Oceanside Hospice is celebrating 25 years this summer and looks forward to new developments in local palliative care.
“Our services, which include medical equipment loan to palliative people in their homes, with supports and counselling for the bereaved are well used and offered free of charge,” said executive director Lynn Wood.
“We are very proud of the impact our organization can make in the lives of the dying, their family and caregivers and in the lives of the bereaved.”
Wood said the public is not well aware of how many options are available for end-of-life care and she often hears late in the process that people wished they’d known about the services sooner.
“In our death averse society, we are working to normalize death as a part of life. We have developed a relationship with local doctors which focuses on their earlier referral to hospice services, to allow advance care planning and psychosocial supports to be put in place for those with life limiting illnesses.”
She said that for most people it is about the compassion and support available more than specifically where the services are offered, but she said they are happy that Island Health plans to open five hospice beds in Trillium Lodge in Parksville this fall and they look forward to working with them.
Oceanside Hospice works throughout the community and at the Nanaimo Hospital Palliative Care Unit, long term care facilities and in private homes.
“Our services continue to be free of charge, supporting the palliative and bereaved person at the location of choice, in conjunction with a team of doctors, clinicians and other community supports.”
“That means Oceanside residents have options — to die at home, wherever home may be; to die with a variety of medical, spiritual and psychosocial supports, closer to loved ones.”
For more information visit www.oceansidehospice.com.
