For more than 30 years, volunteers with the Creston Valley Hospice Society have been working quietly and effectively, providing free compassionate support to terminally ill patients and their circle of family and friends.
“The motivation to volunteer is alive and well in the Creston Valley,” says Society board member Brenda Draper, “in particular when it comes to the Hospice Society.
“We are a dedicated group of men and women who provide compassionate end-of-life companionship for terminally ill patients, and visitations to those who are alone or chronically ill.”
That dedication was made clear in March when 27 volunteers devoted two consecutive weekends for 24 hours of training to earn certification through the BC Hospice Palliative Care Association. The training was delivered by Suzanne Lehbauer, executive director of the Castlegar Hospice Society. Some of the course participants had years of hospice experience while others had none.
“But all of us were eager to learn more about palliative care,” Draper said.
“The terms ‘hospice’ and ‘palliative’ are sometimes confused,” CVHS vice president Fred Gauthier said. “The meaning of the word hospice is hospital or hospitality, and in olden times the word indicated a stopping place for travellers on a hard journey. The term palliative care means to ease the severity of the death process without curing. Our society performs both.”
The members of Creston Hospice believe that death is the final stage of life and should be viewed as another phase of the lifespan. The dying individual is a very special person who is entitled to quality care, emotional and medical support that will enhance the last days of living.
Most of the Creston Hospice funding comes from the generosity of individuals and organizations right here in the valley. Currently, the Hospice Society is seeking to hire a coordinator to schedule and track volunteer hours. If you would like to become a volunteer or donate call 250-428-7575. More information about CVHS can be found at www.crestonhospice.com
