Ontario expands hospice care

The Ontario government is connecting more people in Markham to comfortable and dignified end-of-life care close to their community and loved ones by adding three new hospice beds at Evergreen Hospice. These beds will be Markham’s first residential hospice beds, supporting the community with compassionate care.

This expansion is part of the province’s up to $19.75 million capital investment to add 84 new adult hospice beds across the province, bringing the total number of publicly funded hospice beds in Ontario to 768. When these 84 new beds are open, the province will provide an additional up to $16.03 million per year to support the operation of these beds.

“This expansion of palliative care will ensure that those in our local community can receive the comfortable and dignified end-of-life care they deserve, close to home,” said MPP Paul Calandra.

Evergreen Hospice has served Markham, Stouffville, and Thornhill for 35 years. CEO Laura Lavallee expressed excitement about the expansion: “Our accredited in-home hospice, day hospice, and grief and bereavement programs have made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. As we embark on this next phase of development, we are excited to build upon our legacy, expanding our services and continuing to support our community with the same dedication and compassion that has defined Evergreen for over three decades.”

Palliative care, which includes end-of-life care, can begin as early as the diagnosis of a serious illness and focuses on improving the quality of each individual’s life. This integrated form of care ensures people can access the support they need when facing illness, death, grief, and/or bereavement.