Hospice Happenings | October 2021 | Issue 1021
Programs
Footprints Project a chance to leave a lasting memory...
At Hospice Orillia, both staff and volunteers have the opportunity to foster genuine connections with community members and are able to be truly there for those who are at a very vulnerable point in their lives.

By supporting others during what can be a very emotional and confusing time, Hospice Orillia helps to guide people through the process of dealing with loss. Together, we can have open conversations about life and death, and assist others through their grief, bereavement and mourning.

One program in particular helps to leave a legacy gift for our clients loved ones once they have died. This program is the Footprints Project. These legacy activities provide individuals and families a space to reflect on special moments, memories, and events that have had an impact on their lives. Legacy activities can also act as gifts to loved ones.

Our volunteers go to the individual’s home (wherever “home” is for them) to assist in legacy activities which can include letter and card writing, audio interviews as well as scrapbooks.

Prior to her passing, client Anne expressed that she wanted to help spread the word about this wonderful program. To read more about Anne's experience with the Footprints Project click here.
Grief and Bereavement Services
Grief is a natural response to loss. It is the painful process of life change when someone you love is dying or has died. As you work to find new meaning in a world without the physical presence of your loved one, our bereavement services offer you assistance and support. These programs offer a safe space for all individuals regardless of age, race, creed, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, gender expression, receipt of public assistance, record of offenses, sex, or sexual orientation.

Click on the Services below to find out more:
Volunteer Visitor Services
Volunteer Visitor Services are designed to offer practical and emotional support to individuals, families and caregivers in their own home. These services may include but are not limited to:
  • Companionship – play cards, scrabble, or just chatting over a cup of tea
  • Caregiver relief – spending time with a client while the caregiver takes a break
  • Simple comfort measures – playing music, painting and creating art, or other soothing activities

Hospice Orillia is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, can contribute fully, and have equal opportunities.
“Home” is defined as wherever the person resides, whether that be their own house or apartment, a long-term care facility or retirement home.

Volunteers are extensively trained and screened in accordance with the standards of Hospice
Palliative Care Ontario.

For more information, contact our team member Stefanie Collins, Visiting Hospice Coordinator, Social Worker at 705-325-0505 Ext. 211, complete the online referral form or download and complete the referral form here.
Get Involved
Volunteers Needed
Resources
Do you have a book or website you would like to recommend? We would love to hear from you! Please email your recommendations to [email protected].
Helpful Links
Wellness Wednesdays
Starting June 23rd, we launched a new initiative on our social media accounts called Wellness Wednesdays. Each week we will be posting a new wellness article for our supporters to read. If you do not follow us please feel free to visit us on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter!
𝙀𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙠

Refresh your spirit and try going for a nature walk! This is the perfect time of year to be outside on the trails. Being out in nature is a great way to find your calm and release some of your anxieties. In Orillia we have many trails to enjoy! If you are new to the trails try out the Scout Valley Loop or Grant's Woods.

Try these tips to better enjoy your next nature walk:
  • Listen closely for birds, the wind moving through the trees, and the sounds of the earth underfoot.
  • Go alone or remain silent, you can be more at one with nature this way.
  • Pay attention to all you see around you – trees, rocks, a flower or insects. Pay attention to how they look, smell or feel.

Do you have a favourite trail? Share your photo's on social media using #MyHomeMyHospice for all to see.
Multiple Dates.
Enjoy this virtual tour from your comfy chair in your home. The Orillia & District Arts Council and Streets Alive have collaborated to share the work of 27 local artists for the Road to Mariposa Hippie Vans. More information.

Friday, October 1, 2021 - 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Visit the weekly open house at The Meeting Place 28 West Street South Orillia to view community art work, listen to music or even doodle something for yourself. COVID indoor restrictions apply. Valid proof of 2nd vaccination and photo ID are required. More information.
Theatre By The Bay is pleased to present this original work by a local indigenous woman. 'Mno Bimaadiziwin' translates to 'A good way of living'. The play tells the stories of four Indigenous people who partake in a traditional sweat lodge ceremony to heal from trauma. More information.
Information Orillia has partnered with the Orillia & District ARts Council to showcase artwork from local youth. The pieces will be shown on the website and then offered for sale starting November 1. This virtual presentation allows leisurely browsing to find that perfect piece for your home. More information.
Saturday, October 2, 2021 - 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join local journalist and accomplished drummer John Swartz in a fun drumming lesson using plastic pails. The first 6 participants in each session may keep their drumsticks as a souvenir! Look for the signs in the Market Square area at the Orillia Public library. This outdoor event will follow outdoor COVID restrictions. More information.

Tuesday, October 5, 2021 - 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Join Deaf Access Simcoe Muskoka live on Zoom for a three part session to provide tips and tools for clearer communication. They will show you how to make Zoom meetings and your cell phone more accessible. They will also show you some other devices you can use in your home to make life easier such as alarm clocks, doorbells...More information.

Thursday, October 7, 2021 - 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Let’s take advantage of the fall weather! Join us outside in the Library Courtyard for an interactive storytime featuring rhymes and books! This fun program is best for families with children 0-5 years. Registration begins Thursday, September 30th at 10 a.m. by calling 705-325-2559. *Space is limited. More information.

Thursday, October 7, 2021 - 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Sit comfortably, close your eyes and let your breath flow. It's that simple. Meditation is a practice that benefits the mind and body. Each session will begin with a few introductory comments, but this is not a lecture or a class. It is an opportunity to practice together and to discover a way that we can help ourselves. More information.

Multiple Dates
The need for blood goes on. Check out the updated criteria and enhanced measures for physical distancing on blood.ca and book your appointment!

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Join us live on Zoom this fall for our annual "How-To Festival"! Enjoy special programming as we celebrate Culture Days, a national celebration of arts and culture! We are pleased to welcome Olivia Neal on Wednesday, October 13th at 6:30 p.m. for a workshop on "How-To Artfully Mend Your Clothes"! More information.

The lineup for the 2021 Orillia Jazz Festival has been announced! Please visit https://www.orilliajazzfestival.com/ for all the details and ticket information.
Helpful Numbers
Regional Bereavement Support Line
(705) 325-7871

If you are anticipating the loss of a loved one or have recently lost a loved one, this support line can connect you with supports to help you through your grief journey. This line is monitored from 8am-8pm daily. All calls received after hours will be returned on the next day in the order they were left. The intention of this support line is to provide information about supports in your area.
Palliative Nursing Support Line
(705) 329-0340 | (844) 429-0340

The NSMHPCN (North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network) Palliative Nursing Support Line is designed to assist health care providers and family members with questions related to pain and symptom management of patients in all sectors.
Please share with anyone you know in need of support.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. If you would like to see anything specific in an upcoming issue, or if you have any comments, please email Amanda at [email protected].
HOSPICE ORILLIA
169 Front St. S., Orillia, ON L3V 4S8
(705) 325-0505