What We Do
Home Hospice Association (HHA) supports people to die well by equipping communities with the information and resources needed to ensure comprehensive and compassionate end-of-life care and grief support.
A New Approach to End-of-Life Care
In many Western cultures, dying has become overly medicalized, with hospitals and residential hospices often becoming the default setting for death, even though most people would prefer to die at home. Even when palliative care is available, it frequently fails to address the cultural, emotional, spiritual, or financial needs of the dying and their families. HHA aims to fill these gaps by offering holistic end-of-life care that is both compassionate and culturally sensitive.
What sets Home Hospice Association (HHA) apart is our innovative approach to expanding end-of-life care beyond the traditional healthcare model. Instead of relying solely on an overburdened palliative care system, we collaborate with non-palliative care organizations to bring compassionate, culturally sensitive care to their clients. By partnering with community-based agencies that already have trusted relationships with specific populations, we ensure that individuals receive the care they need from people they know and trust.
Educational event with our community partner, Metis Nation of Ontario. Learn more about Our Partners.
Expanding Knowledge Through Training and Professional Development
At HHA, we believe that enhancing end-of-life care starts with equipping caregivers, professionals, and community members with the tools and knowledge to provide compassionate support. Our wide range of training opportunities includes both structured certificate programs and ongoing professional development, offering mentorship, resources, and support to those working in or around end-of-life care.
Whether you're learning to support a loved one or advancing your professional practice, our programs - such as the Death Doula Certificate Program - offer practical skills and valuable insights. We help individuals and professionals alike deepen their connection to the communities they serve and create more inclusive, compassionate spaces for those facing death.
Graduation Event for our Professional Development Programs. Learn more about our Death Doula Certificate Program.
Programs Designed for Compassionate Communities
At HHA, we offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of diverse communities. As a leader in Death Education, we're dedicated to normalizing conversations about dying, grief, and loss, providing inclusive spaces where people can share their stories and receive support without fear of stigma. We are expanding our reach across Canada, establishing local chapters and forging partnerships with organizations like Public Libraries to bring death education into the heart of communities. Through our programs, we help individuals and families navigate the complex emotions and decisions surrounding end-of-life care.
Our public education initiatives include community-specific Death Cafés, support groups for pre- and perinatal loss, and workshops for youth, parents, and caregivers. These programs, along with other events, are designed to encourage open conversations about death and grief. For example, our When There Are No Words panel discussion series - part of the Pathways to Peace program - addresses losses often accompanied by bias or judgment, providing a safe space for these important discussions. Through these initiatives, we foster resilience by supporting grieving individuals and families, creating opportunities for healing and connection.
In-person Death Cafe in Toronto, facilitated by Death Doula Kayla Moryoussef. Learn more about our HHA Death Cafes.