Emmanuel House Hospice

Our Team

Tamara Johnson, Director of Operations, Seniors Program, Emmanuel House Hospice & Palliative Care Outreach Team
905.528.5877 X 2436

Claire Kislinsky, Director of Health Strategy for Seniors Services, Hospice and Palliative Care
905.308.8401 x3223

Krystal Gee, Support Services Manager
905.308.8401 x3221

Maria Haldenby, Clinical Manager
905.308.8401 x3222

For general inquiries, please email: EmmanuelHouseHospice@gsch.ca

Our Hospice

Emmanuel House is more than a hospice; it is a place for people to experience their end-of-life journey with dignity and comfort in a place that feels like home.

We provide 24-hour care for people with a life-limiting illness and require comfort and support for themselves and their loved ones. Our experienced and compassionate staff assist families with their emotional needs and with understanding what is happening to their loved one.

Take a virtual tour of Emmanuel House

Palliative Care

Our palliative care team provides 24-hour nursing care, including pain and symptom management, social, psychological, spiritual and practical support.

Amenities

Emmanuel House has two comfortable living rooms and two tower rooms with windows on three sides, with a panoramic view of the grounds. Meals are prepared by our talented volunteers and staff in the large kitchen. Laundry services are provided. An elevator is available to access all levels of the home. Each resident has a beautifully decorated private room with a therapeutic bed, nursing call bell, two-piece bathroom, storage for personal items and clothing, cable TV, phone, small fridge and reclining chair. Rooms are climate controlled.

Visitor Information

As we continue to navigate the changing landscape as a result of COVID-19, Emmanuel House continues to prioritize supporting optimal health and well-being for everyone associated with the hospice. We remain committed to continuing to take ongoing steps to protect residents, our health care team, and you. We need and appreciate your cooperation.

Please review all of our Visiting Policies. 

Spiritual Care

We offer spiritual care and support to residents and their loved ones in a way that is unique to them. Spiritual care involves paying attention to what is happening on their “inner journey”. We walk with our residents and their loves ones, listening deeply to hear and honour their stories. Our goal is to provide a compassionate environment where residents and their loved ones connect, share, and experience dignity.

Some of the ways we offer support include:

• Simple presence
• Quiet conversation
• Music therapy
• Communion
• Visits from spiritual guides (Imam, Rabbi, Minister, Priest, etc.)
• Friendly visitors
• Art & creativity (soul collage, knitting, puzzles, etc.)
• Reading
• Therapy dog visits
• Prayer
• Farewell ritual at the bedside
• Support with final arrangements
• Bereavement support
• Memorial services (two times a year)

History of Emmanuel House

The beautiful stone home was owned by one of Hamilton’s wealthiest families. It was built in 1862 by Frederick W. Fearman, who owned an international meat packaging operation that still exists today.

In 1998, Good Shepherd converted the mansion into a 10-bed supportive housing residence for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and other life-limiting illnesses. Over time, the need for residential care for HIV/AIDS decreased and Good Shepherd developed a community residential hospice for the city.

Emmanuel House owes its existence to the perseverance and hard work of the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God, who faced many challenges to make this dream a reality. Today, Emmanuel House provides quality of life, family wellness and a chance to continue to live with dignity for those who are facing the most difficult and emotionally charged time in their lives.