FAQs
We are here for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
How much do HHNL services cost?
Absolutely nothing! All of our services are free of charge.
My loved one hasn’t received a terminal diagnosis, but his/her health is declining. Can HHNL help me?
Yes we can. Our only “criteria” is that life has become more difficult due to health concerns, and you want to stay in your home (wherever “home” may be).
What does the word “palliative” mean?
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
If someone is receiving palliative care, does it mean they are dying?
Although it can include end-of-life care, palliative care is much broader and can last for longer. Having palliative care doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re likely to die soon — some people receive palliative care for years.
What does it mean when someone receives hospice care?
Hospice care is a model and philosophy of care that focuses on providing palliative care to patients with life-limiting illness, focusing on palliating patients’ pain and other symptoms, attending to their and their family/loved one’s emotional and spiritual needs, and providing support for their caregivers.
What does end-of-life care entail?
Just as it sounds, end-of-life care offers treatment and support for people who are near the end of their life. In the context of HHNL, it means that we do whatever we can to support our client and their caregivers.
My loved one is very private, and worries that everyone will know what’s going on if they reach out for support, but we could use some support nevertheless. What can we do?
First and foremost, you and your loved one can rest assured that everything that happens or is discussed is 100% confidential. But, we understand that some people are not comfortable with others in their home. This is why we offer options:
- You can check out the resources on our website: Public Education Events and Resources
- You can borrow books from the collections at the public libraries in our area. See the lists of books here: Public Education Events and Resources
- Stop by at one of our satellite offices hhnl.ca/contact-us/ (scroll down to the bottom of the page)
My loved one doesn’t want a Visiting Volunteer. But I’m struggling. Can I get help to cope with the situation?
You certainly can. We are “there” for you, too. You can reach out to us for support for you: email info@hhnl.ca, or call one of these numbers: 613-406-7020 or 613-343-0902.
Someone very close to me has died, and I am struggling to cope. They were not a client of HHNL. Can I still get grief and bereavement support?
Of course! You can email info@hhnl.ca, or call one of these numbers: 613-406-7020 or 613-343-0902.
I notice that you hold courses on subjects such as Practical Caregiver Training and the U-First Training program (for people who are caregivers for a person with dementia). Do I have to be signed up for an HHNL program to attend?
No. All of our public education programs are open to everyone, and free of charge.
Do I need to get a referral from my doctor to get support?
No. Some people do come to us through referrals from doctors, homecare nurses, family members and others, but you do not need a referral.
Do you provide any hands-on nursing care?
No, that is not within our mandate. What we can do is assist with assessing need and finding where to go for this type of care.
Do you provide home care, such as housekeeping, or assistance with bathing or toileting?
No, that is not within our mandate. What we can do is assist with assessing need and finding where to go for this type of care.