Historically, a hospice was a place of refuge for injured travelers. Hospice workers would provide care and comfort. Hospice was defined as a ‘resting place’ for people on their journey.
Today Hospice Palliative Care is care that aims to relieve suffering and to improve living and dying. Hospice refers to the active and compassionate care of people with life threatening illness; when illness has progressed beyond traditional treatment which is aimed at curing or prolonging life. Hospice care also extends to the family, they receive emotional and mental support, and support in the management of pain and other symptoms their loved one may have.
Castlegar Hospice Society provides trained volunteers who are understanding, and give support and friendship to people diagnosed with life-threatening illness and their families. This may take place at home, in the hospital, or in a care facility.
Volunteers are not professionals or counselors. They are ordinary people who give their time and who care. Visits are flexible and are arranged to suit the needs of the individuals involved.
Our volunteers:
- Visit clients and their families at home, in the hospital, or in a care facility upon referral or request
- Offer support by listening and helping but are not professional substitutes.
- Respect the privacy of clients and their need for confidential service
- Offer respite for family members as well as companionship (read, play cards,
write letters, or just ‘be there’) - Have a wide range of languages, skills,
and cultural backgrounds. - Respect the values and beliefs of the client and
individuals - May have had personal experience with death and loss
For those volunteers who do not want to assist with clients, there are opportunities to help with fundraising, office work, and other non-client related activities. Our volunteers continue to train through monthly educational meetings, and receive support for the hospice coordinator.
Referrals
Anyone can make a referral simply by calling the Castlegar Hospice Society coordinator. Referrals are received from the medical community, family, friends, or clients themselves.
What happens when I contact the Castlegar Hospice Society?
The hospice coordinator will meet with you and your family to explain the program and to learn about your needs. A volunteer can then be appointed if service is desired.
Hospice offers the community …
- family / caregiver respite
- one-to-one volunteer support
- one-to-one coordinator support
- bereavement library resources
- referral sources
There is no charge for the services provided by the Castlegar Hospice Society
Time is…
- Too slow for those who wait,
- Too swift for those who fear,
- Too long for those who grieve,
- Too short for those who rejoice,
- But for those who love and care ….
- Time is eternity
Help is needed to provide comfort for those with life threatening illness, and more support is necessary for their families and other loved ones.
The Castlegar Hospice Society needs help for the community. We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to provide mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical support to people during illness, death, grief and bereavement.
For any individual who wants to become a member of the Castlegar Hospice Society the membership fee is $10.00 per year.
Comprehensive hospice training is offered annually to those who support people with life threatening illness or who want to learn more about the dying process, grief and bereavement.
