Nestled on five serene acres of once-empty farmland, the Gies Family Centre stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and compassionate care. The author of a recent article in Maclean’s visited the centre and reports that, at first glance, this rustic building complete with an in-house hair salon, a spiritual room and an information center, might not seem like your typical hospice facility. But that’s precisely the point – it’s a place where end-of-life care feels less like a hospital and more like a home.
In the mid-2010s, as the aging population grew and the need for hospice beds became more pressing, Hospice Waterloo Region in Kitchener, Ontario, saw an opportunity to create something special. They sought out architects to bring their vision to life. Enter Laird Robertson and Doug McIntosh of NEO Architecture, who, despite never having designed a hospice before, were inspired to break away from the cold, clinical feel of traditional care homes. Their winning design? A cozy, barn-inspired hospice that radiates warmth and serenity.
The transformation began in 2019, with demolishing an old farmhouse in northern Waterloo, making way for a new, expansive structure infused with rustic charm. The result was a 27,000-square-foot facility, constructed over three years at a cost of $13 million. The building, with its limestone and hardwood accents, trellises, and wooden slats, evokes the nostalgic comfort of old-time barns, allowing sunlight to filter through in a way that feels both natural and inviting.
The Gies Family Centre, named after its premiere donors, Gert and Bill Gies, welcomed its first residents in 2021. The facility is divided into three wings. The north block is dedicated to therapeutic programs such as reflexology and reiki. The south wing houses a training facility for caregivers and a medical clinic. The east wing is home to the residences, each featuring a private patio, a hospital bed, a double pull-out for visitors, a TV for video calls, a small fridge, a bathroom and a closet. The building encircles an open-air courtyard, complete with a 30-foot silo and a non-denominational spiritual space, grounded by an Indigenous medicine wheel.
At the heart of the Gies Family Centre is a commitment to making the final days of its residents as peaceful and comfortable as possible. Stories from the centre are poignant and heartwarming. One resident had her bed rolled onto her private patio so she could experience her last moments outdoors, while another witnessed her granddaughter’s wedding in the spiritual room before passing away. These moments highlight the centre’s success in creating a space that truly facilitates meaningful end-of-life experiences.
“The stories are tear-jerkers,” said McIntosh. “It makes us feel like we succeeded in building a place that facilitates end-of-life experiences: a place with a soul.”
Understanding Levels of Hospice Care
The Gies Family Centre is a shining example of hospice care. Still, it’s important to understand the broader landscape of palliative care services in Ontario available to individuals and their families. Here’s a brief overview:
Home
Care is provided by home care agencies, visiting hospice care programs or family caregivers. This includes nursing care, assistance with daily living activities, social work, case management and necessary medical supplies and equipment. Information about home-based services can be found at healthcareathome.ca.
Hospital
Hospitals provide more intensive care and medical treatments for complex needs. They have emergency departments for urgent care, and some hospitals have designated palliative care units or beds, along with palliative care consultation teams and various patient and caregiver support programs.
Hospice
Hospices are community-based organizations that support people with life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers. They offer services in various settings, including homes and homelike environments, providing trained volunteers, day programs, psychosocial and spiritual support, grief counselling, caregiver support, complementary therapies and end-of-life care within hospice residences.
Hospice Residence
Facilities like the Gies Family Centre offer 24/7 palliative care in a home-like setting. They provide a comforting environment for individuals and their loved ones, ensuring dignity and quality of life during their final days.
Long-Term Care Home
These homes provide adults with assistance in daily activities and access to 24-hour nursing care, including palliative care. They are ideal for individuals with significant health challenges and offer palliative care unless medical complications necessitate hospital admission.
Palliative care is also available in other residential settings, such as retirement homes, ensuring comprehensive support across various environments.
It’s important to have open, honest conversations with loved ones about their wishes. The stress and grief associated with the process of death can be dialled back if arrangements are clearly laid out, allowing the family to be present in the moment and focus exclusively on their loved one.
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