A new program allows patients in palliative care at the Chatham-Kent Hospice to have one more end-of-life journey to make memories with their friends and family.
Lasting Memories is a joint initiative between the hospice and a group of local paramedics from Chatham-Kent EMS. The program sees hospice staff work with patients and their families to coordinate an outing, with volunteer paramedics accompanying them throughout the excursion to alleviate any health or medical concerns.
"We want to help families create a wonderful memory to carry with them throughout their final days together," said Pete Morassutti, manager of Mobile Integrated Health for Chatham-Kent EMS. "One last visit to the farm, ride to the lake, or enjoying a sporting event – one last celebration."
He added that some of the core values at Medavie Health Services include being caring, innovative, and community-minded.
"Lasting Memories is an excellent example of how these values become reality," Morassutti stated.
Hospice resident Sandra took the first ride with the program recently. She, along with her daughter, son in law, and two granddaughters, visited the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area for a picnic lunch.
"My daughter and I were looking up places in the area after I found out about this trip, and we stumbled across pictures for the conservation area. It looked so beautiful, I thought 'I would love to see that in person!' I never thought I would be able to go outside again, let alone in this beautiful setting," Sandra explained.
Chatham-Kent EMS paramedics Rodney and Jon volunteered to accompany Sandra and her family on their day out.
"They were very cautious and attentive to me. The ride was a bit bumpy, but they warned me before every bump, so I felt ready and comfortable," Sandra described. "The paramedics went above and beyond and made the entire experience completely stress free."
Sandra said one of the men went so far as to hold a snapping turtle in place so they could show it to her granddaughters. "I got to see the wonder in their faces and not just hear about it later," she said.
The Chatham-Kent Hospice is a 10-bed residential facility that offers care for residents facing end-of-life and support for their loved ones. Since opening in April 2016, Chatham-Kent Hospice has served over 1,360 families.