LIVING LIFE AT THE END OF LIFE - Nanaimo Community Hospice

Community
Newsletter
Fall/Winter 2013/14
NANAIMO HOSPICE HAS MOVED – WE ARE IN OUR NEW HOME
Grand Opening A Success
$1,010,500 Raised – Thank you Nanaimo!
Hundreds of people enjoyed a tour of our new home
and light refreshments on September 27th. Our Donor
Reception in the evening was also packed. It was a
day of celebration and a time to say thank you to our
community for helping us to create a new home for
Hospice with twice the space and room to grow!
The campaign to raise $1,25Million was launched in February 2012 and we
want to thank our community for the wonderful support provided. In addition
to the actual money raised, over $300,000 in donated goods and services
were also gifted to the campaign. Thank you for caring and thank you for
sharing your time, money, and expertise. We aren’t done yet – we still have
$200,000 left to raise to be mortgage free by April 2015. We know we
can count on our community to help make that happen.
The Children’s Therapeutic Garden
(left) is a wonderful addition to our Child &
Youth Program (more on page 4).
“Transitions” stained glass window
(right) created and donated by Chris
Aronson (Hospice Volunteer).
Exterior of Hospice House (below left)
was completely updated and has created a
bright and beautiful appearance for our
new Hospice Home.
The Reception Area (lower right)
provides a warm and welcoming space
where you can browse through the Hospice
library and enjoy a cup of tea. Already this
space provides comfort when people arrive
at Hospice for support.
Thank you Nanaimo! We couldn’t have done it without you!
Helping Hospice Help Others
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT US
COMING EVENTS
Visit www.nanaimohospice.com for details
At Hospice House 2013
 Advance Care Planning Session – Nov 29th (Full)
 Hospice House Christmas Market – Dec 2nd
 Celebrate a Life Tree at Hospice House – Dec 2-24th
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GIFTS ELIGIBLE FOR TAX RECEIPTS
In The Community 2013
 Gathering to Remember – Dec (St. Pauls Anglican)
 Celebrate a Life Trees at Country Club – Dec 7-21st
 New Years at Fire House Grill – Dec 31st
1st
In 2014
 KC’s Boutique Fashion Show – April 27, 2014
 VIREB Charity Hockey Game – TBA 2014
 Redliner’s Charity Car Show – July 13, 2014
To view this newsletter in full colour go to
www.nanaimohospice.com - click on About Us
Collect UPC Codes from Island Farms Dairy Products
Designate Your Returns for Hospice at Bottle Depot
10% of purchases at the Soap Company to Hospice
3% on Amazon orders at www.nanaimohospice.com
2% purchases at Husky/Mohawk with card
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Go to our website - click on Canada Helps and give
Donate by mail or by phone (credit card)
Join our Monthly Giving Program
Leave a Legacy through estate planning
Name Hospice as owner of life insurance policy
Attend fundraising events or have one of your own
Donate to honour birthdays/anniversaries
Instead of Christmas presents give to Hospice
CAMPAIGN GIFTS ON VIRTUAL DONOR WALL
Go to www.nanaimohospice.com and click on support us/ capital
campaign to see our virtual donor wall and many photos of those
who gave. List of all who gave is included in this newsletter.
1080 St. George Crescent, Nanaimo, BC V9S 1X1
Tel: 250-591-8811 Fax: 250-591-1858
www.nanaimohospice.com
www.teensanddeath.com
Email: info@nanaimohospice.com
Two locations to service you!
#5 - 4286 Departure Bay Rd
#35 – 1925 Bowen Rd (Bowen Centre)
250-758-8886 www.nanaimohospiceshoppe.com
Email: shoppe@nanaimohospice.com
Jeanne Fahlman (staff), Mayor John Ruttan, MP Jean Crowder,
Karen Boudreau (Campaign Chair) and MLA Leonard Krog cut the
ceremonial ribbon at the Official Opening of Hospice House.
When You Give to Hospice You Help Create a Healthier and Stronger Community
Programs & Services
Our Services are free – But you must register
Hospice Programs
To register, or to get more information,
Call Hospice at 250-591-8811
Volunteer Home Visiting Program - Volunteers support
palliative individuals and family members in their own home.
Surviving Widowhood – Drop-in group for individuals 60 years
of age and under who have lost a spouse.
Volunteer Support on PCU at NRGH – Volunteer support for
patients and family members on the Palliative Care Unit in
hospital (volunteers on duty minimum of 8 hours per day)
Adult Counselling – Free palliative and grief counselling for
individuals and families.
Child/Youth Program – Counselling and support for children (12
and under) and teens. Also offer education in the schools,
support for parents, library resources, and a specially designed
teen website at www.teensanddeath.com.
Saturday Morning Walking Group – Walk the seawall, have a
coffee or tea, and join with others experiencing loss and grief.
Finding My Way: Coping With Grief – An 8 week grief support
program for adults who are at least 6 months into their grief.
Companions Through Grief – A Friday morning drop-in adult
grief support group at Hospice House.
Caregiver Support Group – For those actively caring for a loved
one at the end of life. Call for information.
