RED DEER HOSPICE SOCIETY
99 Arnot Avenue
Red Deer, Alberta T4R 3S6
Charitable Registration No. 86645 0547 RR0001
Where do you start?
The admission process to Red Deer Hospice starts with a conversation with your physician, charge nurse or home care nurse. Applications for those with a life limiting condition or disease are reviewed by the Alberta Health Services Palliative Care Resource Team and our Care Team Manager.
If you are a private home care company or individual/family that is NOT currently connected to Alberta Health Services, please reach out to the Continuing Care Access Centre at 1-855-371-4122. Getting connected to the AHS Palliative Care Resource Team early in your palliative journey will help ensure you understand how to navigate the system and access resources as your journey progresses.
Take a virtual tour through our space.
What is the admission criteria for Red Deer Hospice?
Red Deer Hospice provides end-of-life care for those who:
- Have a life limiting condition or disease,
- Require end-of-life comfort care measures and symptom management,
- Loved ones and the resident understand measures will not be taken to prolong life,
- Have a prognosis of less than 4 months assessed by a physician.
How does the Red Deer Hospice prioritize those waiting for admission?
Once it is established that an individual meets admission criteria, our home care palliative case managers and Hospice Care Manager, give priority in this order:
- To individuals living at home/community where home care support services are no longer sufficient
- To individuals in hospital
- To individuals where respite care is needed, if space is available and a clear plan to return home is in place.
When is it time to consider admission to hospice?
It is time for hospice when:
- The individual is seeking end-of-life comfort care
- The individual and/or family have consulted with the palliative home care managers, and do not wish a home death
- The individual and/or family do not want hospitalization for end-of-life care
Hospice is also a potential option for short term respite care for families that are not managing at home or do not wish for a home death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost to stay at Red Deer Hospice?
There is no fee to stay at the Red Deer Hospice. No one is ever denied care due to financial situations. A portion of our operating costs are covered by Alberta Health Services, however, as a not-for-profit society, we depend on donations and fundraising efforts in order to meet our annual operational budget and for all capital/equipment purchases. We ask that you consider making a donation.
What costs can we expect to incur?
Resident families may expect to incur some medication costs. Medication costs are the same as they would be if the resident were at home. All medications in this facility come from our contracted pharmacy.
All residents of Red Deer Hospice are registered for the Palliative Care Health Benefits administered by Blue Cross, which covers the majority of medication costs. Medication coverage from employment benefit plans may also apply.
What does care and symptom management look like at Red Deer Hospice?
We are focused on individualizing care plans that meet your unique needs and specialize in palliative care and symptom management. We have 24 hour access to a palliative care consultant and physicians to help manage medications and symptoms such as pain, nausea and other areas affecting end of life.
What type of support is Red Deer Hospice able to provide the loved ones of residents?
Red Deer Hospice offers emotional, spiritual, and practical support to the loved ones of our residents. While we welcome visitors and understand the importance of being present, individuals must be able to manage their own personal, medical, and daily needs while at the Hospice. If a visitor or support person cannot do so independently, they must arrange for someone else who can assist them.
Red Deer Hospice is not able to provide medical or personal care to visitors or support persons, including during 24/7 vigils, and cannot assume liability if someone is unable to care for themselves or has not arranged appropriate support. This may mean:
- A support person may not be able to stay at the Hospice, or
- They may only stay if another individual is designated to meet their needs.
These guidelines help ensure safety and allow our team to focus on providing exceptional care to our residents. Please contact us if you have questions about specific circumstances.
What should we bring with us to Red Deer Hospice?
At admission, our care staff are happy to chat with families about what personal care items to bring with your loved one. This can include anything from a favourite bubble bath and cozy slippers to razors and nail care needs. We also ask family to supply personal hygiene wipes.
Residents are encouraged to use the wall unit in their room to house special mementos from home such as pictures and meaningful items. Please note when choosing these items that we are a scent free facility.
Can we bring special furniture or appliances for our loved one?
We are unable to allow outside furniture in our facility for health and safety reasons. All furniture in our Hospice is covered in approved health care facility fabric. Please refrain from bringing in kettles or heating pads. If you have any questions specific to your situation, please do not hesitate to ask.
Do you have specific visiting hours?
Visiting Hours are from 1:00pm to 7:00pm, with the exception of six identified visitors (will be gathered on admission by staff) that are able to visit 24 hours a day. Families and friends are encouraged to visit when the resident wishes. Many residents appreciate knowing when to expect company and we encourage family and friends to phone us at 403-309-4344 before visiting.
Hospice staff reserve the right to ask any visitor exhibiting inappropriate behaviour to vacate the premises.
Can we bring our pets to visit?
Well behaved pets are welcome to visit during the day after signing our pet visitation waiver. They must be on leash or in a carrier when outside of the resident’s room. They must never be allowed into the kitchen area.
Interested in learning more?
If you are interested in a tour of our Hospice, or would like to learn more, please contact our Executive Director or Care Manager.
Executive Director:
phone 403-309-4344 ext. 102
or send an email.
Care Manager:
phone 403-309-4344 ext. 103
or send an email.