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| As of November 1st, Emily’s House @ Home (EH@Home) is building on our current EH residence programs by continuing to provide family-centred compassionate care to children (and their families) living with the challenges of complex, life-limiting illnesses, in the comfort of their own homes. Here’s an endorsement from Amy, Grace’s mom and member of the Emily’s House Family Council: EH@Home is such an exciting initiative by the Emily’s House team, bringing their knowledge, care and love right to doorsteps. We would have welcomed this program prior to our admittance from hospital, as our biggest fear before arriving at Emily’s House was the unknown. As soon as we arrived, we felt at ease, as the staff just radiate love and kindness, while having the training and expertise in caring for children. I think it is such a great program during a time of such turbulence and unknowns, when our biggest priorities are keeping our kids safe, and we don’t always feel comfortable taking them out of the settings we know. EH@Home brings everything right to you, with the people you already know or those who will be a part of your journey. The specialized training this team has in paediatric care – in both the respite and palliative areas – is second to none. They gave us room to breathe and confidence in the decision and care we were giving to Grace. I couldn’t imagine having done it anywhere else. Had we had the opportunity to first go home with Grace before coming to Emily’s House, it would have been incredible to have the same resources at home, and the same team transition with us. |
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| While caring for Allan, our hospice team also cared for his family, as Allan’s brother wrote: “In my family’s moments of grief and difficulty, the Emily’s House community and staff turned our last month with Allan into a time of healing and acceptance. Still to this day, a hole is in our hearts for the loss of my brother, but without the help of Emily’s house, it’d be much, much bigger.” More of Allan’s story is heading to donor mailboxes this month. |
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| “Everyone assumes that people with HIV/AIDS are fine because they have access to antiviral medication, but that’s not the case for everyone. Did I tell you my 21-year old client died of cancer?” Our program manager also observes new levels of client anxiety, fear, and depression since COVID isolation, and that clients are requesting additional one-on-one counselling supports. Some have lost their jobs, while others have refused to work or felt unsafe working. It adds a complicating strain – for those living with HIV. Our Philip Aziz Centre Community Program for People of All Ages Living with HIV / AIDS or who are HIV-impacted provides hospice supports with thanks to leadership funding from FaithWorks, The Anglican Diocese of Toronto. |
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Grief and Bereavement: expanding and serving
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| Newly expanded Grief and Bereavement services are now available to the general public, new support groups are offered, and plans for a virtual Candlelight Memorial are in development. Contact: 416-363-9196, ext. 206 / info@philipzizcentre.ca. |
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Volunteer Program Impacts
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| Our Volunteer Team is responsive to client needs, creative in hospice care delivery, and able to multiply resources to impact clients. Already this year, they have made invaluable contributions in so many ways. Learn more about volunteering: www.philipazizcentre.ca/volunteering. |
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Scarborough Toyota Community Outreach
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| Scarborough Toyota’s community outreach is impacting nineteen local charities, including our children and families. Thank you to Justin, the team at Scarborough Toyota, and especially to Dealership Owner, Pat Priestner. |
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| Now, more than ever, as parents are physically isolated at home, and often providing 24/7 care for a medically-fragile child, all hospice supports designed to relieve the strain and bring children joy are desperately needed. For palliative adults at home, phone check-ins, virtual groups, and home-delivery supports can be a lifeline. Your donation can be directed to life-giving hospice programs. To donate online, visit: Donation Page |
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