton Drop-In Bereavement Support Group – NEW! 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, 6:30-8:00pm.
An on-going support group for adults who have lost a loved one.
