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Mailing Address:
311 Columbia Street
Kamloops, BC
V2C 2T1
Tel: (250) 372-1336
Fax: (250) 372-1297
BCHPCA Components of Care
Administration
Kamloops Hospice Association was incorporated as a non-profit society in 1981. We are governed by a Board of twelve Directors. We have four paid staff and approximately 130 volunteers.
The Executive Director and Office Administrator are full time; the Program Coordinator and Coordinator for Volunteers are part time. Funds to operate the programs come from fundraising, donations, memberships, United Way grant, bingos and casinos.
Volunteer Program
Volunteers are used in all parts of our organization from special events to client support. Trained volunteer patient visitors are assigned to individuals and families and go wherever the clients choose - home, hospital and elsewhere. Extended volunteer support is available when family and friends require respite or are not available, and toward the time of death. Approximately half of our 130 volunteers provide support to individuals and families, while others participate in fundraising, committees and other special projects. Training for volunteer visitors is offered twice per year and followed by monthly educational meetings.
Free Standing Hospice
The Association is embarking on a campaign to build and open a free-standing hospice house by April 2000. The 6 to 8 bed house will compliment existing resources in that it will provide a home-like atmosphere for people living with terminal illness who are unable to stay in their own homes but require palliative care. A nurse will be on duty 24 hours per day. Care will include short stay admissions to bring pain and other symptoms under control and respite admission so caregivers can have needed breaks.
Spiritual and Pastoral Care
Community resources are utilized as requested. The Association embraces the diversity of customs and experiences that enrich our community.
Bereavement Program
Kamloops Hospice Association offers bereavement follow up for families. Most often, one-to-one support is provided by the volunteer who visited the patient and family prior to death.
One-to-one support and peer group support is available for people who have experienced a sudden death or have newly acknowledged grief. Twice a year, we facilitate a group which meets weekly for six weeks.
Education and Professional Training
Kamloops Hospice Association is committed to community education concerning end-of-life issues. A task force has been struck following a workshop the Association hosted on “Death and Community Development” to promote community dialogue. The Association is developing a training package for professional in-services.
Evaluation and Research
In determining the feasibility of building a free-standing hospice house, the Association hired an independent consultant to evaluate the agency and the community. As a result, we are reviewing our programs based on community response.
Other relevant information
Kamloops Hospice Association is taking a leading role in the evolution of hospice/palliative care in the Thompson Health Region. The Association collaborates with professionals and lay people from many settings to provide services that are truly responsive to community needs.
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