Home, Hospital and Hospice Rural Wellington needs all three

Group of people sitting outside chatting

The hospice setting is designed to be as peaceful as possible and to provide a comfortable environment for caregivers, family, and friends to gather, grieve, and cherish the last days of those at the end of life. In a hospital setting, this is often more difficult due to restrictions of space and privacy.

Dying at home can be a good option for some, but it can be physically, emotionally, and logistically difficult for others. The hospice setting can allow caregivers, friends, and family members to shift from being primary caregivers to being present with the person who is dying. This setting enables them to care for their own emotional needs and those of the dying person.

Serving Wellington County

Rural communities need a comfortable environment for end of life care, when home or hospital are not the best options for the person and/or their family and caregivers.

Aboyne Rural Hospice will enable access to care closer to home, alleviating the stress of lengthy travel during this difficult time. Remaining close to one’s community also facilitates collaboration and support for everyone involved.

Map showing Wellington County's Townships

Travel Distances

Community Orientation

Changing Demographics

Travel is a greater burden for rural residents than for urban residents who may have shorter travel distances, more transportation options, less challenge with inclement weather, and less need to bear the costs of hotel stays or meals away from home.

Our goal is to bring end-of-life care closer to home. Currently, local families must travel to Guelph or Waterloo to receive hospice care. This distance can be a barrier to care and family support, especially in bad weather, or for people with physical limitations or no transportation.

The Aboyne Rural Hospice site will enable integrated care with our hospitals, Family Health Teams, elder care facilities and community supports.

Most rural elderly prefer to remain in their own homes and communities until they die. However, changing family structures and traditional support networks challenge this preference.

Older adults increasingly live alone with few extended family members nearby. More than half of the adult population is not married and more than a third of households have no children.

Current data indicates an immediate need for 9.2 additional hospice beds in Wellington County.

“Providing the right care in the right place … When patients need care, ensure that they receive it in the most appropriate setting, not always the hospital.”

Ontario Improving Access to Care by Building More Hospice Beds in Durham. Ontario Newsroom, February 06, 2020.

2025 - Aboyne Rural Hospice Charitable No. 72798 2548 RR0001

Home, Hospital and Hospice

Rural Wellington needs all three options

Serving Wellington County