Until recently, families in Elgin County had to look elsewhere for hospice care. Loved ones seeking compassionate end-of-life support had to travel to London, Woodstock, or Chatham-Kent, adding stress and distance during an already challenging time.
That changed last month when the Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin opened its doors. The facility is a place where patients can spend their final days surrounded by dignity, comfort, and those they love most.
At Salus Mutual, we were proud to support this vital community resource with a $100,000 donation. But our contribution is just one part of an incredible story of neighbours helping neighbours.
A Community Coming Together
The hospice represents the very best of what happens when a community decides something matters. Fundraising efforts have been ongoing since 2019, with countless volunteers, donors, and supporters working to make this dream a reality.
The facility honours the late Marianne Barrie, whose estate donated $3.5 million to establish Elgin County's first hospice. Barrie, a long-time St. Thomas resident and lawyer, embodied the kind of quiet but committed community support that makes projects like this possible.
More Than a Medical Facility
Walking into the building, you won't find spaces that remind you of a hospital. Instead, you'll discover a true home away from home, designed with patients and their families in mind. The ten private suites each include family areas and private patios. It’s a welcoming environment that prioritizes privacy and togetherness.
Beyond the suites, there’s The Spa Room, with its jetted tub and walk-in shower. The Bunkie provides on-site sleeping space for family members travelling from a distance. The Canoe Café creates a welcoming spot for refreshment and reflection.
Every detail has been thoughtfully planned to support patients and their families. Navigating grief and loss can be extraordinarily difficult. That’s why spiritual care and bereavement support are vital, and an integral part of the services offered by Barrie Family Hospice.
Serving Our Whole Community
The hospice expects to serve about 500 people annually — some in the facility itself, others through community-based palliative care that allows patients to remain at home. All services are provided at no cost to families.
For a county with nearly 90,000 residents and about 800 deaths each year, Barrie Family Hospice represents something profound: the promise that no one has to face their final journey alone or far from home.
Why This Matters to Us
As a mutual insurance company, we've always believed that strong communities take care of their own. The Barrie Family Hospice embodies everything we stand for — people coming together to support each other when it matters most.
Our $100,000 donation reflects our commitment to help improve and support our communities and those who live there. When our neighbours no longer have to travel long distances for compassionate care, when their families are supported through each phase of their loved one’s transition, that’s something we are honoured to stand behind.
Families can access hospice services through Southwest Ontario Health at Home by calling the Elgin office at 519-631-9907.
