The Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care (FHPCE) is an 8-week course offered by the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network (NSMHPCN). While designed primarily for health care professionals and other disciplines involved with caring for individuals at the end of their life, I believe this course would be valuable to everyone.

As the course went through the stages of a terminal illness, I found I learned a lot about myself every step of the way.

Getting involved with the NSMHPCN also opened my eyes to what a precious resource Hospice Simcoe is in our community. It is truly a home away from home for people with terminal illness and their families. I didn’t appreciate it fully until one of my friends was admitted.

As I went through the journey with my friend and her family, I watched as they created friendships with other families going through the same thing. Just like at home, groups would sit around with a beer and watch the hockey game, and put together potluck meals and snacks.

Pets are as welcome as other members of the family (as long as their vaccinations are up to date). There are concerts (some of the staff are accomplished performers!) and other events, as well as specialized treatments like reflexology, reiki and massage.

Visit the Hospice Simcoe website or Facebook page to learn more about their valuable work in our community.

Winter 2014 Palliative Care Conference

The annual winter conference of the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network (NSMHPCN) is coming up on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at the Grandview Golf Club in Huntsville. The theme is “Consent, Capacity & Compassion Fatigue.”

I’ll be there as an exhibitor in my role as the owner of Brabary, but I’ll also be there as a participant. I always find the sessions incredibly informative and helpful, and the tools I learn there I can relate back to all areas of my life and business.

I first started attending back when I met someone who was involved in putting on the conference. Her mother was in town and needed a prosthesis, so they found their way to us at Brabary. She suggested we get involved with the conference, since so many health care professionals aren’t aware of the options for their patients – and other people in their lives who may need prostheses.

This upcoming event got me thinking about all the different resources that are out there for people who are going through a cancer journey, such as Gilda’s Club (emotional and social support), Canadian Cancer Society (rides to treatment and lots of information), or retail stores like ours that provide products and personalized fittings and support.

Click here for a registration form for the conference.