The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness or the loss of a loved one is a life-altering experience. Here at Matthews House, we know that every individual deals with traumatic news in his/her unique way, and we are equipped to help, if needed.

But just how do you get connected to Matthews House? A very important link in the journey from the experience to receiving the services Matthews House provides to this community is the referral process

The process is very open ended, and can come from walk-ins, doctors, clergy, friends or family, but often it involves a referral from the Central Community Care Access Centre (Central CCAC), or Central CCAC.

The CCAC's goal is to connect people in the community with the care that they need. Funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, they are front-line connectors to home care, long-term care destinations and other services in your community, including Matthews House.

Liz Ferrier, an Oncology/Palliative Case Coordinator for Central CCAC, makes home visits to clients referred to her from doctors, hospitals, families, and self-referrals. Once in the home, her first goal is to determine the clients' needs and educate them about the services available throughout the community.

In the case of Matthews House, she tells them about our services, provides them with pamphlets and any other information they may need, and then refers them to us if they wish to access our services. After we receive her referral, a Matthews House case manager visits the client to determine how we can help.

"Matthews House is instrumental in all levels of care when someone is terminally ill," said Ferrier. "It supports people in their homes and in the community from early to end stages."

However many people are not ready to even discuss what we do, let alone call us for help, because of the negative connotation of the word "hospice." They may associate Matthews House just with dying, and feel they are not ready for that. They may also be overwhelmed at first with their diagnosis, doctors' appointments, treatments, and not feeling well, therefore not open to outside assistance.

Pat James, executive director at Matthews House, said it's important to communicate to the community that coming to Matthews House, or accepting our in-home assistance, does not mean imminent death.

"We are here to support people in all stages of their experience," she said. "Even if that means through treatment and recovery. But we will also walk with clients, friends and family members through end stages and their bereavement, when necessary."

If you are facing one of life's most difficult challenges, or know someone who is, Matthews House can offer help and support in so many different ways. Support is tailor made to each client and can be as unobtrusive as helping you access the information you need, or as hands on as non-medical, physical, emotional, spiritual and social support for the individual who is ill. Help is out there, just call.

The Central CCAC is available online at www.310CCAC.ca or by calling 310-CCAC (310-2222).

Matthews House is accessible by phon at 705-435-7218, email at info@matthewshousehospice.ca, or simply drop in and get connected. We're located across from the Nottawasaga Inn at 6028 Highway 89. If the open sign is on the door, come in, we'd love to see you.

For more information please visit our website at www.matthewshousehospice.ca. All of our programs and services are free of charge.

Coming up...

In August watch for Matthews House at the Potato Festival. You'll see our wagon in the parade on Fri., Aug. 7 and our booth on the lawn of St. John's United Church on Sat., Aug. 8. Smoothie the Clown will be there, as well as many baked goods, the popular wet sponge toss and something new this year - reflexology treatments by trained practitioners.

In September, Matthews House presents a concert with the OPP Chorus and soloist Joy Foster at Knox Presbyterian Church, on Sat., Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and will be available soon from Matthews House, Wray's Pharmacy in Alliston, and Second Chances/Sears in Beeton.