Editor, The Times:
Clearwater and District Hospice Society is a registered charity with a charitable donation tax number. It is totally supported through donations and fund-raising, we do not receive corporate or government grants. We have received sponsorship donations for special fund-raising events. All donations are used to maintain the society; we do not have paid staff.
Hospice in Clearwater is a group of dedicated volunteers who have continuously trained to ensure local residents have a peaceful and serene end to life. We spend many hours, whether it is at the hospital, long term care or in a patient’s home giving comfort and support. This support is not just for the patient but for the family and friends as well.
Our watch starts with a telephone call from the doctor, a nurse or a member of the family. Once our coordinator is contacted she sets up an interview with the family to determine what help is needed. Then a schedule is created so that trained volunteers can be with the patient when family is unable to be present. We stay until the end, we comfort family, friends, staff; we attend the funeral, if there is one, we are there for the family for up to a year if this is needed. Our most important role in end of life is to listen, not judge, offer advice or anything else – just listen. During a period of heightened emotions, when fear, guilt and personal feeling often get in the way of just being there for the patient who is dying, we are there to hug, share memories, or whatever is needed to reassure those present that this is a natural process.
Only those of our members who truly wish to be patient volunteers do so. They are interviewed to ensure they know what is involved and to assure the society the volunteer is suitable. All patient volunteers undergo a Criminal Records check, sign a confidentiality form and take extensive training before they are permitted to be with a terminally ill patient. For a period of time another, experienced, volunteer, mentors the new volunteer before he/she is assigned a patient. All our members are insured. We have a process in place to allow a volunteer to debrief as often as is needed, especially following the death of a patient. Our volunteers are precious to us; their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing allows us to be there for others.
You probably have heard that there is a group of individuals working towards establishing a Hospice House in the North Thompson Valley. Although we are two separate groups our objectives are the same.
We will be holding another training session on May 12 to 14 at the hospital. Please phone our coordinator Andrea at 250-587-2366 for further information. We need people who are committed to the hospice principle and are prepared to help us for at least a year. There will be a charge for the course, and lunches and coffee will be provided.
Shirley Barnard, president
Clearwater and District Hospice Society
