End-of-Life care at Erie shores HealthCare

Background: Residential palliative care in Windsor-Essex County is limited to 45 beds across three providers: Windsor Essex Hospice, Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and Journey Home Hospice. Barriers such as a shortage of palliative beds, policies excluding those in long-term care homes or homeless, and travel instability often force individuals to spend their final days in hospitals. In Ontario, about 60% of deaths occur in hospitals, costing $1,100 per day compared to $460 per day for hospice care. A palliative care program at Erie Shores HealthCare would reduce travel burden and healthcare costs and improve patient, family, and caregiver experience. Objectives: The project aims to 1) provide equitable end-of-life care in a hospital setting, 2) offer loved ones the opportunity for positive final moments, 3) ensure access to bereavement support, 4) reduce stigma around the dying process, and 5) offer holistic care including pain management, psychosocial, and spiritual support to promote dignity in dying. Methods: The project will offer social work support, palliative rooms, a comfort cart with community partners, and end-of-life materials. Family feedback will guide the project to ensure it addresses community needs. Implications: Erie Shores HealthCare’s end-of-life program will offer private rooms, bereavement support, social services, and legacy-building activities to ensure comprehensive care and support for patients and their families during this difficult time.