Self Care Clinic – Reiki and relaxation restricted to Hospice
palliative and grief clients and caregivers. Drop-in
Scents of Comfort – Gentle aromatherapy hand massage and
support – by appointment only.
Bereavement Follow-up – Follow up letters are sent at regular
intervals for first year of loss
NEW - Suicide Bereavement Group - for individuals impacted
by loss as a result of suicide - on 1st Wednesday of month.
Comfort Cushions & Shawls – These soft cushions and plush
shawls provide warm and comforting support.
Hospice Library – Open to the public Mon to Fri (9-4) at Hospice
House. Comprehensive resources – books, CDs and more.
Partners in Compassion – Caregivers in Nanaimo reaching out
to support caregivers in Nepal.
Sharing My Story – An opportunity to leave an audio legacy for
your family. Tell your story – leave a reading for your grandchild.
Elders in Transition – Hospice Shoppe support for seniors who
are downsizing or families dealing with loss and the need to
dispose of family possessions often within a short period of time.
Hope - Strength
Resilience:
Beyond Surviving
New – Suicide
Bereavement Group
At Hospice House
On October 2nd the transitioning process began for Nanaimo
Hospice to take over facilitation of the Nanaimo Suicide
Bereavement Support Group. For the past seven years, the Crisis
Society has facilitated this much needed group and Hospice is
pleased to partner with the Crisis Society in welcoming all current
group participants into our new space and our new program.
Bereavement resulting from a suicide can be prolonged. Shock,
social isolation, anger and guilt are all normal in the grieving
process. For many, suicide bereavement support is an important
part of grief and mourning and the knowledge that others have
experienced similar physical, emotional, mental, social and
spiritual challenges can be comforting.
The Nanaimo Community Hospice Suicide Bereavement
Support Group will meet the first Wednesday of every month
between 6 and 8 p.m. at Hospice House.
This on-going, drop-in group offers facilitated peer support for
adults who have lost a loved one to suicide. Registration for the
group will be through Hospice House (250-591-8811). Prior to
attending, new participants will have the opportunity to meet with
one of the Hospice staff to discuss the role of both the
participants and the facilitators in the Suicide Bereavement
Support Group.
Within the group, participants are invited to share as little or as
much as they want about their loss with equal time provided for
mutual learning and sharing. Group facilitators, including Hospice
staff and volunteers, offer a comfortable, safe, organized
environment with a focus on the sharing of feelings, not on the
retelling of traumatic events around the death.
Hospice invites all participants into an atmosphere of caring and
confidentiality where everyone can share their personal stories
while respecting everyone’s right to their own unique grief
experience.
To find out more about Hospice programs visit our
website or drop in to Hospice House. We’re only a
phone call away at 250-591-8811.
Children - Youth
Children’s Garden – Huge Success!
After a tremendous number of volunteer hours on the part of the
Lantzville Rotary and many gifts from the community including the
Rotaries and the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation, the Children’s
Therapeutic Garden at Hospice was completed in Sept of 2013.
When Shaun arrived to see Judi, the Children’s Coordinator,
he was so excited to see the mess in the garden was finally gone
and in its place was an exciting new area – he asked immediately if
he could go out into the garden and Judi agreed they should.
Shaun busily
explored – he
raked, drew on the
chalk board, and
provided musical
entertainment for
Judi on the African
Drum. He even
created an outdoor
“sand tray” on the
lawn.
When Dad arrived
Shaun declared
”We need to
make another
time to see Judi!
How about
tomorrow after
school!”
The garden definitely got Shaun’s seal of approval and it was
equally as popular with other children who visited this magical
space in the months to come. This is a unique addition to our
program that we are now able to offer to children in grief.
www.teensanddeath.com
Teens often feel disconnected and
alone when they experience loss as
a result of the death of someone
who is important to them.
They may feel there is something
wrong with them. It’s important to
normalize their experience.
Hospice has designed a website
for teens to help them in their grief.
It is filled with information and ideas
as well as videos of teens who tell
their story to help others.
Remembering
Grandma …
When Alex’s grandma
died on PCU, she
decided that she
wanted her birthday
money this year to go
to Hospice.
In July she and her
grandfather, Ron
Berry and father, Ron,
visited Hospice House
to give $300.
These gifts from children truly touch our hearts. Thank you
Alex. What a wonderful and generous way to honour your
Grandmother, Bonnie Berry.
Books for Children / Teens / Parents
The Next Place (Warren Hanson)
This delightful book is, above all, a celebration of life. Hear
the music. Feel the warmth. And be carried away along life’s
everlasting flight.
Gentle Willow (Joyce C Mills)
A book for children who may not survive their illness. This story
about a tender-spirited tree and her friends in the forest will also
help children with the death of a friend or family member or a pet.
When a Pet Dies (Fred Rogers)
Filled with warmth and reassurance for youngsters that no matter
how badly they feel their hurt will ease.
Straight Talk about Death for Teenagers (E. Grollman)
How to cope with losing someone you love.
The Grieving Teen (Helen Firtzgerald)
A guide for teens and their friends.
When a Friend Dies (Marilyn E. Gootman)
A book for teens about grieving and healing.
