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What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is about more than just treating a patient—it's about honouring their life and journey, providing the support they and their families need during one of the most challenging times. It brings compassion, understanding, and dignity into a space where comfort and respect become the top priorities.


Hospice doesn’t just focus on the illness, but on the person as a whole, making sure their final moments are filled with care, love, and choices that reflect who they truly are. It’s a way to ensure that no one faces the end of their life alone. Hospice care is an essential resource that provides compassionate and comprehensive support for individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses, addressing physical and emotional needs while respecting patient choices and preserving dignity.

Beyond Medical Treatment: Holistic Care for Enhanced Quality of Life


Hospice care focuses on the person as a whole, not just their illness. This approach ensures that patients experience a better quality of life, even as they face a terminal diagnosis. Holistic Support at Evergreen Hospice


Evergreen Hospice offers a variety of programs designed to nurture the body and mind.


  • Wellness Programs: These programs aim to enhance the well-being of individuals and their families through activities that promote relaxation and emotional resilience.


  • Complementary Therapies: These include practices such as massage, aromatherapy, and mindfulness techniques that help alleviate stress and improve overall comfort.


  • Connection Café: Social activities, including games, walking clubs, book discussions, and creative groups, provide opportunities for emotional support, mental stimulation, and community connection. These activities remind participants that joy and camaraderie are possible, even in the midst of grief or illness.


  • Living Room Program: A weekly hybrid gathering for clients to engage in self-care and well-being activities. This program is designed to reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging.


By embracing a holistic model, hospice care ensures that patients can live their remaining days with purpose and comfort.


Support for the Entire Family: Recognizing the Impact on Loved Ones


When someone faces a terminal illness, it impacts their entire family. Caregiving often becomes a central part of life for loved ones, introducing emotional, physical, and financial stress. Hospice care acknowledges this and provides vital resources to support caregivers, ensuring they are not navigating this journey alone.


Family Support at Evergreen Hospice


Evergreen Hospice is committed to offering meaningful support for families and caregivers:


  • Caregiver Support Programs: These programs offer guidance on navigating the complexities of caregiving, addressing familiar challenges such as burnout and emotional strain.


  • Caregiver Resource Mailings: Monthly mailings provide practical tools, educational materials, and emotional encouragement to help caregivers manage their responsibilities.


  • Powerful Tools for Caregivers: This six-session program equips caregivers with the skills and strategies needed to care for their loved ones effectively while maintaining their own well-being.


  • Circle of Caring: A monthly virtual support group where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and learn from others facing similar challenges.


Evergreen Hospice provides invaluable resources to support caregivers, helping them balance their caregiving duties with their own well-being. With this support, families are able to shift their focus from the stress and logistics of caregiving to creating meaningful, cherished moments with their loved ones. It’s about giving caregivers the peace of mind to truly be present, so they can share precious time together without being weighed down by the overwhelming demands of care.


Empowering Choices and Dignity: Navigating End-of-Life Decisions


One of the most profound parts of hospice care is its emphasis on respecting patient autonomy. Making end-of-life decisions can be overwhelming, but hospice care provides guidance and education to empower individuals to make informed choices that align with their personal values and wishes.


Empowering Choices at Evergreen Hospice


Evergreen Hospice offers a variety of programs to assist individuals and families in navigating these decisions:


  • Advanced Care Planning: These sessions help individuals understand the role of substitute decision-makers and facilitate conversations about their wishes for end-of-life care.


  • MAID Education: Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is an option available to patients in certain circumstances. Evergreen provides education about this option, led by compassionate healthcare professionals, to ensure individuals have all the necessary information.


  • Legal Services: Sessions covering wills and patient rights empower individuals to take control of their affairs, providing peace of mind for them and their families.


  • Spiritual Care: This program supports individuals in addressing existential questions, fostering a sense of peace, and helping them find meaning during their final stages of life.


By empowering patients to make their own choices, hospice care honours their dignity and ensures they can approach life's end with clarity and confidence.



The Importance of Hospice Care in Our Communities


Hospice care is not just about providing support during the final stages of life; it’s about enriching the lives of patients and their families during one of the most vulnerable periods they will ever face. Programs like those offered at Evergreen Hospice embody the essence of compassionate care by focusing on the whole person, supporting caregivers, and empowering individuals with dignity and choice.


Whether through holistic therapies, caregiver support, or end-of-life planning, hospice care addresses every aspect of the journey. It ensures that patients are seen as individuals with unique needs, not just as a diagnosis.  For families, it’s a lifeline that wraps them in support during one of life’s most difficult times. It helps ease the emotional weight, offering comfort and understanding as they navigate the overwhelming journey ahead. With this support, families can find the strength to face each day, knowing they’re not alone.

Visit our services page to learn how Evergreen can help.


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