Our Community Hospice

Our speaker for this evening was Dawn Rodger, Executive Director of the Beth Donovan Hospice. Dawn is a licensed funeral director who worked with a local funeral home prior to making the transition to Beth Donovan Hospice as a Volunteer Coordinator in 2008 and eventually to its Executive Director in 2010. She believes that Hospice is a calling and a lifestyle for her.

 

Dawn began her presentation by showing a short video of three families who have experienced the Beth Donovan Hospice for what it is. She then gave a quick history of where the Hospice started and where it is today. It began in Merrickville at the St Ann Roman Catholic Church in 1992 and moved to Kemptville in 1997. Hospice has called Asa Street and the KDH home but has now resided at 25 Hilltop Crescent in Kemptville since 2013. In 2014 they started a Day Hospice at St.John’s United Church in Kemptville on Thursdays from 10am to 3pm and offer breakfast snacks and lunch, caregiver respite, shared experiences, yoga, reflexology and art therapy. As well a local automotive dealer has provided a vehicle that transports those who require it to and from the program. Dawn informed us that in 2013/14 they offered palliative care to 137 people and in 2014/15 have offered palliative care to 201; all at no cost to those who requiring their assistance.

 

Beth Donovan Hospice provides compassionate support and professional care to individuals and their families as they journey through the challenges of life-limiting illnesses and end-of-life transitions. Whether in a home or hospital setting, the experienced staff and trained volunteers of Beth Donovan Hospice give of themselves to ensure that the families receive the assistance, support and guidance they need. If you wish to find out more about the Beth Donovan Hospice, on how to volunteer or to donate to their organization you can visit their website at www.bethdonovanhospice.ca or call them at 613-258-9611 or as Dawn said just stop by at their location 25 Hilltop Cres. Kemptville.