For many Nova Scotians, Hospice Halifax represents something deeply important: compassionate care, dignity, and support during life’s most difficult moments. Under the leadership of Hospice Halifax Executive Director Jocelyn Hamilton, the non-profit continues to provide free end-of-life care and grief support services in a home-like environment designed to bring comfort to patients and their loved ones. Since opening in 2019 as the province’s first hospice residence, Hospice Halifax has become a vital part of the healthcare community, offering an alternative to hospital care while helping families navigate loss with compassion and understanding. As the organization enters its seventh year, its mission remains clear: to ensure every Nova Scotian has access to dignified end-of-life care and meaningful grief support when they need it most.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Hospice Halifax is a non-profit that provides compassionate end-of-life care for patients and their chosen families in a home-like residence. Care reaches beyond our residence through grief support programs, helping community members live with loss. Hospice Halifax services are free of charge to help all Nova Scotians access the end-of-life care and grief support that everyone deserves.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Thanks to grassroots fundraising and government advocacy, Hospice Halifax opened its doors in 2019 as the first hospice residence in Nova Scotia. Many people living with life-limiting illness say that a community setting, rather than a hospital, is where they prefer to die. Hospice Halifax offers a free, compassionate option where patients and their families can feel at home while receiving 24-hour clinical care and grief support.
This hospice residence model benefits patients and their loved ones by easing the death and grief journey. Hospices also expand our healthcare system and hospital capacity by providing an alternative care option.
Additionally, we offer free community grief support services to anyone in Nova Scotia who is navigating loss, making grief counselling services more accessible.
When did you start/join it?
I joined the Hospice Halifax team in November 2021 as the People Services and Volunteer Coordinator. That position transitioned into a full-time People Services Coordinator role, and in August of 2025, I accepted the position of Executive Director.
What made you want to get involved?
After a wonderful 14-year career with NovaScotian Crystal that ended with the business closure, I was looking for something different. I have always loved working with small, local organizations, giving back to my community, and supporting others. Looking back, I would also say that I was grieving a loss of a large part of who I was until that point, and that likely pointed me in the direction of this compassionate organization.
Around the same time, I also experienced the loss of a dear family member, who was supported by the amazing Palliative care team on 7A. We had explored their eligibility for Hospice, and unfortunately, the timing didn’t allow her to be cared for here.
What was the situation like when you started?
At the end of November 2021, there were a lot of changes happening at Hospice Halifax. We had been open for just over 2 years (May 2019), had a new CEO, were still navigating the ever-changing COVID restrictions, and we were shifting from starting a brand new organization into normal operations.
While a lot of the team has changed and grown along with the organization, patient-centred care has been the focus of every team member from the beginning.
How has it changed since?
We’re entering our 7th year and have an amazing, compassionate team, committed to providing meaningful end-of-life care. We also reach beyond our residence through grief support programs, helping community members live with loss.
What more needs to be done?
We envision a future where all Nova Scotians have access to compassionate, dignified end-of-life care, and where grief is embraced and supported. To reach this goal, our team is working hard to raise awareness of our current services, to understand the needs of underrepresented communities, and to advocate for more Hospice beds in our Province.
As we build a future where grief is openly accepted, and death is supported, we’re also strengthening relationships with community members, service-providing organizations, and all levels of government.
How can our readers help?
Thanks to the generous support of individuals and our community, we can continue to provide our services free of charge. We encourage everyone to get involved in a way that works for them, from raising awareness, having those tough conversations, joining in a fundraising initiative or donating time, energy or money.
Almost 50% of our costs are funded by our amazing community of supporters, including donations, grants, and fundraising events, with the other portion graciously funded through our partnership with Nova Scotia Health.
Do you have any events coming up?
Our Hike for Hospice is on Sunday, June 7, on the front lawn beside our residence.
Every dollar raised through Hike for Hospice helps fund the free end-of-life care and grief supports Hospice Halifax provides.
The Hike Day will be a joyful, outdoor, family-friendly gathering, dedicated to walking in tribute of our loved ones, and in support of the compassionate care everyone deserves at end-of-life. Find more details about the route, post-walk activities, and celebratory lunch here.
Where can we follow you?
Follow Hospice Halifax at:
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PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Mental Health Foundation of NS
