Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is palliative care?
A. Active and compassionate medical, nursing, and support care which addresses the patient's and family’s psychological, social and spiritual needs as they face the challenges of a progressive terminal illness.

Q. What are the admission criteria?
A. The Admissions Committee will determine, based upon a case-by-case basis which patient(s) will be accepted for admission. Generally, the criteria is; a medically documented estimated life expectancy of less than three months, patient residing on the western part of the island of Montreal and west to the Ontario boarder. The Admissions Committee will determine any exception to this e.g. primary caregiver resides on western part of island.

Q. How do I arrange to have a patient admitted & how long would it take?
A. A health care professional (a social worker, nurse, or doctor) must fill out our admission request form for you. You can download the form here. Alternatively, most CLSC’s, NOVA’s and hospitals also have the form available, if not ask them to phone 514-693-1718 and request that one be faxed. NB: this form can only be completed by a professional healthcare provider. An MD must sign the referral and then fax back the completed forms and supporting medical documentation to the Residence. All admission forms are reviewed within 48 hours of receipt. Patients can be admitted within the hour or have to wait a few months, depending on urgency, timing, prognosis and presence of symptoms. Once a patient is accepted for transfer to the Residence the referring agency (hospital or CLSC) will be contacted by telephone.

Q. May I have a tour of the facility?
A. Prior to patient admission we do not conduct tours, this is to ensure that the Residence is kept as a place of privacy and dignity. Once a patient has been admitted, tours can be arranged for family members.

Q. How many beds do you have?
A. We have 9 private rooms. Each room has patio doors that open out onto our peaceful, beautiful gardens.

Q. Where is the Residence?
A. The Residence is located at 265 André Brunet, Kirkland, Quebec which is just behind the Lakeshore General Hospital. We can be easily accessed via highways 20 & 40. You may refer to the map provided on our website.

Driving Instructions to get to West Island Palliative Care Residence
265 André Brunet, Kirkland, Qc H9H 3R4
View Map

From the Transcanada (40) west bound:
Exit at St.Jean south continue to Hymus and turn right. Take Hymus to Stillview and turn left. Continue on Stillview until you see the Lakeshore Hospital on the right, go in to the first entrance for the hospital and drive towards the back of the hospital. You will see the Residence and are able to park in the lot beside it.
***If you would like to drive to the front of the Residence instead of the parking lot, take Hymus to André Brunet and turn left and you will find the Residence on the left. Please note that there are only a small number of parking spaces available at the front of the Residence. The city does not permit parking on André Brunet.

From the 20 west bound:
Exit at St. Jean north, continue along St. Jean until Hymus and turn left. Take Hymus until Stillview and turn left. Continue on Stillview until you see the Lakeshore Hospital on the right, go in to the first entrance for the hospital and drive towards the back of the hospital. You will see the Residence and are able to park in the lot beside it.
***If you would like to drive to the front of the Residence instead of the parking lot, take Hymus to André Brunet and turn left and you will find the Residence on the left. Please note that there are only a small number of parking spaces available at the front of the Residence. The city does not permit parking on André Brunet.

Q. Is there parking close by?
A. Yes, our parking lot is shared with the Lakeshore General Hospital & is subject to current fees. You may purchase a daily or monthly pass at the Residence.

Q. How Is the facility funded?
A. The Residence receives a portion of the operating budget from the government. The balance which is over $1,300,000 annually, must be raised by the residence.

Q. What expenses would I be responsible for?
A. Care at the Residence is free for all of our patients. The patient must pay for all medications, which our pharmacist will have delivered. All payments must be arranged via credit card directly with the pharmacy.

Q. If my family member is admitted, may they bring toiletries, personal item, etc… from home?
A. Yes, patients may bring personal toiletries such as toothbrush, comb, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. as well as a robe, pajamas and slippers. Any unusual dressings e.g. ostomy equipment must come with the patient. Patients are requested to bring any medication they are currently taking with them as well. Favorite personal items such as pictures, books, movies etc are welcome.  Please note however that in order to prevent damages to the room, we ask you not to hang, put holes in or use tape on the walls. 

Q. Is there a place at the Residence where the family & friends may obtain meals?
A. The Residence has a kitchen that cooks home-style meals daily. These meals are available for a nominal fee and may be eaten in our dining room or in the patient’s room. We ask that you purchase your meal ticket in advance so that the kitchen can plan for quantities.

Q. When are visiting hours?
A. You may visit anytime. There are no set hours per se. Upon entering and exiting the Residence you must sign in and out at our Visitors logbook located in the reception area. Occasionally the health care team or a family member may restrict visiting and/or telephone calls. These requests are always honored and would be the exception to 24/7 visiting hours.

Q. Could a family member stay overnight with a patient?
A. Yes, each private patient’s room has space for one family member or friend to stay overnight.

Q. Do you offer bereavement counseling?
A. Yes, please see our web page on Bereavement.

Q. How can I volunteer?
A. Please refer to the web page on Volunteers.

Q. What type of fundraising events do you have?
A. Please refer to the web page on Fundraising, in particular the sections on events and campaigns.

Q. How may I make a donation?
A. Please refer to the web page on Donations.