Healing Your Grieving Heart for Kids (Alan Wofelt)
Someone you loved has died – it’s a hard time for you. This book
will help you feel better and live a happy full life again after loss.
After Suicide – Living with Questions (E. Kuehn)
A very readable book that tackles a very difficult subject.
You Are Not Alone (Lynne B Hughes)
The loss of a parent has been called “the loss that is forever” and
young people who have suffered this loss feel especially different
than those around them. In this book teens talk about life after the
loss of a parent.
Around & About Hospice House
WELCOMING OUR NEW BOARD
Hospice
Library
The Hospice Library in dedicated to the memory of Founding Member
Clifford Shoop and Volunteer Jeannine Gawthrop. This well-resourced
program is open to everyone in our community. Please drop by and
spend some time sitting in our sunny library area and browsing through
what we have to offer. Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Dave Sherstone, Janice Vawter, Dianne Magor (Vice Chair), Christina Fogerty,
Simona Sebastian, Karen Boudreau (Chair)
Absent: Anne Michaud (Treasurer)
Support Hospice - Purchase Amazon Books
Online at www.nanaimohospice.com
2% of purchase price goes to Hospice
A LEGACY OF SOUND
Many Thanks to our Campaign Cabinet
Jon Lampman, Dave Hammond, Jim Stewart, Chris Erb, Dave Sherstone, Anne
Judson, Moira Jenkins, Cindy Koutecky, Karen Boudreau
Gathering To Remember – December 1st
Terry Mack will be playing the song she has composed for
Hospice on our new Hospice Flute at this year’s Gathering to
Remember at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Sunday, Dec 1.
New Locations for Celebrate a Life Trees – This year our
trees will be at Country Club Mall and at Hospice House.
A Flute For Hospice - Tranquillity, Serenity and the Re-Awakening of old Hopes
In 2011 a giant redwood was removed from the back yard of the old Hospice House on Boundary. At the time we didn’t know we would
be moving to a new location but something magical happened and the spirit of that tree followed us and has created a legacy of sound
that will live on forever at our new Hospice House. Inspired by volunteer Terry Mack, an intuitive player of the Native American flute, some
of the wood from the tree was saved and made into a flute designed especially for Hospice – the colours are our blue/green, there is a
Hospice Heart and a carved Loon, symbolic of peace and hope. 2 years in the making, this flute was presented to Hospice at the
Language of Light Concert in October that raised over $900 in support of our Expand the Heart of Hospice campaign.
This beautiful flute will be used at our Gatherings to Remember each December to provide those who attend this beautiful afternoon of
music and candlelight remembrance with the soft and soothing sounds of the flute. It will also sit in a place of honour on our memory
mantle above the fireplace as a reminder of where we have come from as we settle into our new home. Terry Mack is in the process of
creating a special piece of music for Hospice to be played on the flute. This is a very special gift to Hospice and one that truly has
touched our hearts. Gathering to Remember this year will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on December 1st at 2:30 pm.
Thank you to the contributors of the Flute Project, Terry Mack, Mitzi Arthur, Hugh Cortland, Deborah Miville, and Guy and Kim Prouty.
Special thanks to Jamie Woodland of Woodland Song who crafted the flute, and to his wife Lisa for the beautiful painted design.
Volunteers – The Heart of Hospice
Congratulations - Fall 2013 Volunteer Trainees
Margaret Saam (right) seen here with Shannon
Farahbakhsh, Program Coordinator at Nanaimo
Community Hospice, on November 4th when
Hospice took the time to honour Margaret for
her 31 years of dedicated service to the work of
Hospice in our Community.
From The Heart:
Front Row (L to R): Sara Smith, Kathy Obad, Bev Yates, Shannon
Farahbakhsh (Program Coordinator/VolunteerTrainer), Mary Abbott
Middle Row: Bev Brezik, Janet Guthrie, Faye Lutz, Margaret Saam (Volunteer
Mentor), Carol Pelletier
Back Row: Judith Chapman, Marilyn Riendl, Susan Ward, Larissa Coser, Cathy
Evans-O’Rourke, Katherine Pepper, Colin Bakker, Pat Gardiner, Anita Brideau
Margaret Saam, Lifetime Member and Volunteer
Nanaimo Hospice opened in 1981 and the next year Margaret Saam trained as a volunteer even though she was still working as an RN
and raising a family. Her nursing experience, both in England and Canada, provided her with valuable insight into the journey of the
dying and, as she says, she always felt these patients were “short changed”, observing at that time that “dying could be a prolonged,
scary, lonely journey that often isolated the ‘traveller’ from their loved ones”. As a Hospice volunteer she felt she could make a
difference and for 31 years she has done just that, offering compassionate support, insight, and a non-judgmental listening ear to dying
patients, their caregivers, and those suffering the loss of a loved one in our community.
Over the years Margaret has filled many roles at Hospice including one-to-one volunteer support to the dying and their families in their
homes, facilitating grief and caregiver support groups, providing education to nursing students, LPN’s, Care Aides and more at VIU,
Sprott Shaw College and other local educational institutions. She has facilitated supportive sharing circles for professional staff in care
facilities and in hospital, and provides back up to Hospice staff for home assessments. As a wise and experienced mentor, Margaret
plays a very valuable role in our initial 40 hours of volunteer training program. She is a committed team player and provides on-going
mentoring and support to both volunteers and staff at Hospice House. On Monday’s Margaret provides reiki/relaxation on the palliative
care unit to patients/family/hospital staff, and on Thursdays she does the same for hospice clients and caregivers at Hospice House.
