News

Nestled in the peaceful neighbourhood of Anders on the Lake in South Red Deer, Red Deer Hospice is a place of comfort and compassion for individuals at the end of life and their families. This 16-bed residential hospice provides a warm, home-like environment where dignity, peace, and personalized care are at the heart of everything they do.

 

A Home for the Final Journey

Red Deer Hospice offers around-the-clock hospice and end-of-life care, supported by professional staff and dedicated volunteers. Each of the 16 private rooms offers residents and their families a calm and intimate space to spend their final days together, with care plans shaped by the unique needs and wishes of each individual.

They also offer compassionate bereavement support to both residents and their loved ones, continuing even after a resident’s passing. In addition to supporting families connected to hospice, bereavement services are extended to the community. This includes one-on-one grief counselling and a regular in-house support group designed to help individuals navigate their grief journey.

Thanks to Alberta Health Services and the generosity of the local community, there is no cost to stay at Red Deer Hospice, ensuring equitable access to care for all.

 

Expanding with Purpose

In 2019, Red Deer Hospice completed a major expansion, growing from 10 to 16 beds. The project, funded entirely by local donations, not only increased the facility’s capacity but also created more space for families to gather, connect, and reflect during a deeply emotional time. The expansion was completed on time, on budget, and remains a point of pride for the organization.

 

Innovation Rooted in Compassion

Red Deer Hospice continues to innovate with purpose. One recent initiative is the “How Am I Doing” Checklist, an adapted tool that helps residents assess their own well-being across five key areas. The checklist, inspired by a similar tool used with cancer patients, encourages open conversations between residents and care providers and supports a holistic approach to hospice care. Whether completed independently or with support, it empowers residents to share what matters most.

The hospice has also updated its admissions approach to make the transition into care more personal and less procedural. Rather than starting with paperwork, staff begin by listening and learning who the resident and loved ones are, what’s important to them, and how best to support their journey.

 

Deep Community Ties

Community support is the foundation of Red Deer Hospice. From the annual Run Hike for Hospice and Live Butterfly Release to school art projects and local businesses sponsoring campaigns, the hospice remains closely connected to the people it serves. These collaborations raise both funds and awareness and foster a culture of compassion.

Red Deer Hospice partners with schools, service clubs, and healthcare providers to promote understanding of palliative care and build a more caring community.

 

Looking Ahead

With eyes on the future, Red Deer Hospice is preparing for its first full Accreditation cycle in 2025, with the goal of achieving Exemplary Standing. The organization is also embracing leadership development through programs like Leap for Leaders, which promotes early palliative care, a priority for the hospice and a vision they hope to see embedded across Alberta’s continuing care system.

Red Deer Hospice stands as a model for what end-of-life care can and should be: compassionate, person-centered, and grounded in community. Learn more about their work and watch Jack’s story to see the impact firsthand. 

Learn more about this ACCA Member at www.reddeerhospice.com