The LGHS Year in Review
This year end review is like no other. 2010 marked the beginning of a new era of hospice and palliative care on the North Shore.
North Shore Hospice Opens
In November, the North Shore Hospice (319 East 14th Street, North Vancouver) was officially opened. The opening was the culmination of a long-held dream. The Lions Gate Hospice Society was privileged to contribute $500,000 to the construction of the Hospice and are proud that the new Resource Centre in the Hospice is named after the Society and in memory of Mr. Werner Zimmerman.
Palliative Care Day Program
The Society has agreed to fund an innovative palliative day program to be operated out of the new Hospice by the North Shore Palliative Care Program. This day program will operate 4 days a week, taking 8 clients for each 12 week session. Clients will benefit from medical and personal needs attention, recreational activities, music therapy and a home-made lunch and snacks. Caregivers will benefit from support from staff, plus needed time to rest or attend to errands, knowing that their loved one is well cared for throughout the day. The Day Program will operate from the LGHS Resource Centre within the Hospice. The Society will contribute $150,000 to fully fund the pilot project.
The LGHS Family Grants
Twelve families in dire financial circumstances were help by grants from the Society totalling over $6,200. Families told us that the Society's help made a major difference as they coped with their own illness or cared for a family member. The Society funded occasional housekeeping, emergency child care, taxis to medical appointments and other comfort measures. None of these costs are currently covered by provincial or extended medical insurance.
Public Education
About 50 people attend a free public education event sponsored by the Society on May 3rd. Guest speaker, Clarissa P. Green, RCC, kindly allowed us to reprint her "10 Suggestions on how to talk to someone who is dying". Click hear to read that article in full.
Volunteer Support
Three North Shore Palliative Care Program volunteers attended the BC Hospice Palliative Care Association annual conference to learn and network with others. The Society paid the registration fees of each of the three volunteers.
Honour A Life
Over 160 family members and friends attended the 17th annual Honour A Life memorial celebration on December , 2010. By providing full funding for this event, the Society continues to make a vital contribution to a family's continued well-being after a loved one dies.
The Lions Gate Hospice Society Website
The Society Website is an easily accessible resource for the patients, family, friends and community members.
Patients and their caregivers continue to find authoritative advice written by a palliative care physician on this website. The videos of others` experience in palliative and hospice care provide information and support for others in similar situations. The extensive list of Resources and timely News and Event information are accessible when needed by the community.
LGHS Supporters
The Society thanks it members and donors for their committment and dedication to hospice palliative care. Your membership in the Society and your donations have all contributed more than we can say.
In addition, a growing number of community groups and local governments have contibuted to the Society's success this year. All three North Shore municipalities and the West Vancouver Community Foundation provided grants. Country Noble Christmas Trees in Langley donated the Honour A Life Memorial Tree, the Lions Gate Quilters donated 15 hand-made quilts for the new Hospice and A Moveable Feast provided tea and coffee at the May education event.
The Lions Gate Hospice Society will continue to advocate, educate and support quality palliative hospice care on the North Shore. Join us by becoming a member or making a donation online or by cheque to The LIons Gate Hospice Society, PO Box 54019, 1562 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 3L5
