SFCS offers palliative care, bereavement support

Jonathan Davies | Nov 25, 2015

While we all understand that death is inevitable, we mostly keep that aspect of life at a distance until we are confronted with it. But along with death comes bereavement and the need for community support for those dying and their families. For palliative care providers, death and dying are a daily matter, requiring coordination, planning, and a willingness to engage fully in the difficult process that death is.

South Frontenac Community Services, based in Sydenham, includes hospice and palliative care under its purview and, as coordinator Corry Schutt explains, their services reach South, Central and North Frontenac, serving clients 18 years of age and up.

"The goal of palliative care is to care holistically for the person rather than trying to cure disease. It's emotional, social and psychological support for clients and their families."

Funded by the province through the local LHIN (Local Health Integration Network), a large part of SFCS's palliative care work is volunteer-driven non-medical support to caregivers, who are often burdened with caring for friends or family members at end-of-life, to a point where, without the support of outside help, they have no choice but to place that person in hospital or long-term care.

This is a particular challenge in parts of Frontenac county, particularly further north, where travel times and long distances from medical centers, most notably Kingston (the major care center for the region) pose a particular stress.

"Life has to go on for those caregivers," says Schutt.

While isolation and transportation challenges are significant, rural areas like ours have an asset in community connectedness and a willingness among friends and neighbours to help when they are needed. Still, with a large proportion of an already small population working full-time and managing family and social obligations, there is a relatively small number of people able to take on the time commitment of volunteer work.

Schutt also notes that close bonds form between volunteers, clients, and families, and being so intimately involved in the trajectory of death and the bereavement process can take an emotional toll on those offering their time and skills.

Volunteers are required to take a 30-hour course ahead of beginning their service, which trains them in end-of-life care from a volunteer perspective. Furthermore, they have access to bereavement support, just as families do.

The bereavement aspect of palliative care is given particular attention as the holidays approach through an evening of remembrance called "Light in the Darkness," hosted by SFCS. This year the occasion will be held November 29 at the Grace Centre, starting at 7 pm, and will include music, readings, and refreshments.

"Christmas and holidays are really hard for people who have lost a loved one. This is a safe place to recognize that grief," says Schutt.

The next training for volunteers will take place in the spring, but Schutt invites anyone interested in becoming involved to get in touch at any time. As for clients, a person does not require a medical referral to receive services. Friends, family members, health professionals or even clients themselves can make a referral by contacting Corry, who can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 613-376-6477 ext 308.