North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network

𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙊𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 – 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟭𝘁𝗵 We are excited to announce an upcoming session of the Canadian Serious Illness Conversations program, taking place on April 11th! This essential training is designed for healthcare professionals who want to enhance their ability to have compassionate, patient-centered conversations with individuals, families, and caregivers facing serious illness. The program empowers professionals with the skills to navigate complex discussions around goals, values, and wishes—ensuring that care decisions are aligned with what matters most to the individual. What’s included: - A self-learning module to get you started - A facilitated session to deepen your understanding and practical application - Guidance in using the Serious Illness Conversation Guide developed by Ariadne Labs and Pallium Canada Join us to learn how to create meaningful, person-centered care plans that reduce confusion and offer clarity during challenging times. Don’t miss out—register today and take the first step towards improving communication and care for those facing serious illness. https://nsmhpcn.ca/csic #CSIC #SeriousIllnessConversation #NSMHPCN #PalliumCanada #AriadneLabs

🌟 There’s Still Time to Register for the March Edition of Comfort and Care Chronicles! 🌟 Don’t miss out on the upcoming NSMHPCN Comfort and Care Chronicles, coming your way on March 1st! There’s still time to register and receive your copy via email. This month’s edition is packed with valuable content: ✨ 2025 NSMHPCN Clinical Conference - Tickets Now Available! ✨ Beyond the Stethoscope – Palliative Care Discussions ✨ Hot Tips – The Essential Role Social Workers Play in Hospice and Palliative Care ✨ Request a Speaker – Interested in having an expert speak at your next event? Find out how you can request a speaker from NSMHPCN. ❤️ Wellness Break – A reminder to take a moment for self-care, because you deserve it! 📅 PLUS course dates for: - Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care - Advance Palliative Practice Skills - Comprehensive Advanced Palliative Care Education - Palliative Approach to Care with Dementia - Canadian Serious Illness Conversations - Essential Pain Management Register today to receive your copy directly to your inbox on March 1st. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and connected. 🔗 https://bit.ly/NSMHPCN #ComfortAndCareChronicles #NSMHPCN #PalliativeCare #SocialWork #WellnessBreak #ClinicalConference #HospiceCare #CompassionateCare

𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵 𝘃𝘀. 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝙃𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 Myth: Near the end-of-life, palliative patients who stop drinking will die of dehydration. Fact: As someone nears the end of their life, their body naturally begins to slow down, and many bodily functions, including thirst, diminish. In many cases, the body doesn't require as much hydration. The natural dying process often includes a decreased need for fluids and food, and the cessation of drinking is not inherently dangerous for these patients. Palliative care focuses on providing comfort and quality of life, not prolonging life at all costs. If a patient stops drinking, it’s usually a sign that their body is shutting down, and there are often measures taken to alleviate discomfort (e.g., moistening the mouth, using mouth swabs, or administering fluids via other methods like IVs if necessary, but this is rarely about hydration for survival). In the final stages of life, many patients have a decreased ability to process fluids, and forcing hydration may not provide benefits. In fact, it could cause discomfort, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, due to fluid retention. While dehydration can lead to symptoms like dry mouth, lethargy, or confusion, these are manageable with palliative care strategies. While dehydration may occur in palliative care, it is rarely the cause of death. Rather, it is part of the natural process of dying. The goal of palliative care is to ensure comfort and dignity in the final stages of life, not to focus on hydration as a means of survival. For more information on Food & Fluids at End of Life please visit the NSMHPCN Patient, Family and Caregiver Resource page: https://lnkd.in/gaW2x5Vi

🚨 Exciting News! 🚨 The NSMHPCN 2025-2026 Education Offerings are now available on our website! 🎓📚 Whether you're a healthcare professional looking to deepen your knowledge or seeking specialized training in palliative care, we have a program for you. Our upcoming courses include: ✅ Advance Palliative Practice Skills ✅ Canadian Serious Illness Conversations ✅ Comprehensive Advanced Palliative Care Education ✅ Essential Pain Management ✅ Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care ✅ Palliative Approach to Care with Dementia 💻Visit our website to explore course details and register today: https://nsmhpcn.ca PLUS Don't forget to check out the 2025 Clinical Conference: https://lnkd.in/gtYv3CRX #PalliativeCare #HealthcareEducation #NSMHPCN #ProfessionalDevelopment

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗡𝗦𝗠𝗛𝗣𝗖𝗡 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - 𝙏𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 Palliative Approach to Progressive Heart Disease: Prioritizing Symptom Management and Quality of Life Join us for an essential one-day clinical conference focused on the early integration of palliative care in the management of progressive heart disease. This event will bring together healthcare professionals to explore best practices in symptom management, improving quality of life, and facilitating a smoother transition into end-of-life care. 📅 Date: May 8th, 2025 ⏰ Time: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm 📍 Location: Ferndale Banquet Hall, Barrie 🎟️ Tickets: $75 ✨ NEW FOR 2025: Virtual Access! ✨ Can’t attend in person? We’ve got you covered! Gain on-demand access to all main session recordings from May 19th to 23rd so you don’t miss out on valuable insights. (Note: Virtual attendance does not include networking opportunities.) 🔗 Register today & learn more: https://lnkd.in/gtYv3CRX This is a must-attend event for healthcare professionals dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for those living with progressive heart disease. Secure your spot today! 💙 #Conference #ClinicalConference #NSMHPCN #HeartDisease #PalliativeCare #HeartHealth #HealthcareLeadership

𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵 𝘃𝘀. 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 - 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵: Cancer, malaria, or AIDS top the list of global killers. 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) holds the title as the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Heart Federation, in 2021, CVD was responsible for a staggering 33% of all global deaths. That’s one-third of all fatalities across the globe. To put it in perspective: - Cancers came in second, contributing to 18% of global deaths. - Chronic respiratory infections were the third major killer, responsible for 7% of deaths. This stark reality underscores the urgency of not only focusing on prevention but also on providing quality care for those living with progressive heart disease, especially in the later stages. As heart disease progresses, patients often face symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life. 💬 Join us for the 2025 Clinical Conference: Palliative Approach to Progressive Heart Disease - Prioritizing Symptom Management and Quality of Life on May 8th. This important conference will explore the integration of palliative care principles in managing progressive heart disease. We'll focus on how early palliative care can enhance symptom management, improve quality of life, and ensure a compassionate transition into end-of-life care for those living with advanced heart disease. It's time to shift our approach and recognize the critical role palliative care plays in supporting patients with progressive heart disease. Together, we can improve patient outcomes and dignity in their final years. For more information please visit https://lnkd.in/gtYv3CRX 🔍 #PalliativeCare #HeartDisease #QualityOfLife #CardiovascularDisease #SymptomManagement #ClinicalConference #EndOfLifeCare #CVD #HealthcareMatters

⚠️ Winter Storm Warning: Stay Safe! ⚠️ A significant winter storm is approaching our area, with heavy snowfall and strong winds expected to create hazardous conditions. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind: 🚗 Travel Safely: Avoid non-essential travel during the storm. If you must drive, reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit, including blankets, a flashlight, and non-perishable snacks. 🏠 Home Preparedness: Keep flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio accessible in case of power outages. Stock up on essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, and medications. Regularly check on elderly neighbours or those who may need assistance. 👣 Outdoor Safety: Dress warmly in layers, covering exposed skin to prevent frostbite. Be cautious of ice-covered surfaces; wear footwear with good traction. Limit time spent outdoors to prevent hypothermia. 📞 Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather updates for the latest information. Sign up for emergency alerts to receive timely notifications. For more details on the winter storm warning, visit Environment Canada's official website: WEATHER.GC.CA 🌨️ Please feel free to comment and share links to sites you use to stay up to date on weather-related warnings! Stay safe, everyone! ❄️💙

🔬✨ Celebrating Women and Girls in Science! ✨🔬 Today, on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of women and girls in STEM fields. From groundbreaking medical research to life-changing innovations in palliative care, women continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and inspire future generations. Science is for everyone, and diversity in research, healthcare, and technology leads to better solutions for all. Let’s continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and empower young girls to explore their passion for science! Tag a woman in science who inspires you! 💡💜 #WomenInScience #STEMforAll #IDWGS

Get Ready for an Exciting Year of Learning! The 2025/2026 NSMHPCN Education Plan is here, and we have an incredible lineup of courses, workshops, and resources designed to expand your knowledge and enhance patient care! What’s Coming? ✅ APPS (Advanced Palliative Practice Skills) ✅ CAPCE (Comprehensive Advanced Palliative Care Education) ✅ Canadian Serious Illness Conversation ✅ Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care ✅ New Podcast Topics ✅ And SO much more! 💡 Want early access to course dates and new learning opportunities? 📩 Register now to be the first to know! 👉 bit.ly/2025EDU 📢 Don’t miss out—sign up today and stay ahead of the curve! Let’s keep learning, growing, and making a difference together. 💙 #NSMHPCNEducation #LifelongLearning #PalliativeCare #HealthcareEducation #StayInformed

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 - 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙨 Join us for DEATH OVER APPS, an evening of thought-provoking conversations about life, death, and everything in between at the Bull and Barrel Pub. Date: March 25th, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Bull and Barrel Pub Tickets: https://lnkd.in/g4bvE2YC Brought to you by North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network and Hospice Simcoe, this in-person event offers a unique opportunity to discuss a topic often considered taboo in a welcoming and open environment. Share stories, ask questions, and connect with others over light refreshments. Let’s break the silence and explore the inevitable—together. This event is free of charge. See you there, and don’t forget to bring a friend! Get your tickets today! https://lnkd.in/g4bvE2YC #DeathOverApps #NSMHPCN #HospiceSimcoe