With everything she does one might think that Margaret would be worn out, but instead she exudes a sense of calm and caring no
matter where she goes, accompanied by a mischievous sense of humour evidenced by her smile and the twinkle in her eye. A
beautiful glow radiates from within and her confidence and inner strength are evident in all that she does.
Margaret remains humble despite the various awards she has received over the years including a Super Volunteer Award in 2004 from
the Nanaimo Daily News/Volunteer Nanaimo, two Volunteer Awards of Excellence from the BC Hospice Palliative Care Association
and from Volunteer Vancouver in 2005, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award in December 2012.
On November 4th Nanaimo Hospice recognized Margaret once again for her 31 years of dedicated service and for all the ways that she
has contributed to the health and strength of our community through her compassionate care as a Hospice Volunteer. Our community
is a better place to live … and die …. because of Margaret . Thank you Margaret and bless you!
A Trip Down Memory Lane –“You Matter Because You Are You”
Cicely Saunders – 1918-2005 - Founder of the Modern Hospice Movement
On November 3rd Nanaimo Hospice was pleased (and very proud) to host the
premiere performance of the Story Theatre piece “You Matter Because You Are
You – The Life and Work of Dame Cicely Saunders”.
Hospice Volunteers, Margaret Murphy, Professional Storyteller, and her colleague
Dr. Wendy Potter researched, created, and presented this very special piece that
portrays the life and work of Dame Cicely Saunders, Founder of the modern
hospice movement.
Hospice House was pleased to offer Sunday afternoon and Monday evening
performances to a packed audience. At the Sunday performance, Lynn Greene,
founding member of Nanaimo Hospice, was present and said “I thought I knew
everything there was to know about (Cicely Saunders) but today I learned about
things I had never heard before.” A lively discussion followed.
On Monday evening June Clark (picture left) attended and was very moved as she
shared that she had worked at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal under Dr.
Balfour Mount, a pioneer of hospice palliative care in Canada. June remembered
Dame Cicely visiting the Royal Vic in 1978 and how impressed she was as she
watched Cicely’s caring and compassion at the bedside with dying patients.
Never doubt it! One person can make an incredible difference in the world
and Dame Cicely Saunders is proof of that. It was her desire to provide
compassionate care for the dying that launched a worldwide hospice movement that focused on improving end of life care not only for
patients but for their families as well. Although she originally trained as a nurse, back problems led her into the field of social work, but
she never lost her desire to be at the bedside with dying patients. It was when she was strongly urged by a colleague that Cicely made
a decision to train as a medical doctor. She did most of her studying flat on her back due to persistent back problems throughout her
life. It didn’t change her determination to bring the best care possible to the dying and to their families.
Throughout this journey Cicely developed a ground breaking approach to pain control. She also
initiated an innovative and holistic approach to caregiving for terminally ill patients and their
families that focused on the “whole person” and not just their
disease. “We have to concern ourselves with the quality of life
as well as its length,” declared Dame Cicely. As a woman
Cicely faced many challenges. It wasn’t easy in those days to
challenge the “medical establishment” made up almost entirely
of men, but she never gave up and in 1967 opened St.
Christopher’s Hospice in London. Over the doors of St.
Christopher’s are the words:
“You matter because you are;
you matter to the last moment of your life;
and we will do everything we can, not only
to help you die peacefully, but to help
you to LIVE until you die.”
The dying need the best that medicine has to offer. They also need
the care of the heart. Neither, on its own, is enough.
Over the years we have always stressed that Hospice is not just a place, it is also a philosophy of care. Community based
hospices, such as ours, contribute much to this model of care. Our volunteers work alongside our professional care partners in
people’s homes, in care facilities, in hospital on the palliative care unit, and through a variety of programs at Hospice House. Our
volunteers and staff also provide support and education in the schools and in the workplace. We are truly blessed to have so many
giving and caring people in our community who come to us to train to do this work. We couldn’t do it without them.
What Will End-of-Life Care be Like in the Future?
By Wendy Potter PhD, Hospice Volunteer
In late 2012, Margaret Murphy and I represented Nanaimo Hospice at the 19th International Palliative Care Congress in
Montreal. We were doing research in the creation of a story/theatre piece on the life and work of Dame Cicely Saunders and
knew that the senior executives of St. Christopher’s Hospice in London (founded by Cicely) would be in attendance. We
interviewed these people who had had the privilege of working with Cicely and our project began to take shape.
As part of our interviews with these and other people at the conference a larger discussion began to emerge that focused on the
question “What will End of Life Care be Like in the Future?” Here are some of the comments from the St. Christopher’s
crowd who said that what triggered their thinking along these lines included the following:
 Most people say they want to die at home, but most don’t; most die in hospitals or care homes.
 Only a few die in hospices (in England) – because there are not enough hospice beds, because people aren’t well
enough informed about hospices, and because many people fear hospices and resist going to them.
