Address
Prepare
For the process of dying and being aware of the steps needed to take that journey.
Cope
With the challenges of accepting the loss and grief that come during a life limiting and terminal illness.
How We Can help
Elk Valley & Area Hospice can provide a certified End-of-Life or Bereavement Companion, trained to offer compassionate support. End-of-Life and Bereavement Companions are there to help clients and their families through their journey with living with a life-limiting illness, dying and grieving. Our trained companions also promote dignity and quality of life for the client. End-of-Life & Bereavement Companions listen, support, comfort, and walk with clients and their families during life’s biggest challenges.
We do not hasten nor postpone death. We simply provide the care & support needed to honour the individual’s choices.
Volunteer End-of-life and Bereavement Companions are trained to help provide the following services to clients:
- Empathetic listening
- Respite (a break for caregivers)
- Emotional support
- Bereavement support
- Awareness of end-of-life issues
- Support a dignified death
- Volunteer End-of-Life Companions visit with patients and their families, often to give the primary caregiver a break. Volunteers allow patients to take the lead during visits. They are willing to chat or to listen; to read to someone or listen to music; or do almost any light task the patient or caregiver requests. Sometimes a volunteer might simply sit quietly while a patient sleeps or talk with family members who just need a listening ear.
- Volunteer End-of-Life Companions are experienced volunteers who can companion actively dying patients who have no family members present, or when requested. They might read for the patient, or play soothing music or simply be there as a caring presence.
- Volunteer Bereavement Companions provide direct and indirect support to the bereaved. They might provide companionship, emotional support and listening ear. They validate feelings and help normalize the grief. They can also do more practical things like assemble mailings, help with memorial services and make referrals to other appropriate services as necessary.
Where Do We Help?
To make a referral for End-of-Life or Bereavement Companionship:
Elk Valley & Area Hospice services are free of charge and are supplemental to the palliative care services provided by your local health authority.
A family member or a health care professional can, with the client’s permission, contact hospice to request our services. Our Coordinator will call to discuss the various kinds of support necessary to assist the patient and family through this difficult time.
Hospice values life and accepts death as a normal process. We stress living fully with dignity until the very end of life by providing social, emotional and spiritual comfort through the final stages of illness, at the time of death and during bereavement.
To make a referral, please download the Referral Form below, complete and email to elkvalleyhospice@gmail.com. Referrals can also be submitted via:
Phone to (250) 423-4453 Ext. 38109. If you reach the message bank please leave a message and we will return your call.
Mail addressed to Elk Valley & Area Hospice Coordinator, Box 670, Fernie BC V0B 1M0
Hand delivery to our secure mailbox which is found on the door to the Kiosk located in the Elk Valley Hospital.