Hospice Georgian Triangle is actively participating in an initiative to standardize grief and bereavement counselling accreditation through Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO).
With increasing rates of complex and prolonged grief, the organization has identified a growing need for more refined, adaptable care standards. Taylor McIntosh, Community Support Lead, was chosen to join a specialized HPCO panel after an application process that showcased her expertise and dedication to meeting diverse bereavement needs.
Having presented alongside colleague Heather Brown at HPCO’s provincial conference, McIntosh shared the importance of evolving care strategies in the face of emerging challenges in grief support, reflecting the Hospice’s commitment to comprehensive, individualized community care.
Elevating care with new standards
Hospice Georgian Triangle's recent accreditation through HPCO's bereavement program has equipped them with current standards, yet the team sees the necessity for enhancements.
"We've seen an influx of more complicated grief cases, and it's essential that our standards evolve to meet these challenges," explains Taylor McIntosh, Community Support Lead at Hospice Georgian Triangle.
McIntosh's role in shaping these new standards came after a compelling presentation at HPCO's provincial conference alongside colleague Heather Brown. Their efforts emphasized the need for a tailored approach to grief support, reflecting the variety of needs within the community.
The Irish Model, which Hospice Georgian Triangle employs for accreditation, categorizes grief into four levels, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate type of support ranging from educational resources to professional counselling. This model is particularly effective because it allows for targeted support that aligns with the specific needs of the bereaved, ensuring more personalized and effective care.
Programs and services offered by Hospice Georgian Triangle’s community team are free of charge to the user, thanks to government funding and donations to the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation. To make a gift in support, visit HospiceGeorgianTriangle.com.
Grief Talks: A vital community initiative by Hospice Georgian Triangle
Hospice Georgian Triangle is set to host their next Grief Talks session on Nov. 20 at Black Bellows in Collingwood. The talk will delve into the neurological effects of grief, providing a deeper understanding of its impacts on the brain.
"Our goal is to cultivate a community well-versed in grief literacy," says McIntosh. Unlike typical support groups, Grief Talks aims to educate attendees on the scientific aspects of grief, offering practical advice on how to support those affected by it.
McIntosh highlights the significance of the support provided by their community team.
"The feedback we receive from our clients is consistently positive. Our support ranges from intensive eight-session counselling and six-week group programs to informal drop-in sessions for widows and widowers and even one-on-one counselling to aid in decision-making during tough times," she explains.
She adds, "Our support is designed to guide people through their darkest moments, helping them rediscover hope and light in their lives."
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.