 Demographics have changed - families split and move – there many more one-person households.
 The “baby boom” has become an “elder boom,” and the number of deaths will increase.
 People are living longer, with one or more chronic diseases – end of life needs are more complex and last longer.
From these notions, they moved towards their conclusions: (remember this is from the British perspective)
 If we continue what we are doing now, there will never be enough money in the health/social care system to serve all
those who need and deserve quality end of life care.
 We must look for new models of care that draw on the collective experience and continue to enhance and expand
individuals’ choices about how and where they are cared for at the end of life.
 We must do this at the same cost as today’s services even though the numbers are growing.
At first I thought – well it’s the same over there as it is locally - but then they started sharing an exciting new approach called
Hospice as Hub. St. Christopher’s has designed an Anniversary Centre where patients, family, community members, in fact
anybody, is welcome to this huge new social space. What it offers is dizzying!
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You can see your doctor, nurse, spiritual counselor, therapist, social worker.
You can have a massage, assisted bath, haircut, mani/pedicure.
You can work out in the gym (the physios see almost no patients in private practice any more).
You can have Sunday lunch, with live music, or attend the monthly concert.
Or just hang out, because the food, the coffee, and the art on the walls are great.
St. Christopher’s training programs have also changed. They have always attracted students from around the world. Dr.
Balfour Mount, one of the first pioneers of hospice palliative care in Canada, was one of the first. The 2013 course catalogue is
42 pages with the emphasis now heavily on generalists, especially in care homes. When Dr. Nigel Sykes, St. Christopher’s
Medical Director, spoke at the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association Conference in May 2011, he reported that 120
care homes had been accredited after completing a two year training program delivered by St. Christopher’s. Since then,
deaths in these facilities have increased by 20%, due to better access and better care at the end of life.
St. Christopher’s is also targeting the general public, aiming to create healthier attitudes towards death and dying. Opening up
the Anniversary Centre, with its gourmet food, coffee, Sunday lunches and more is part of this. So is the emphasis on
Advance Care Planning in the Care Home accreditation program, as is their Schools Project where groups of 30 school kids
are invited to pay 4 visits to St. Christopher’s to meet patients and work with them on a variety of arts and craft projects. To
date they have completed over 60 of these school projects.
We couldn’t help but think that all of this was quite possible in our own community. Our new Hospice House is already a huge
improvement and a wonderful resource in our community. We talked to others and they agreed – we need to start the
conversation. Clearly there are lots of exciting ideas to contemplate and there is definitely more work to be done!
How do you want end of life care to look like – for you and for your community? Hospice believes that
starting this vital conversation is important not only on an individual basis but on a community basis as well.
Over the next year Hospice will be hosting information sessions on Advance Care Planning – These sessions will
provide a good first step towards educating yourself around ACP. We also believe a public forum with other care partners
(including family caregivers) would be valuable in looking at the bigger picture. Watch our website for ACP events.
The Winds of Change
Welcome Back to Deb Ribeyre
Recently, Deb Ribeyre re-joined the team at Hospice House, taking on the
role of Adult Bereavement Counsellor.
Deb originally came to Hospice as a practicum student when she was
studying for her Masters in Clinical Counselling at the University of Victoria
in 2006. In 2008 she joined our team, counselling 3 days a week. She
ventured out on her own for a period of time, doing private practice and
some very exciting work with the Altzheimer’s Society around dementia
and end of life care, but says coming back is like “coming home”. We
couldn’t agree more! As we look to the future it is our hope that we will be
able to tap into Deb’s experience and deep passion for working with
caregivers of people with dementia at the end of life to plan for more
supportive programs. No matter how that unfolds, we know that Deb’s
return brings something special back to Hospice. Welcome back Deb!
Deb Ribeyre (above) looks at home in her
counselling office at the new Hospice House.
Remembering & Celebrating
Neal McCormick (left) passed away on June 17, 2013.
After years of serving the community as an educator and coach, Neal
trained as a Hospice volunteer in 2010 and became the Saturday
evening volunteer on the palliative care unit at NRGH. Neal’s gentle,
compassionate approach was a support to patients, family and staff.
Gerry Ruddick (right) passed away August 14, 2013.
Gerry began volunteering in 2003. During his ten years of service Gerry
was a home visiting volunteer, a Caregiver’s Support Group facilitator
and a PCU volunteer. Gerry also helped fundraise at Christmas in the
Mall. With his gentle wit and kind soul Gerry offered support to all and
was a mentor to many. Nanaimo Hospice and the community at large,
were indeed blessed to have these two gentlemen in their midst.
Rita sends a card of appreciation …..
Thank you so very much to everyone at NCHS. We are so grateful for
all the love, support, and services you offer. Our dear Mother/Motherin-law passed away 2 years ago today at the PCU. The staff and
volunteers helped and supported us so very much during this very sad
and difficult time. We cannot speak highly enough about all of them.
