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Ian Anderson House founder forged into the future by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 11 | Friday, May 20, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com When Oakville's Ian Anderson House (IAH) opened in 1997, it marked the end of a long battle for Margaret Anderson. In memory of her late husband, Ian, she founded IAH as Ontario's first inresident cancer hospice, which offers free, end-of-life palliative care by trained medical professionals, to those who can't be given round-the-clock care in their own homes. IAH offers a home-like, safe environment where residents receive 24/7 support. "There was no such thing as hospice, in Ontario, when her husband had cancer. She felt very isolated and alone. It was a stressful time for her. She didn't want other people to go through that, so she thought there was a great need for hospice," said Heidi Harrigan, volunteer co-ordinator. "She fought hard, she fought for seven years to get this place opened. She had to tackle every level of government. At that time, the government didn't see a need for hospice in Ontario." At IAH, care is provided by health-care professionals, including doctors, registered nurses and personal support workers. Harrigan noted its nurses look after approximately 600 people annually in the community, of which, about 200 go to IAH. "The rooms are very homey. We have a shared kitchen that all the families can use together. They can get support from our nurses and volunteers... somebody to lean on to help them through a difficult time," said Harrigan. Residents receive individualized support programs, in partnership with the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), which augments the hours of nursing and support provided by IAH's 23 staff members and 80 volunteers. Barb Taylor volunteer and Linda Taylor RN, (no relation) pose for the camera and hope that everyone can come out and support Ian Anderson House on Sunday, June 5 for the 18th annual Walk/Run For The Care. | photo by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_ photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) The Oakville hospice also provides a one-or two-week respite stay to caregivers looking after a loved one, who is terminally-ill in their homes. "The nurses are constantly monitoring people in the community and in their homes, making sure they haven't fallen through the cracks and that they're getting the homecare they need and the services that are available for homes," said Harrigan. To support operational costs, IAH will host its 18th annual Walk/Run for the Care on Sunday, June 5 at Mentor College in Mississauga. "We get a lot of support from the community, but the reason we get the support is primarily because of the bedside care that happens in the rooms. Those staff and volunteers come out to the walk/run and families love that," said Harrigan. She noted attendance in the event has grown to about 400. "(Margaret) started this on her own. Her stick-toitiveness, compassion and how generous she is with the families has made it a consistent event for 18 years. It's not very often that somebody starts something and they stay with it," said Harrigan. "There was nothing else out there like it. It's not competitive, in terms of first, second and third place. It's more about fellowship." Meanwhile, volunteers have an important role at IAH, as they handle things at the front of the house, she said, giving example tasks such as opening the door and answering phones, keeping the kitchen clean, making light meals and comforting families, if needed. "It's kind of a Jack-of-alltrades role. They pull up their sleeves and do whatever is needed," said Harrigan, noting they also pitch in at events. Anderson funded the building of a Memory Wall in 2009 to honour residents who have died. Requested names are added two times a year, in late spring and fall, which includes an informal reception held at IAH. "People are asked to donate see Walk/Run on p.13 Since 1988 antique hardwood flooring 290 Speers road, oakville 905-825-8551 www.antiquehardwoodflooring.ca follow uS to See the lateSt trendS