Services
Compassion Knows No Bounds
At the Greater Trail Hospice Society, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality end-of-life care without the burden of financial worries. Our services are provided to individuals and families free of charge. We rely on the generosity of donors and community support to ensure that compassionate care is accessible to all, regardless of their financial circumstances. Hospice Staff and Volunteers companion clients wherever they are needed, in their home, hospital, extended care or residential facilities. All of our volunteers, no matter the role they are in, are able to:
Listen without judgment, providing an opportunity to talk about “what matters”, life’s journey, or to reminisce.
Offer practical assistance. e.g. reading, writing letters, etc.
Offer companionship and provide helpful information related to end-of-life care, dying, and bereavement.
Act as an advocate to ensure client’s needs are met.•Sit vigil at the bedside of a loved one at the end of life.
Offer respite for family caregivers.
What is a Palliative Approach?
A Palliative Approach is offered by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and volunteers who seek to journey with those who have a life-limiting illness. Compassionate care, assistance connecting with supportive resources, symptom management, Advance Care planning, family support and preparation for end-of-life are some of the many services offered. The goal of all care is to help the person live as independently as possible, with the best quality of life, for as long as possible.
What does hospice offer?
From the time of diagnosis of a serious illness, through the rest of life, and during bereavement our Hospice services are here to support each person and their family. All of our volunteers receive excellent training in the foundation of Hospice care. Many have advanced education related to end-of life care or grief.
When a person receives a life-limiting diagnosis, our Nav-Care Volunteers can help you navigate through the multitude of questions and challenges you might encounter as your life becomes integrated with healthcare services. They can also provide information about what your journey with illness might be like, and each volunteer provides emotional support and an understanding and listening ear.
As life comes to a close, our Bedside Volunteers provide respite time for family, companionship for those who become house-bound, and a quiet and peaceful presence during the last days of life. We care for people in their homes, in hospital and in facility.
If a person resides in a local care facility but has no family in the area, our Friendly Visitors can stop by regularly to play games, write letters, engage in conversation and share activities.
Grief is common before and after a death occurs. Our trained Grief Support Volunteers can provide information for family members and friends about anticipatory grief, what normal grieving looks like, and resources to help with coping and moving through grief. Support can be provided in one-to-one sessions with a volunteer, in small grief support groups, or in the children’s grief groups.
Dying and loss remain taboo subjects in society. The Greater Trail Hospice Society seeks to help our local communities to understand that dying is a natural part of our living experience. We offer education to help people prepare for end of life (for example, Advance Care Planning), we connect people with appropriate resources, and we offer opportunities for dialogue about living well when you have a life-limiting illness.