The Definition of
a Hospice Hug
My own Mother passed away exactly 1 week later at Wexford Creek in
Nanaimo. It was a time of great loss for me and my family. It
personally has taken me awhile to manoeuvre through the grieving
process. After a year and a half I have now met with (a hospice
counsellor) a number of times and she has helped me so much in the
grieving process. I am so thankful and grateful for the help and support
given to me. You are all "True angels". Thank you for everything you
do – (Rita N. Oct 2013))
And K.G. wrote ….. I would love to tell the world how wonderful
you all are at Nanaimo Community Hospice. I’ll never forget you.
Advance Care Planning – For the Future
Have you had ‘the talk’?
AGAINST EXTRA SUFFERING (By Bonnie Eaton)
NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED IN NOVEMBER
My husband, Gari, died in November 2012, just days before his 65th
birthday, only months before retirement, and way too soon for our
dreams and plans for growing old together.
The Vancouver Federation of Hospices (made up of the
10 hospices across Vancouver Island) has recently
developed a new Advance Care Planning website filled
with all of the information you will ever need to get started
on your own plan and to find out about ACP events and
programs in your area. Highly recommended!
Unable to get to the Cancer Agency in Victoria for a definitive
diagnosis, we bounced from crisis to crisis like balls in a pinball
machine. In July he was working; by mid-November he was gone.
When we finally got a diagnosis in late August, his aggressive lung
cancer had already metastasized to his bones and he was in
significant pain.
http://www.advancecareplanningvi.ca/
In September, a pain crisis sent Gari to Emergency. The care in the
ER was swift but clobbering. A deep fear gripped this man of even
temperament and clear judgement. “So what now?” he said, “I
close my eyes and that’s it? I’m gone?” Later the same morning
he was transferred to the Palliative Care Unit (PCU) for pain
management. Once on intravenous meds he was not entirely painfree but he felt a sense of comfort and safety. We were surrounded
by a deeply caring group of medical professionals and Hospice
volunteers, committed to their work and steeped in respect for the
patient. As isolating as the experience of dying was, we were in
good company.
STARTING THE CONVERSATION …..
Have you ever thought about what would happen if an
illness or injury left you unable to express your wishes for
health care? New legislation enacted in 2011 makes
planning for such an eventuality much simpler and less
expensive. But to be effective, planning and documents
need to be in place before you need them.
"Making End of Life Choices: The Advance Care
Planning Process" is a presentation offered by Nanaimo
Community Hospice to help adults of all ages start the
process of putting legal protections in place to ensure that
you receive the health care you want and avoid measures
that you don’t want.
If you’ve found the “legalese” confusing in the past, this
presentation created and presented by Hospice
Volunteers will help you understand the terminology and
guide you to the simplified forms you can use to make
your wishes known. You’ll leave with the knowledge and
confidence to start the conversation with your loved ones
and get things in writing for them.
A time of crisis is never easy, but having an advance care
plan in place means less uncertainty and stress for
everyone involved - you, and your loved ones. Get the
process started now, while you’re well.
To Book a Presentation for your Group
Call Hospice at 250-591-8811
Pain control in bone cancer is challenging. After two weeks, the
staff urged discharge. We were stunned. I had been prepared to
do anything to keep him at home, but I felt that the “system” and I
had failed him. To us, the discharge policy ignored our psychoemotional needs. We felt abandoned and betrayed. And then Gari
took a turn for the worse. This pattern of bouncing between
discharge and medical complications continued for nearly two
months.
Looking back, fighting for Gari to stay where he felt safest and
best cared for was the worst part of all. Dying is hard enough,
but this “extra suffering” caused extreme distress for us both. Just
because Gari was dying didn’t guarantee him the care he needed
from start to end. I promised myself I would work to change this. I
reached out to Hospice.
A recent CBC program called “Last Rights” claims that only 30% of
those dying receive any kind of good care. We need hospice beds
in our community but the “political will” is not there. We need to
make care for the dying better. I invite others to contact me at
bonnieeaton@telus.net if you have similar stories to share. Only a
united voice can achieve improvement.
Thank You – Expand The Heart of Hospice Donors!
Legacy of Commitment
Anonymous (1)
Estate Delores Mason (Logan)
Legacy of Compassion
KIym, Stephen
Nanaimo Community Fdtn
Nanaimo Port Authority
Nelson, Jim
Rotary Clubs of Nanaimo
Shoop, Clifford
Legacy of Caring
Nanaimo & Dist Hospital Fdtn
Pratt, Wendy
SupErb Construction
Watercress Developments
Anonymous (2)
Legacy of Change
Addison, Walker & Laura
Brennan, Marlene
Cagney, Estate of Catherine
Chilo Transport
Coastal Community Credit Union
Earl, Rick
Hub City Paving
Lampman, Lynn & Jon
Mid-Island Co-op
Milner Group
Nan. Dragonboat Festival Soc.
Ramsay Lampman Rhodes
Regional District of Nanaimo
Vanderlaan, Estate of Alice
Woodwards Foundation
Anonymous (1)
Legacy of Comfort
Blair McKinnon Foundation
Blattgerste Family
Burke-Gaffney Family
Susan Hargraves Design
Hub International Barton Ins.
