FAQs
- What does 'Hospice' mean?
- What is the Mission Hospice Society?
- Who are the Mission Hospice volunteers?
- How are the Mission Hospice Society volunteers screened and accepted?
- When should a decision about support be made and who should make the decision?
- Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of volunteer support, or should I ask the question first?
- Who can refer to Mission Hospice Society and what does the process involve?
- What specific assistance does MHS provide to home-based patients?
- Is Mission Hospice Society affiliated with any religious organizations?
- Does Mission Hospice Society provide any help for the family after the person dies?
- Do Mission Hospice Society volunteers recommend services?
- Is Hospice Care the same as Palliative Care?
- Where does MHS get its financial support?
- How can I or my group learn more about MHS?
- I would like to make a donation to MHS. What should I do?
- How do I become a member and support the work of Hospice?
Q: What does 'Hospice' mean?
A: The word "Hospice" describes a philosophy of care for persons nearing the end of life and their family. This approach to care focuses on comfort care (also called palliative care) and the support of meaningful living for the patient and family until death occurs. Although some people think of Hospice as a building or a place where people go to live out their final days, hospice palliative care services are provided in numerous settings, including at home.
Q: What is the Mission Hospice Society?
A: The Mission Hospice Society is a non-profit organization that provides trained volunteers to offer emotional, spiritual, social and practical support to people living with a terminal illness and to their families. Mission Hospice also provides bereavement support and counselling to children, youth and families.
Q: Who are the Mission Hospice volunteers?
A: Compassionate members of the community who are involved because they care. Often, they too have experienced personal loss. Volunteers make a commitment to contribute a minimum of four hours per week for at least one year. They have completed 40 hours of initial education and commit to attending monthly volunteer support meetings. The MHS was incorporated 25 years ago (1985) and the pioneers responsible are still volunteering with this organization.
Q: How are the Mission Hospice Society volunteers screened and accepted?
A: Volunteers are interviewed, provide three personal references, and agree to a criminal record search. They also successfully complete a 40 hour training course. MHS, mentors volunteers and provides regular professional development opportunities to volunteers.
Q: When should a decision about support be made and who should make the decision?
A: At any time during a life-limiting illness, it is appropriate to discuss all of the patient's care options, including hospice. The decision to accept hospice support belongs to the patient.
Q: Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of volunteer support, or should I ask the question first?
A: The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their family doctor, the home care nurses, friends, clergy, or other health care professionals.
Q: Who can refer to Mission Hospice Society and what does the process involve?
A: The patient or family members, the physicians, home care nurses, chaplains, or social workers. One call to the Coordinator of Hospice Volunteer Services is all that is required to start the support for the patient/family as needed.
Q: What specific assistance does MHS provide to home-based patients?
A: Volunteers who have chosen to work one-to-one with patients are matched by the Volunteer Coordinator, to that patient based on preferences of both the patient/family and the volunteer.
Q: Is Mission Hospice Society affiliated with any religious organizations?
A: No. Hospice respects the individual's personal choices and beliefs.
Q: Does Mission Hospice Society provide any help for the family after the person dies?
A: Yes, the volunteer is committed to providing continued contact and support following the death of a loved one. In addition, the bereavement coordinator and support groups are available. MHS has a wonderful lending library of resource materials at the Administration Office.
Q: Do Mission Hospice Society volunteers recommend services?
A: No. The volunteers will support the patient and family in accessing the appropriate resources.
Q: Is Hospice Care the same as Palliative Care?
A: Yes. The term "Hospice Palliative Care" can be used interchangeably; however, hospice services can be delivered long before palliative services are ever required. Hospice support is available at the time of a life-limiting diagnosis, often months before palliative care is needed. Palliative care is defined as care when cure is not possible, and is directed toward management of symptoms, usually later in the disease process. Hospice care is available during the life-limiting phase and through until the end.
Q: Where does MHS get its financial support?
A: Mission Hospice Society is a non-profit organization, and a member of the United Way. United Way donates an average of $4,000 per year. More than 65% of our Hospice funding comes from fundraising, private and corporate donations, bequests, as well as memorial donations and memberships.
Q: How can I or my group learn more about MHS?
A: Call the Mission Hospice Administration Office and we will happily provide you with additional information.
Q: I would like to make a donation to MHS. What should I do?
A: A donation may be made at our Administrative Office, through the mail, or through the CanadaHelps secure website. See Make a Donation for more information.
Q: How do I become a member and support the work of Hospice?
A: Individual memberships are $10 per year; as a member you will have voting privileges at the Annual General Meeting. See Become a Member for more information.