Why does Strathroy need a hospice?
A hospice in Strathroy will provide our community members in Strathroy, Middlesex County, Lambton County, and nearby areas with access to specialized palliative care. This local building will offer families support and relief without the burden of travelling long distances. Bringing hospice care to Strathroy can ensure high-quality, compassionate care while loved ones stay close. Together, we can create a place of peace, dignity, and community support, making a real difference for local families.
A hospice in Strathroy will offer:
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A home-like setting: Quiet, peaceful, and designed to feel comfortable and safe, helping people feel more at ease during a challenging time.
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No-cost care: Our hospice care is provided at no cost to families and is supported by donations, grants, limited government funding, and the ongoing contributions of the community.
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A welcoming space: Open to individuals within our communities, providing access to specialized care right in our local area.
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Support for both pediatric and adult populations: The hospice will cater to individuals of all ages, ensuring that children, as well as adults, receive the care they need.
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Palliative care: With a focus on comfort and dignity, the hospice will provide expert palliative care for those in need.
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Single rooms for privacy: Each room will be private, offering individuals and their families the space to share intimate moments without distractions.
If you would like to help create a lasting impact on our community and support those in need during their end-of-life journey, please consider donating to the Strathroy Hospice.
Rick's Hospice Story
Shared by Kathleen, his loving wife and Strathroy Hospice Board Member
My family holds hospice very near and dear to our hearts. During a time of profound sadness, hospice gave us peace and strength. In Rick's final days, we were able to focus on him and each other rather than being consumed by trying to manage his care and pain.
Rick wanted to die at home. Unfortunately, like most homes, ours wasn't suited for a hospital bed and the medical equipment Rick would require. After discussing it with our children, we all wanted to keep the memories of our childhood home happy. When we made the decision to choose hospice, we couldn't get Rick into the closest hospice in London.
Our next option was either Kitchener, Waterloo, or Windsor, but we could only qualify for these out-of-area hospices because of extended family in those areas. This meant leaving our own community of Strathroy. The day we received the call to go to the Sard Hospice in Cambridge, we left immediately.
When we arrived, we were greeted by a beautiful setting—a home-like environment with medical palliative staff and volunteers who cared for Rick and our entire family. The staff and volunteers at the hospice are truly angels.
Because of our hospice experience, my sister and brother-in-law now volunteer. I remember the hospice doctor telling me, "Mr. Steffler, we will not win this war, but we will win the battle of pain." He explained that Rick's pain came from multiple areas, and each would be treated differently. Within 15 minutes of arriving at hospice, Rick's pain was finally under control, and he never experienced another horrific pain crisis again.
In Rick's final days, we never had to leave his side. Hospice was ready for whatever we needed. Rick passed away peacefully in a beautiful sunroom surrounded by his family, just as he wanted, in a home-like setting, not cramped in a hospital ward. Our family will forever be grateful and changed by our hospice experience.
It is our hope and dream that hospice will one day be available for all Strathroy-area residents who need it.​