Martin, Beverly
Menzies, Susan
Michael Pepler Design
Phillips, Estate of Ron
Phillips Family
Raise the Roof Dance
Vining Senini Group
Western Financial Group
West Coast Shutters & Blinds
Anonymous (1)
Legacy of Celebration
Aronson, Chris Stained Glass
Abbott, Max & Thelma
Abba Floors
ABC Concrete
J.E. Anderson Surveyors
Angels Abreast Dragonboat Tm.
Blake Erickson Roofing
Booth, Derek
Boudreau, Karen
Bromage, Doug & Carolyn
Noel Brown/Bruce Clark
BC Coastal Architects
Calderwood, Lorna
Challenger , Auren
City Tile
Country Club Centre
Calvin, Dr. Brian
Drakeford, V Landscape Architect
M.J. Chahley Construction Ltd
Clayton Consulting
Coast Wholesale Appliances
Colonial Countertops
Country Club Centre
Crankshaw Holdings
Crystal Pacific Glass
Czerny, Norma & Edward
Dawson, Frances
Diner’s Rendezvous
Durnin, Mike & Sheila
ENS Corp Victoria
Fahlman, Larry & Jeanne
Gregory, Gabrielle
Gregory, Jane
Gould, Alan
Hammond, Dave
Harper, Sue (50’s Dance)
Hub City Lions Club
Ion, Carolyn
Archie Johnstone Plumbing
Kotow, Elaine
KC Boutique Fashion Show
Lanson’s Drywall Systems
Love, Deirdre & Dr. Robin
Mazzei Electric
Maartman, Susan & William
McIntyre, Ben & Lois Hawryluk
MacLaren’s Lighting
Michaud, Ann
Miri Piri Darbar Sikh Gurduw
Meyers Norris Penny
Mosaic Info Technologies
Newcastle Engineering
Nanaimo North Town Center
Newcastle Nissan
Order of St. Lazarus Victoria
Parmar, Narindar & Kulwant
Erin O’Reilly Communications
Provincial Employees Services
Randy’s Drywall Installation
Redliner’s Charity Car Show
RBC (Beer & Burger Night)
Reid, Douglas & Carol
Robinson, Gord
Ross, Helen
Semple, Nairn
R Semple Painting
Smith, Eileen
St. Phillips by the Sea Church
Stewart, Jim
Stuart, Helen
Stelling, Joan
Supreme Self Storage
Scotia Bank /Scott Tisdall
Slegg Lumber
Team Telus Cares
Unity Business Systems
Van Gogh Furniture
VIREB / Hockey Tournament
Wells Concrete Placement
Widston Property Mgmt
Windsor Plywood
Zone 4 Realtors Group
Zonta Club Nanaimo
Legacy of Companionship
Alderdice-Herten, M&B
Appleton, B
Arbutus Music
Artez Photography
Bams, Johanna & Robert
Baker, Judy
Banerd Enterprises
Batten, Ron
Barr, Dr. Margaret
Beerman, Dr. Stephen
Benoit, Suzanne
Best, Margaret
Beta Sigma Phi Gamma
Lambda
Blanaru, Charles
Brennan, Diane & Jamie
BC Ferries/Marine Union
BCAA Staff
BC Nurses Union
BCS Agencies
Cadorin, Gary
Cameron, Joy
Can. Western Bank
Centric Health
Church Pickard
Classic Care Cleaners
Cliff, Lorna
Clifford, Wendy
Cloverdale Paints
Cluchey/Soderstrom G&A
Coleman, Lynda
Connolly, Pat/Dave
Coast Claims Serv.
Constable Furniture
Costco
Coast Appliance
CCCU Insurance
Creative Concepts Carpentry
Dagenais, Jean
David's Gutters
Dhami, Dr. Mandeep K.
Dick, Sandra
Downie, James & Janice
Drew, Gail
Eastman, Nola & Terrance
Edwards, Alan
Erb, Marianne
Evans, Beatrice
ENCO Plumbing
Express Employment
Feltrin, Mario & Betty-Ann
Ferstel, Mike
Foley, Albert
Forster, Violet
Foxy Lady Quilters
Froese, Violet & Raymond
Frost, Dennis & Daphne
Fyfe, Carolyn
Gagnon, Josephine
Gallant, Cyril
Gill, Michael
Golightly, Tyler
Green, Leona
Greene, Scott
Great Canadian Casinos
Green Thumb Nursery
Hamilton, Todd
Harnish, Gloria
Head, Clint & Ona
Henry, Fay
Hofman, John
Holley, Herbert & Beverley
Hooyberg, Eileen
Hughes, Trish
Huntjens, Johannes
Hussey, Kimo
Husky Stn (Terminal)
Idema, Wendy
Inland Kenworth
Intercraft Railing
Intraworks I.T.
