Hospice palliative care is for anyone facing a life-threatening illness and provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care and support for individuals and their loved ones. Through a care giving team of family, friends, healthcare Professionals, and Volunteers, needs and choices are sensitively met. It can be provided in any setting; at home, in hospitals, in nursing homes or in special hospice facilities. Most of all, hospice palliative care is about living fully to the very end of life with dignity and comfort.

Hospice and Palliative Support Programs

One to One Client Support

Hospice volunteers are versed in the various issues, concerns and fluctuating needs, that face those living with a life threatening illness. Hospice volunteers offer practical and emotional support and companionship for the journey, whether it be at home, in hospital or in a residential care facility.

One to One Family Support

Whether family of origin or family of support, Surrey Hospice Society volunteers offer emotional and practical support, assistance and information to family members, as they address the various issues and concerns that can face those caring for a loved one nearing the end of life.

Respite Services

Provides family and primary caregivers with a brief respite or pause, usually 2-4 hours, from their care giving responsibilities. This gives caregivers an opportunity to undertake activities, which might otherwise have to be forgone. For example; a walk, trip to the store, hair cut, pursuing a social activity or invitation and so on.

Surrey Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Unit and Laurel Place Residence Visiting

A team of Surrey Hospice Society volunteers visit daily on the Palliative Care and Tertiary Units at Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Laurel Place Residence. They augment the professional care and support provided by medical and hospital staff. Volunteers provide practical and emotional support and companionship to palliative patients and their loved ones. A tea service is also provided on Monday and Wednesday afternoons on the Palliative Care Unit and Wednesday afternoons at the Laurel Place Residence.

Relaxation Program

Many hospice workers are trained in relaxation techniques, which are used to provide comfort and relaxation for individuals and family members in both an individual, and group setting.

Keeping Connected Caregiver Telephone Support

Surrey Hospice Society telephone support volunteers reach out to family/friend caregivers, providing compassionate presence and a listening ear. Through regular phone contacts, volunteers offer caregivers an opportunity to share their experiences and feelings around providing care to their loved one, under changing and shifting circumstances. It is well understood that when the caregiver is cared for, they in turn are able to give better care.

Referral to Other Palliative Team Services

After meeting with the client/family, the Surrey Hospice Society Coordinator or designate may refer the individual/family to other appropriate palliative programs.

For more information on any of these programs please call Barbara or Joy at 604.543.7006

What is Bereavement?

Bereavement is grief associated with death. The death maybe of a child before or after birth, of a parent or other family member, a friend, or anyone for whom you may have deep feelings. Death may have been sudden or coming after a long process. It could be from an accident, illness, suicide, substance overdose, or homicide.