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GIVING BACK COLUMN: Pacific Rim Hospice Society

Celebrating helping community members during their greatest time of need, for 30 years!
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Pacific Rim Hospice Society volunteer training group photo from 2015. (Submitted photo)

The Pacific Rim Hospice Society began as a small group of women, in response to the deaths of a number of young mothers in Tofino and Ucluelet in the early 1990’s, who committed themselves to offering compassionate support to those who are at end of life and to those grieving the death of a loved one.

Pacific Rim Hospice Society provides social, emotional and spiritual support for individuals and their families faced with debilitating or life threatening illness or injury and bereavement (grief) in all ten west coast communities. All services are free of charge and are made possible by a team of trained, compassionate individuals.

What is Hospice?

Some people think it is a place you go to when you are dying. Sometimes yes, but not always. We like to think of it as a philosophy of care - helping people live their best lives for as long as they have left. It is compassion. It is comfort. It is providing deep listening to individuals and families about what is important to them.

What does Pacific Rim Hospice Society do?

ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT

Staff and trained volunteers provide support for those facing life-threatening, debilitating illness or injury and/or those experiencing grief from the death of a loved one

Companioning/friendly visiting for individuals who are feeling isolated.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS

Hospice provides adults with a seven-week structured grief group twice per year; gentle walking groups; cancer support groups; traumatic loss groups, widow/widower group etc.

COUNSELLING – children and youth

Registered Clinical Counsellor counsels children and youth (5 - 25 yrs) one on one and in group format, for those who are grieving the death of a loved one.

Peer Educator Program: a workshop series for youth on how to help friends in their grief. Skill building includes: communication, healthy relationships, challenges with parents/separation, where to seek help etc.

PACIFIC RIM BETTER AT HOME

Non-medical home supports to help older adults/elders 55 years + live independently. Services vary in each community and may include: Friendly Visiting Program, light house cleaning, light home maintenance, help with groceries and prescriptions, transportation to medical/health appointments, walking groups, socials etc. Info: betterathome@pacificrimhospice.ca

HOSPICE BOOK LENDING

Books to borrow on caregiving, dying, grief, healing and spirituality. Located at the Tofino office.

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING

Hospice provides materials and education for individuals interested in expressing their wishes and instructions for future health care treatment when unable to speak for one’s self.

WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING

Hospice offers workshops and training for volunteers and community members.

For more details, visit www.pacificrimhospice.ca or call 250-725-1240. All of our programs are free and confidential to all members of the west coast communities between Hesquiaht and Toquaht.

Interested in joining our team? We’re always looking for members, volunteers, and directors.