The Terrace Regional Hospice Network has recently moved to a beautiful new location marking a significant milestone after years spent in a small, shared space. We are grateful to have this in partnership with the Terrace Women’s Resource Centre. This expansion allows us to enhance our programming and services as well as service area. We recognize the importance of a Hospice House for not just Terrace but all the communities that surround us, and that is truly our end goal. We are working towards expanding our programming by growing our volunteer capacity and partnerships here in the North. We are located right downtown, in Terrace BC on the traditional and unceded Tsimshian territories.
Recently we reached out to the community with a survey to gather insights from families caring for loved ones with life-altering illnesses. Not surprisingly, social opportunities emerged as a key priority, especially in light of the social isolation many have experienced since COVID-19. We also have had many requests for educational workshops and will be starting monthly workshops with our partners, Northern Health. Our first workshop is on Nov 20th, 2024 with the topic of Dementia.
All of our programs are interconnected. When someone has a life altering illness, our Navcare services focus on the individual; helping them with booking appointments, navigating services to help manage declining health, transportation to medical appointments, and talk through feelings of loneliness or anxiety.
We also recognize the challenges faced by our caregivers, who often feel burnt out or even isolated themselves. Our Caregiver program offers supports with resources, wellness opportunities, informal respite, groups, and even food delivery. This program also ties in with our Visiting Volunteer program. Through our Visiting Volunteer Program, we match volunteers with individuals who share similar interests, fostering meaningful connections.Whether it’s baking, playing cards, or simply enjoying each other’s company, our volunteers find that their time spent with clients is just as rewarding to them as the support they provide.
Additionally, our Visiting Volunteers also provide vigiling. Our belief is that no one should die alone, unless that is their preference. Volunteers can sit with clients and help them through their end-of-life journey, providing comfort and reassurance. Even if it is just holding space or holding their hand, listening to music or reading with them, we will do our best to be present in those final hours.
Grief support is also another crucial aspect of our services. TRHN offers one-on-one peer-to-peer sessions. These sessions can include a chat over a cup of coffee or more intensive programs such as theGrief Recovery Method. In any case, grief support is tailored to the wants and needs of the client, and we hope to offer consolation that connects with community, culture, or any other valuable connection clients benefit from.
Finally, our Hospice has a lending library covering a variety of topics related to caregivers, grief, death and dying and traumatic loss. You can explore our collection of books by looking at the resource section on our website.
You can find us on Facebook or on our website: terracehospice.org
One of our volunteers “Catie” at the Terrace Public Library, recruiting volunteers and showcasing our Caregivers section the library set up for the community with our Hospice Caregivers in mind.
OurVolunteer and Board Member David Grubb with his, now friend Gary.
We would also like to acknowledge the face of Terrace Hospice, our current Board Chair and Volunteer Sue Skeates, who has been with our Hospice over 10 years and worked tirelessly to keep the Hospice afloat.
Here is Sue Skeates (right) accepting a donation from Northern Savings Credit Union representative.
