Hospice Georgian Triangle Celebrates a Decade of Compassionate Care at Campbell House — its beautiful home-like hospice palliative care facility — in South Georgian Bay.
Over the past decade, Campbell House has provided comfort for those facing life-limiting illnesses and their families, giving essential care to over 1,847 patients.
A legacy of compassion and community
Founded in 1987, Hospice Georgian Triangle began as a small, volunteer-driven organization offering non-medical support to individuals living with life-limiting illnesses. From these humble beginnings, Hospice Georgian Triangle has evolved into a highly respected provider of comprehensive palliative care.
Hospice Georgian Triangle is an organization with a superb reputation and a rich grassroots history. In 1987, a small group of committed citizens had a vision to support the dying and bereaved in their homes. This evolved into the development of the Susie Newton Suites, which provided respite care to individuals and families.
The opening of Campbell House in 2014 marked a significant milestone, transforming Hospice Georgian Triangle’s ability to provide around-the-clock care in a dedicated facility.
Initially built with six family suites, Campbell House quickly became a vital resource for the community. By 2020, the facility opened 4 more suites, allowing Hospice Georgian Triangle to serve more patients while also introducing respite care.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff and volunteers at Campbell House adapted and continued to provide uninterrupted care to patients and their families.
Kelly O'Neil, Public Relations and Communications Manager at Hospice Georgian Triangle, reflected on the organization's growth, saying, "What started as a grassroots effort has blossomed into a full-fledged hospice palliative care facility that not only cares for patients at the end of life but also supports their families through grief and bereavement. Campbell House is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together."
Meeting the growing needs of a changing community
As the South Georgian Bay region continues to grow and age, the demand for palliative care services is expected to increase.
Recognizing this, the boards of Hospice Georgian Triangle and the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation have established a Joint Planning Committee to assess the future needs of the community.
This committee is focused on ensuring that Campbell House can continue to meet the increasing demand for its services, including expanding caregiver support and forming partnerships that enhance the reach and efficiency of care.
"With an aging population, we anticipate a greater need for our services," O'Neil explained. "We are committed to staying ahead of these needs by planning strategically and ensuring that our resources, including our incredible team of staff and volunteers, are ready to support more patients and families in the years to come."
Cost-effective, high-quality care
The cost of providing palliative care at Campbell House is a fraction of what it would be in an acute-care hospital, yet the quality of care remains exceptional. It costs approximately $770 per day to care for a patient at Campbell House, covering nursing and personal support worker care, food, oxygen, medication, and comfort supplies.
Despite receiving about 50 per cent of its funding from the government, Hospice Georgian Triangle relies heavily on community donations to cover the remaining costs.
"Every dollar counts," said O'Neil. "The generosity of our community is what allows us to keep our doors open and provide the highest standard of care to those who need it most. Whether it's a one-time donation or ongoing support through our monthly giving program, each contribution makes a significant impact."
A call to the community: supporting the next decade of care
As Campbell House celebrates its tenth anniversary, Hospice Georgian Triangle is inviting the community to support its mission.
The upcoming Care Gala, set for Sept. 28, will be a special occasion to celebrate the impact of Campbell House over the past decade. The event offers an opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on past successes, and contribute to the future of hospice care in South Georgian Bay.
For those inspired by the work of Hospice Georgian Triangle, there are many ways to get involved. From attending the Care Gala to hosting a fundraiser or making a donation, the community's support is crucial in ensuring that Campbell House can continue to provide compassionate care for the next decade and beyond.
"Hospice palliative care is about more than just medical treatment; it's about providing dignity, comfort, and peace to those at the end of their lives," O'Neil emphasized. "We are incredibly proud of what we've accomplished over the past ten years, but there's still so much more to do. With the community's help, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families."
For more information on how to support Hospice Georgian Triangle or to become a "Hospice Hero," visit their website and explore the various ways you can contribute. Every act of generosity, big or small, helps to ensure that Campbell House remains a sanctuary of care and compassion for all who enter its doors.
About Hospice Georgian Triangle
Hospice Georgian Triangle, founded in 1987, has evolved to provide compassionate care at home and at Campbell House for individuals and families dealing with life-limiting illnesses in the communities of the Town of Blue Mountains, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and Clearview Township.
Their care programs, which include end-of-life care and grief and bereavement counselling, come at no cost to the users and focus on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both the patient and family, enhancing quality of life. Hospice Georgian Triangle relies on government funding and the generosity of donors to provide all its services and programs.
For more information on Hospice Georgian Triangle’s services and programs, visit Hospice Georgian Triangle or call 705-444-2555. To donate, visit the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation.