A: Hospice is a patient-centered form of palliative care, focusing on emotional support, which aims to make the last months of life as comfortable and peaceful as possible for patients and their caregivers. Hospice strives to improve quality of life at the end of life, not only for patients, but also for their family and friends. The patient, family and volunteer caregivers are considered an integral unit. Hospice is not a place – it’s a concept. The focus is on caring, not curing; on life, not death. Quality of life, family wellness, community involvement and personal dignity are all part of the compassionate and progressive vision of Hospice
A: The term “Hospice Palliative Care” can be used interchangeably; however, hospice services can be delivered long before palliative services are ever required. Hospice support is available at the time of a life-limiting diagnosis, often months before palliative care is needed. Palliative care is defined as care when cure is not possible and is directed toward management of symptoms, usually later in the disease process. Hospice care is available during the life-limiting phase and through until the end.
A: Our volunteers are men and women of this community who are willing to give a few hours a week to visit clients in homes, hospital, or long term care facilities. They are carefully screened and trained to provide services tailored to individual needs. Volunteers are special people who are able to support others in a knowledgeable, confidential and compassionate manner, thus making a positive difference to the quality of someone else’s life.
A: Volunteers are interviewed, provide personal references, and agree to a criminal record search. They must also successfully complete a 30 hour training course, following the training guidelines of the British Columbia Hospice Palliative Care Association. The Shuswap Hospice Society, mentors volunteers and provides regular training and development opportunities to volunteers.
A: No, we do not recommend services. But, volunteers will support the patient and family in accessing appropriate resources that they have decided upon.
A: At any time during a life-limiting illness, it is appropriate to discuss all of the patient’s care options, including hospice. The decision to accept hospice support belongs to the patient.
A: The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their family doctor, the home care nurses, friends, clergy, or other health care professionals.
A: The patient or family members, the physicians, home care nurses, chaplains, or social workers, even friends. One call to the Program and Volunteer Coordinator is all that is required to start the support for the patient/family as needed.
A: Volunteers who have chosen to work one-to-one with patients are matched by the Program and Volunteer Coordinator, to that patient based on preferences of both the patient/family and the volunteer.
A: No. Hospice respects the individual’s personal choices and beliefs.
A: The Shuswap Hospice Society is a non profit, volunteer organization that depends on donations and support from the community. To help supplement partial funding from Interior Health we also obtain support from your Donations, In-Memory Gifts, Bequests, Memberships, Service Organizations, Corporate Donations and Fundraising.
A: Please feel free to look through the various pamphlets and information on this website, or call the Shuswap Hospice Society’s Administration Office and we will happily provide you with additional information.
A: A donation may be made at our Administration Office, through the mail, or through the CanadaHelps secure website. See Support Shuswap Hospice for more information
A: Individual memberships are $10 per year; as a member you will have voting privileges at the Annual General Meeting. See Membership for more information.