Palliative Care (Inpatient)
The inpatient Palliative Care program offers compassionate, person-centred care for individuals who are in the final stages of their life. Our dedicated team focuses on comfort and managing symptoms, providing support to patients and their care partners at a time when treatment is no longer appropriate.
Who We Help
This program supports individuals aged 18 and older who:
- Have a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of less than three months.
- Require comfort and symptom relief.
What to Expect
During your stay, you will receive:
Personalized care plan:
Developed collaboratively by an interprofessional team, a team approach including physicians, nurses, occupational therapists & physiotherapists (for comfort), social workers, and spiritual health practitioners care for the whole person, where appropriate.
Comprehensive symptom management:
Pain control and emotional support
Key Benefits
Comprehensive & holistic care:
Access to a multidisciplinary team providing coordinated, person-centered care.
Family and care partner involvement:
Inclusion of family members in the care process to provide support. The interprofessional team are specially trained to offer help, guidance and comfort to care partners. Visitors are welcome anytime. Chairs that convert into beds are available for overnight stays. Bereavement support and further information is available.
Therapy for comfort:
Help address specific issues to improve comfort and quality of life. Issues might include the following: symptoms management, mobility, seating, adaptations for activities of daily living, swallowing and communication, recreation, finance, psychological, and/or family concerns.
How to Access the Service
For Patients and Care Partners:
Speak with your healthcare provider about a referral to our program.
For Referring Partners
Patients can be referred using the Palliative Care Consult Team Referral form.
Eligibility criteria
- Palliative performance score is required.
- Patients have chosen to have no resuscitative effort.
- Life-limiting illness and life expectancy of less than three months.
If care needs change:
On rare occasions, patients have an improvement in their clinical status. If that happens, our interprofessional team will support you and plan a discharge to alternative settings.
For questions or to confirm eligibility, contact our Central Intake team: 613-544-4900 ext. 53442.
Admission Information
What to Bring
The following is a sample list of approved belongings you may bring with you:
Your Ontario Health Card.
Adaptive Aids
- Canes, walkers, wheelchairs
- C-Pap, Bi-Pap machines
- Hearing aids/devices
- Dentures, eyeglasses
- Prosthetics
Clothing
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to wear to therapy during the day
- Socks, nightwear and underwear
- Multiple changes of clothing
- Supportive shoes with good traction and secure fit
- Weather appropriate outdoor clothing such as a coat, sweater, sunhat and sunscreen
Personal hygiene products
- Unscented soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste
Medication
It is important for your care team to know all medications that you are taking at time of admission. Please bring an up-to-date list of medications that you are currently using, including non-prescription, vitamin, and herbal preparations.
Electrical equipment
- Cell phones and chargers
- Laptop or tablet computer with earphones
- Small radio or clock radio with earphones
- Shaver
- Hairdryer (maximum 1500 watts)
Electrical items must be safety-checked before use. To have an item safety checked, please place a service call to 613-544-4900 ext. 34949 (FIXIT).
You may bring and use cell phones, laptops and tablets; however, to protect the privacy of others, please do not take photos of people in the hospital without first asking permission. When using a device outside of your room, please use headphones.
You are encouraged not to bring valuables. Personal belongings should be kept in your room. Providence Care is not responsible for the loss, theft or damage of any personal belongings. If you need to contact Lost and Found, please call 613-544-4900 ext. 51053.
Not approved for use in hospital
The following is a sample list of belongings that are not approved for use in the hospital.
- Television
- Coffeemaker
- Kettle
- Microwave
- Toaster/toaster oven
- Desktop computer
- Dressers/wardrobes
- Mattresses
- Fans
- Refrigerator
- Chairs/furniture
- Decorations that may cause a fire hazard
- Video games/consoles (unless installed on a laptop computer)
- Mirrors on the wall
- Knives (sharps of any kind)
- Weapons
- Curling irons/flat irons
- Humidifiers
What to Expect
Upon admission, you will be introduced to your care team and provided with information about your personalized care plan and daily schedule.
Specially trained volunteers will provide support to you along the way.
After Death
We understand this can be a difficult time and give you space to be with your loved one when you are ready to leave. When you are ready, contact the chosen funeral home or crematorium.
Take personal belongings with you when you leave. Items left behind will be held for 72 hours unless other arrangements are made.
There are community grief supports to help you. Speak to a member of the care team to learn more.
FAQs
What if care needs change?
On rare occasions, patients have an improvement in their clinical status. If that happens, our interprofessional team will support you and plan a discharge to alternative settings.
Can family members visit?
Yes! Family and care partners are welcome and encouraged to visit you anytime. Chairs that convert into beds are available for overnight stays – please ask a team member for details.
Complimentary frozen meals are available for care partners on the palliative care unit. Ask staff for more information.
10 complimentary parking passes are provided to care partners. These passes can be shared between care partners. If you require more, speak with a member of your care team.
Are there laundry facilities available?
Complimentary laundry facilities are located on the unit. Staff can provide instructions on how to use them.
Are there any supports available after a patient passes?
Yes, there are community grief supports available to help you through this time. Speak with a member of your care team.
Contact Information
Providence Care Hospital
752 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3
613-544-4900
Hours of Operation
Our facilities operate 24/7, but building access and available services vary by location and time of day. Some entrances may be locked, and ID badge or intercom access may be required.
Clinic and outpatient service hours also differ. Please contact your specific care area or clinic for details.
Heritage 2 Care Desk
613-544-4900, ext. 82824
Heritage 2 Program Manager
613-544-4900, ext. 72621
Director, Complex, Palliative & Transitional Care
613-544-4900, ext. 53552
Vice President, Patient Care, Long-Term Care and Chief Nursing Executive
613-544-4900, ext. 53391
