Hospices in Ontario (2027): What Hospice Is, What It Costs, and Residences by City
Hospice in Ontario, explained for families: residential hospice is free, there are about 91 residences with 556 beds, and referrals go through a doctor or Ontario Health atHome. Residences in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Barrie, Guelph, London, St. Thomas and Waterloo Region, with links for Toronto, Ottawa, York and Peel.
By Jonathan Kennedy · Last reviewed November 2026
Photo: summonedbyfells, CC BY 2.0
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A hospice in Ontario is a home-like residence, or a community program, for people at the end of life. Residential hospice costs families nothing: Ontario says there's "no cost to patients for medically necessary palliative care services in their homes, hospices or hospitals." The province has about 91 hospice residences with 556 beds, and most admit adults with a prognosis of about three months or less, through a referral from a doctor, a palliative team or Ontario Health atHome.
Often the word comes up in a hospital corridor, or in a call from the family doctor. You're trying to take it in, look after your mom or dad, and work out what to do this week. Hospice teams across Ontario do this every day, and most of them start with a simple phone call.
Do this next:
- Ask your parent's doctor or palliative team for a hospice referral now, even if home is working; beds are limited everywhere.
- Call Ontario Health atHome at 1-833-515-1234 for a palliative assessment and funded nursing at home.
- Find the guide for your parent's area: Toronto, Ottawa, Vaughan and York Region, or Mississauga and Brampton. Other cities are below.
What is a hospice, and how is it different from a palliative care unit?
A residential hospice is, in Ontario's words, a "home-like environment for those who can no longer stay in their own homes," with nurses and personal support workers around the clock. A community hospice brings volunteers, day programs, caregiver support and grief support to families at home, without a bed.
A hospital palliative care unit is a hospital ward for complex pain and symptoms, as well as end-of-life care. Long-term care homes also provide palliative care to their residents, but a long-term care bed isn't a hospice bed.
What does hospice cost in Ontario?
Nothing for the care. The province covers medically necessary palliative care in hospices, and Hospice Palliative Care Ontario's standards say support "is provided at no cost to the service recipient." Donations pay for much of the rest. A few hospices note that some medications, supplies, transport or personal items may cost extra, so ask.
How do you get a hospice bed in Ontario?
- Ask for a referral. Usually your parent's doctor, the hospital palliative team or an Ontario Health atHome care coordinator sends it. In some areas, such as London and Hamilton, all hospice referrals go through Ontario Health atHome.
- Check the criteria. Most residences admit adults with a life-limiting illness and a prognosis of about three months or less, with a valid Ontario health card; some also ask that your parent lives in the area or has family nearby.
- Wait, with a plan. Beds open when they open. Keep care at home strong, and tell the hospice if things change.
Our take: ask for the referral earlier than feels natural. Getting onto a hospice's list costs nothing, and families who wait for a crisis often find the nearest bed is full that week.
Hospices in Burlington and Oakville
- Carpenter Hospice, 2250 Parkway Drive, Burlington: 11 private rooms, at no cost, for adults living in Burlington or with close family nearby. Referrals come from a care coordinator, doctor, hospital or other health professional. Its community programs are free. Call 905-631-9994 ext. 110.
- Ian Anderson House, 430 Winston Churchill Boulevard, Oakville: a residential hospice serving Mississauga and Halton since 1997, for adults with a life expectancy of three months or less. The person, family or care team can start the referral. Call 905-337-8004.
Hospices in Hamilton
- Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice (Kemp Care Network), 277 Stone Church Road East: 10 beds on the West Mountain, and "no fee for residential hospice care." All Hamilton hospice referrals are sent by Ontario Health atHome. Call 905-387-2448.
- Emmanuel House Hospice (Good Shepherd), 90 Stinson Street: 24-hour care for people with a life-limiting illness. Intake: 905-528-5877 ext. 3284.
Hospices in Barrie and Simcoe County
- Hospice Simcoe, 336 Penetanguishene Road, Barrie: a 10-bed residence for a prognosis of less than three months, plus a visiting hospice service, day programs and grief support, all free. Referrals go through Ontario Health atHome. Residence: 705-722-5995; community programs: 705-725-1140.
- Hospice Orillia: free community programs; anyone can refer or ask for support. Call 705-325-0505.
Hospices in Guelph
Hospice Wellington, 795 Scottsdale Drive: a residence for adults with a prognosis of less than three months, at no cost, plus free community programs. A doctor or other health professional completes the referral. Call 519-836-3921.
Hospices in London and St. Thomas
- St. Joseph's Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, London: hospice care "free of charge." Anyone can start a referral, including you or your parent, by calling Ontario Health atHome at 519-473-2222. Hospice: 519-438-2102.
- Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin, 8 South Edgeware Road, St. Thomas: "no cost for your stay," plus free grief counselling. Applications go through Ontario Health atHome. Call 519-631-7495.
Hospices in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge
- Hospice Waterloo Region, 100 Solstice Way, Waterloo: the 11-bed Cook Family Residence for a prognosis of less than three months, plus volunteer visiting, Day Away, transportation and bereavement support. Call 519-743-4114.
- Lisaard House (Cambridge, six rooms) and Innisfree House (Kitchener, ten rooms): one charity, with "no overall charge to residents or families"; referrals come through your parent's doctor. Intake: 519-208-5055 ext. 253.
How do you cover care at home while you wait?
Ontario Health atHome funds palliative nursing and some personal support at home, but rarely someone through every night. A private agency can add overnight or daytime shifts, at roughly $28 to $40 an hour for personal support in 2026. Our palliative care at home guide explains how the pieces fit, and the Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit returns part of eligible costs.
Frequently asked questions
How many hospices are there in Ontario?
Hospice Palliative Care Ontario's 2024-2025 annual report counts 91 hospice residences with 556 beds, supporting over 9,000 patients a year, with 29 more residences (236 beds) in development. Many communities also have community hospice programs without beds.
Does OHIP cover hospice care?
Yes, in effect. Ontario says there's no cost to patients for medically necessary palliative care in their homes, hospices or hospitals. Residential hospices are funded partly by the province and partly by donations, so families don't pay for the care.
Who qualifies for hospice in Ontario?
Most residences admit adults with a life-limiting illness and a prognosis of about three months or less, with a valid Ontario health card. Some also ask that your parent live in the area or have family nearby. Each hospice sets its own criteria.
Can I refer my parent to hospice myself?
Sometimes. St. Joseph's Hospice in London accepts referrals from family or the person themselves through Ontario Health atHome, and Ian Anderson House lets families start the process. Many residences need a doctor or health professional to complete the referral, while community hospice programs usually take family referrals.
How long can someone stay in a hospice in Ontario?
Residential hospices are for the last weeks or months of life, so stays are often short; in Ottawa, for example, the average stay is about two to three weeks. If your parent's condition stabilizes, the team will talk with you about other options.
Last reviewed November 2026. We keep our guides current as costs, programs, and options change.
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