St. Catharines
Stabler Centre
403 Ontario Street
Hospice palliative care helps people and families live well, with dignity, compassion and in comfort.
We know the decision to come to hospice for end-of-life care is not easy. Taking care of a loved one at home is not easy either, especially as they approach the last days and weeks of life.
You do not have to do this alone. We are here to help.
Hospice residences are for people who need more support than home can provide. The Stabler Centre offers the comforts of home, alongside the round-the-clock medical and emotional care that people and families need during this time.
Since 2007, our 10-bed hospice residence has welcomed people with warmth, kindness and care. Each private room has space for friends and loved ones to visit and stay close.
Nourishing meals and snacks are prepared daily by our in-house chef, and the family kitchen is often filled with the smell of homemade soup and fresh-baked cookies. There’s a large community room for family gatherings and smaller, quiet spaces for reflection and rest.
Outside, mature trees, flower gardens and winding paths surround the residence, offering peaceful places to walk, sit or simply breathe.
Whether you’re spending time together or seeking a quiet moment, the Stabler Centre is a place of calm, comfort and support.
Rooms are private and home-like, with a view of gardens and mature trees. They are furnished with:
- Adjustable bed, recliner chair, and sleeper sofa for friends and family to stay overnight
- Ensuite bathroom
- Smart TV
- Handmade quilt for bed
- Bedsheets and towels
- Phone for local calls
We encourage people and families to make themselves at home and feel comfortable in our shared spaces.
- Family kitchen and living room. A warm and inviting space where people and families can gather to take a break and relax, or come together for food and conversation. Includes a full kitchen with a stove to make your own meals, a microwave and fridge. Make yourself a coffee or tea, or enjoy a bowl of homemade soup, available weekdays for lunch. Help yourself to nutritious food including veggies and dip, cheese, yogurt and eggs from the mini-fridge. Wheelchair accessible seating is available as well as a highchair for younger guests.
- Family entertainment room. A comfortable space to relax and take a break. Includes a TV, gaming system, DVD player, books, puzzles and a children’s play area.
- Day wellness room. A larger space with tables and a fireplace. Sometimes this room is used for meetings and community programs but if it’s available, please feel free to use it as a quiet place to sit. It can also be reserved for special occasions or larger family meals.
- Outdoors. A path meanders through our flower gardens, trees and sheltered sittings areas. A barbecue can be reserved. Please ask staff for assistance if your loved one would like to go outside in their bed.
Our hospice chef will cook your loved one a nutritious, homemade meal, personalized to best meet medical and cultural needs.
Eat in your loved one’s room, the family kitchen, outdoors in any of the sitting areas, or by reserving the larger day wellness room.
Family and friends are welcome to visit at any hour and stay overnight. Children must be supervised.
If you expect a larger group to visit, let us know ahead of time. We can arrange spaces for you to be with each other or eat a meal together.
We recognize the significant bond between people and their pets, and are happy to arrange visits. Please ensure pets have received all recommended vaccines prior to visiting.
Pets must be closely supervised and kept in your room. You and your family are responsible for caring for your pet (food, water and toileting).
Living well throughout your illness is important. While at hospice, we offer programs and services to support the well-being of you and your family.
Spiritual care
Spiritual care embraces your unique values and perspectives. Our supportive counsellor is available for people and families. Or, let staff know if you would like help
accessing spiritual care through your specific faith or tradition.
Relaxation
Volunteers trained in alternative therapies including reiki and therapeutic touch may be available on request.
Therapy dogs
Volunteers visit periodically with their canine friends specially trained to give affection, comfort and love.
Music Therapy
Music touches people in many ways. It can help to relieve physical and emotional suffering. Encourage communication and expression. And help people reminisce. It
might even inspire people to write a song for their family, leaving behind a beautiful legacy gift.
Sharing Projects Toolbox
We will all leave behind pieces of ourselves for other people to honour and remember us by. This is our legacy. Often, it's the simple things about us that hold the most
meaning for the people in our lives. A favourite recipe. A fond memory or story. A photograph. Our volunteers and staff can help you create a simple legacy project, or you
can try your hand at it yourself. A cart in our family living room is stocked with ideas and supplies.
A look inside … the Stabler Centre
At hospice, we want everyone to feel at home. Our residence offers a warm and comfortable feel with private rooms, inviting spaces to gather with family and friends, and quiet places if you need to take a break and relax.
Warm and welcoming feel of hospice made possible with support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
