Providence Care’s AB Smith Homestead House officially opened its doors to its first patient and their family on the afternoon of Wed., March 19, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of end-of-life care services for southeastern Ontario. As the first hospice house in the Kingston area, it now serves more than 165,000 people in the region who may require end-of-life hospice care, with the next closest hospice located in Belleville.
“Today is a historic moment for our region,” says Providence Care Vice President, Corporate Services and Executive Director, Hospice Krista Wells Pearce. “For more than a decade, our community has advocated for dedicated hospice care in Kingston. Now, AB Smith Homestead House stands as a testament to that vision and commitment, ensuring that individuals and families receive the compassionate, supportive care they deserve during end-of-life.”
Located at 152 Phillips St., Providence Care’s AB Smith Homestead House provides 24-hour, compassionate and dignified care in a home-like environment with 10 beds for individuals at the end of life. It features private suites with patios, family gathering spaces, a spiritual room, a children’s corner and a large kitchen fostering a sense of warmth and community.
The hospice house is an expansion of Providence Care’s comprehensive hospice and palliative care services. These services include palliative care at Providence Care Hospital, community-based hospice visiting and support programs and specialty palliative care consultations.
“AB Smith Homestead House exists because of the incredible generosity of our community,” says Providence Care President and CEO Cathy Szabo. “Government funding for hospice care is limited and it was donor support that made this house a reality. That same generosity will be essential to sustaining its operations, ensuring that individuals and families continue to have access to compassionate, high-quality end-of-life care. This hospice truly belongs to the community.”
Staff and volunteers with AB Smith Homestead House have extensive training to deliver specialized hospice care. This dedicated team includes registered nurses (RNs), registered practical nurses (RPNs), personal support workers (PSWs), physicians, spiritual care, and volunteers—all committed to providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients and their care partners.
“This incredible team is the heart of AB Smith Homestead House,” adds Wells Pearce. “Their dedication, expertise, and compassion will ensure that every individual and their care partners receive the highest quality of care, comfort and support during end-of-life.”
How to Access the Service
To access care at AB Smith Homestead House, individuals need to be referred by a health-care provider and meet specific criteria, including having a life-limiting illness and the ability to be cared for safely in a home-like environment.
Referral Process
All referrals to Providence Care’s AB Smith Homestead House can be made by completing an Ontario Health at Home Service Requests/Referrals form.
