All Our Relations Hospice and Retreat Centre, as visualized by artist Nan Hogg

There are literally hundreds of books available on the topic of hospice, and it would be impossible to condense all the wisdom contained therein. Hospice comes from the Latin hospes, meaning host, the receiver of guests. Today, it refers to a place that receives those who are actively dying. One can die within a community of loving and compassionate supporters, in dignity, surrounded by loved ones.


Why is All Our Relations involved in hospice care?

All Our Relations believes when we walk with someone who is approaching death, we learn about life. We begin to realize what is truly important, we reorder our priorities, and we find meaning and dignity in our lives and in each other. There is a "time to be born and a time to die" and we take on this sacred task as witnesses, supporters, and comforters. When we do this, we are privileged to glimpse Spirit.


Why do you need a separate place to die?
Can’t people just die at home?

Although there are many excellent hospice volunteer groups that provide home care, it is not a viable option for everyone. For those with small children, for spouses or partners who must work to support the family, or for those who are too frail to withstand the tremendous physical and emotional demands a dying family member creates, having a home-like alternative is not only a blessing but also a relief. A free standing hospice allows family members final months, weeks, or days with their loved one to be a time together, free of physical and financial pressures.


What is "Respite Care"?

Respite Care provides family caregivers with a “rest”. While their dying loved one stays for up to two weeks in the hospice, family members can rest at home, travel or do whatever they choose. Perhaps staying in our retreat centre renewing themselves. While they renew themselves, their loved one is well cared for by the caring and supportive staff in the hospice.

How to Donate

You can help All Our Relations open its doors to the Waterloo Region families who need our care and support. Gifts can be in the form of cash, cheques, gifts in kind, a bequest or memorial donation, insurance gift, or other deferred gifts. All gifts are tax creditable and will be acknowledged in our annual reports. Gift amounts are not published and all donor information is held in confidence.