Quality of Life for the Last Stages of Life

In Canada, hospice care and palliative care are used interchangeably. Hospice palliative care emphasizes living fully tothe very end of life with dignity and comfort. This individualized care extends to family and friends. It provides a circle of support and expertise as it works towards making a very difficult life transition both manageable and meaningful.

Hospice palliative care respects the individuals right to maintain a sense of hopefulness. The focus of hope changes many times. It is a common hope, when there is no cure, that death will be peaceful and free from pain.

Mission

To provide care with compassion and concern based on the Judeo-Christian tradition.
For individuals and their families facing terminal illness, we will provide care which maximizes the quality of life, by addressing physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

Settings of Care

Hospice Palliative Care Services offers two settings of care, a ten bed Hospice Care Unit and a twenty-two bed Palliative Care Unit. The units are located side by side on 4 North.

Hospice Care Unit

Pain and Symptom Management: This admission may also allow the family to recuperate in order to continue providing care at home. The goal is to return home.

Terminal Care:

For those palliative clients who require more resources and expertise than is available in their present setting.

Palliative Care Unit

Admission Criteria:

• for pain and symptom management and medical needs of a lesser intensity.
• require care on a twenty-four hour basis and cannot be managed at home.
• require a complex level of care and a longer length of stay.
  

Hospice Care Team/Palliative Care Team

Holistic, interdisciplinary care is provided for clients and families.

• Client and Family
• Clinical Resource Manager
• Dietitian
• Medical Director of Palliative Medicine
• Occupational Therapist
• Pharmacist
• Physicians
• Physiotherapist
• Recreational Therapist
• Registered Nurses
• Registered Practical Nurses
• Social Worker
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Spiritual Care Associate
  

The term "family" is meant to address relatives and significant others as designated by the client.

Other Services/Team Members

• Community Care Access Centre
• Discharge /Transfer Planning
• Chiropody
• Community Clergy
• Hairstyling
• Music Therapy
• Ostomy Services
• Psychology
• Respiratory Therapy
• Hospice Northwest Volunteers
• Chapel and Multi Faith Meditation Room
• Family lounge with kitchen facilities
• Flexible visiting hours
• Overnight stay with client as needed
• Accessible 24 hour parking can be arranged

Bereavement

Follow-up Program:

Support services and resources are available throughout hospice palliative care, at the end of life, through the grieving process and beyond.

After death, contact continues with the family during the first year of bereavement. Follow-up contact is made bytelephone. Information about the grief process and bereavement supports available in the community is offered. An invitation to the Hospital's Memorial Service is extended several months following the death.

Referral Process

Any physician can refer a client. All clients referred must be assessed regarding priority of needs. Families are encouraged to discuss a possible referral with their health care provider.

For further information, Please contact:

Clinical Resource Manager
Phone : 343-2431 ext. 2201
Pager : 625-0536
Hospice Care Unit : 343-2493
Palliative Care Unit : 343-2464

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