Hospices in Hamilton (2027): Dr. Kemp's House, Emmanuel House and How Referrals Work

Hamilton has two adult hospice residences: Dr. Kemp's House, the Kemp Care Network's 10-bed home on Stone Church Road East, and Emmanuel House on Stinson Street, run by Good Shepherd. As of November 2026, Kemp Care Network says "there is no fee for residential hospice care," and every hospice referral in the city is sent by Ontario Health atHome, usually after your parent's doctor or care coordinator starts it.

You might be reading this between visits, with a phone full of messages from family asking what happens now. Hamilton's hospice teams have walked a lot of families through this exact week. A first call to them is a conversation, not a commitment.

Which hospices are in Hamilton?

Kemp Care Network has roots in Hamilton going back to 1994, when Dr. Bob Kemp founded the hospice that now carries his name. For children, the network is building Keaton's House, a 10-bed children's hospice in Dundas for Hamilton and south-central Ontario, expected to open in 2027.

How does a hospice referral work in Hamilton?

1. Someone on the care team starts it. That can be the family doctor, a Home and Community Care Coordinator, the Palliative Community Outreach Team or the hospital team. In Hamilton the referral itself is always sent by Ontario Health atHome.
2. The hospice reviews fit. Dr. Kemp's House looks at a prognosis of less than three months, how hard pain and symptoms are to manage, and whether the goals of care suit hospice.
3. People at home come first. Kemp Care Network gives priority to people living at home, then hospital patients, then those in long-term care or other settings.
4. Expect a few days. It allows "at least two to five days" between reviewing a referral and arranging a possible admission, so plan care at home for that stretch.

What does hospice cost in Hamilton?

The stay itself is free. Kemp Care Network adds that "some medications, specialized supplies or optional private services may involve additional costs," so ask the team which apply. Ontario's palliative care page confirms medically necessary palliative care in a hospice costs patients nothing.

What help is there at home before a bed opens?

• Volunteer visiting: Kemp Care Network volunteers visit adults with a progressive illness anywhere in Greater Hamilton, for up to four hours a week. You can apply yourself; they don't give personal or medical care.
• Palliative outreach: Good Shepherd's Palliative Care Outreach Team offers in-home services for people with advanced illness (905-308-8401 ext. 3284).
• Day hospice: Kemp Care Network has paused its Adult Day Wellness program while it becomes a new Day Hospice, planned for 2027.
• Paid help: for overnight or daytime shifts beyond funded care, see our palliative care at home guide.

Our take: in Hamilton, the referral path matters more than the hospice name. Get the doctor or care coordinator moving early, because people waiting at home get priority, and that's exactly where you want your parent to be when a suite opens.

What grief support is there in Hamilton?

Kemp Care Network offers one-to-one counselling, groups, phone check-ins in the first six months, a spousal loss retreat, and support for children and teens, including Camp Keaton. Good Shepherd runs one-to-one counselling and eight-week grief groups through Emmanuel House's intake line.

What should you ask the hospice team?

• Has our referral reached you, and where is my parent on the list?
• Which costs, if any, would we pay, such as certain medications or supplies?
• Can family stay overnight, and are there visiting limits?
• What grief support can we use afterwards?