Jando, Tibor
Johnson, Richard/Gail
Johnstone, Bruce/Eleanor
Joshi, Balvir
Joynson, Sharon
Judson, Anne
Kandert, Debbie
Koutecky, Cindy / Kel
Krog, Leonard & Sharon
Kulai, Georgina
Kuntz, Donna-Lee/ Richard
Language of Light Concert
Layton, Andrew
Legrow Dagmar Cleaning
Little Valley Restorations
Lovely, Leana
Lyons, Terry
Mabey, Munro
MacKenzie, Ruth
MacMillan, Doug
Madden, Signy
Maldonado, Mirta /Herman
March, Jeffrey
McGown, Frances
McGregor Krastel Dougan
McGregor Thompson
McKnight, Linda
McRae, Gaylle & Allen
Merner, Erik
Molyneu, Christopher
The Monroes
Mont, Rod & Heather
Murphy, Margaret
Murphy, Bob and Susan
Murray, Monica & Murray
Muse & Merchants
Nanaimo Business Exch
Newcomers 21st Century
NEDCO
Olleck, Vince
Oranga, Vera
Origins Retirement Grp
PacifiCare
Pakozdy, Steve
Penman, Margeurite
Pike, John
Piquette, Brenda
Ptarmigan Projects
Radcliffe, Dr. Patricia
Redpath, Gillian
Rideout, William & Adrienne
Robertson, Bill
Robertson, Jeanne
Routley, Eleanor
Roworth, Carol
Royle, Sven & Susan
Roto Router
Rubenstein, Geo.
Ruddick, Gerry
Ruckledge, John
Ruttan, Eliz.
Sahota, Bachittar
Savoie, Kathryn
Seaton, Jean
Securco Services Inc.
Semple, David
Shasta Signs
Sheckleton-Alexander, K.
Shelton, JoAnn
Sherstone, Dave/Barb
Simmons, Renata
Slusarchuk, Mary
Smiley, Doug
Smith, Joan
Smith, Eugene
Smith,Marilyn & Bud
Smith, Marilyn & Gord
Smith, Hal
Source Signs
Spry, Dr. Geoff
Staight, Rae/Randy
Steve Marshall Ford
Stupich, Marjorie
Swift, Edwin & Diane
Symbaluk, Nelson & Robert
Tanasichuk, Ingrid
The Purples Quilters
The Bay
Thomas, David & Maureen
Thompson, C.
Thompson, Claud & Phyllis
Torrie, Dr. Kathleen
Tucker, Andrew
Tyce Family
Tim Horton's
Timber Tec
United Rental
Valleau, Howie
Vipond,Jane
Vipond, Garry
Wabisca, Caroline
Waddell, Norma
Walker, Christine
Walker, Dr. Joseph
John Ward Electrical
Webber, Olive
Wells Concrete Placement
Wenner Electric
Western Canada Fire
Prevention
Westwood Metals
Whiteaker, Sue
Wilson, Betty
Wilson, Galt
Wolesley Co Plumbing
Worth, Joan
K.Wyman
Young, Jerry & June
Ziemanski, John
466031 BC (J. Malteson)
Anonymous (x 8)
The Hospice Shoppes – Helping Hospice Help Others
Two Locations to Serve You! #5 - 4286 Departure Bay Rd - #35 – 1925 Bowen Rd (Bowen Centre)
ALL DECKED OUT FOR CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING MADE EASY!
The staff and volunteers at our two thrift stores are feeling the
holiday spirit! Come and enjoy the Christmas displays and
purchase stocking stuffers, party frocks, lounge wear, house
accessories (pillows, stockings, lights, trees) and so much more!
Start the New Year off by Volunteering at one of our thrift
stores – You’ll have lots of fun, make new friends, and come away
from each shift knowing you are helping your community.
Letter of Appreciation
Thanks to Hospice Shoppe Staff (Sept)
I’m writing to express our appreciation for Daphne’s (at the Hospice
Shoppe) service.
My husband has MS and can’t transfer to his wheelchair without
assistance. Because we are on Daphne’s email list we have been
able to purchase things to assist us. Recently we were able to
purchase a hospital bed (at a greatly reduced price) for my
husband. He sleeps so much better now and it is saving my back.
We feel good that we can buy from the Hospice Shoppe, helping
you and helping us.
So please pass on this “bouquet” of thanks to Daphne and her
crew. They are doing an amazing job of helping others!
Bowen Centre – Christmas Displays
YES! I Want to Help Hospice Help Others!
 I wish to support the Expand the Heart of Hospice Capital Campaign – A New Home For Hospice
 $1,000  $500
 $250
 Other _________________
 I would like to Support Existing Programs being offered at Hospice
 $50
 $100
 $500
 Other ___________________





I have made provision for Hospice in my estate planning  I want to know more about estate planning
I would like to join the Monthly Giving Program and donate $____________________ a month*.
I would like to help Hospice become mortgage free by 2015 with a donation of $_________________
I am interested in exploring “naming opportunities” and provide a major gift to your campaign of $_________________
I wish to make my payment by:  Cheque
 Cash or  Credit Card MasterCard/Visa (Circle One)
Credit Card Type & No:___________________________________________________ Expiry Date: ____________/___________
Name on Credit Card (please print):____________________________________Signature_________________________________
Name (if different from above):________________________________________________________________________________
Address:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone:______________ Fax: _______________ Email:_________________________________________________________
My Donation is in Memory of:________________________________Please Notify: _____________________________________
(Address)_________________________________________________________________________________ of my remembrance.
Reg. No: BN133194043RR0001 – NOTE: Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a charitable receipt for tax purposes.
Thank you to the United Way and to BC Gaming for supporting Hospice in Our Community.