Frequently asked questions

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Frequently asked questions

No journey in life is more difficult than the path followed by those suffering a life-limiting illness. ‘Hospice’ is a type of care focused on the quality of life for the dying and those that care for them.

Hospice palliative care is action, compassionate end-of-life care directed towards improving the quality of life for those with a life-limiting illness. Hospice palliative care supports the individual and their family during the end-of-life journey and bereavement support is offered to family/friends for up to one year.


Hospice palliative care:

  • Centres on the person and the family
  • Is directed towards meeting the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs
  • Is sensitive to personal, cultural and religious beliefs, values and practices
  • Involves the individual in planning and treatment and care as well as making choices based on knowledge and understanding
  • Is provided through a team of health care professionals and volunteers who together to provide the best care possible

The Kensington Hospice accepts adults 19 years and older who have a life expectancy of three months or less and who are referred by their doctor, social worker or Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).

If your condition improves, you will work closely with the team at the hospice to help you make the needed living arrangements in another setting (e.g. home, or long-term care). If you later need to return to hospice care, arrangements can be made.

The Common Referral Form for Palliative Care is completed by your doctor and sent to the hospice. The hospice will then complete an assessment to make sure it can meet your needs.

The Kensington Hospice is staffed by dedicated palliative care doctors, medical residents and fellows who are connected to Kensington Hospice and the University Health Network. Your family doctor is welcome to visit and can make suggestions for your care that can be shared with your hospice medical care team.

Since one of the most common fears is the fear of dying alone, the hospice suggests someone be there to support you when possible. However, when family and friends cannot be at the hospice, staff and volunteers will be available to support you.

Hospice includes the services of an expert team of health care professionals. For a full list of our care services, visit Living at Kensington.

Doctors and nurses at the hospice are experts at pain management and symptom control. They will always work to keep you as comfortable and independent as possible

The Kensington Hospice will offer bereavement support to families and friends of individuals who die at the hospice for up to one year after the death of loved-one.

No, the Kensington Hospice is free of charge for the residents and families who use our services. As a not-for-profit charitable organization, we are always happy to accept donations to help support the holistic services we offer at the hospice.

You can donate to the Kensington Hospice by visiting kensingtonhealth.org/foundation. You can also call the Kensington Health Foundation to make a donation today 416-964-3636