Frequently Asked Questions
What can I say to someone who has had a friend or family member die?
The most important thing to remember about this situation, is that it is more important what you do, rather than what you say. Just be present. Allow the friend to talk, and you listen. A hug, or a simple “I’m sorry” is enough at such a time.
Call often and visit. Allow them to talk about their feelings and to share stories about the deceased. Listening in an active and empathetic way is helpful.
Grievers often complain that friends say, “Call if you need anything”. A grieving person cannot make the call, so a friend who shows up or phones with suggestions of tasks they can do, is much more effective.
Perhaps it is more important in what not to say. Saying that someone had a long and good life does not recognize the pain of the relative who is now dealing with their absence, and wondering how they are going to get through this period of time.
Is a referral required?
The person with the illness, a relative, a neighbour or a friend may make the request for admission.
Phone the Palliative Care Coordinator 250-565-7318 or the Rotary Hospice House 250-563-2481.
Why does the Prince George Hospice Society do so much fundraising?
Although we are receiving partial funding from Northern Health for the expenses of Rotary Hospice House, we still require approx. $200,000.00 to support it. As well, there are community programs and the bereavement and volunteer services to support. We welcome your assistance or donation.
When should a person with a life-threatening condition contact Hospice?
The staff at Prince George Hospice is there to support you or someone you know at any time after a life-threatening diagnosis. Family and friends can benefit as well.
We will provide information, admission to Rotary Hospice House, emotional and practical support from the time of diagnosis, through advanced illness, death and bereavement. Support is provided for family, friends, caregivers and the community at large.
We work with physicians and the medical community to help people access hospice palliative care services when they are facing advanced illness.
How can you do this work?
Working in hospice palliative care is rewarding, perhaps partly because we are not trying to prolong life with all the pain and stress which that involves. We set out to help a person achieve what they determine whether it be maintaining independence by obtaining pain relief; or having all their family including the family pet with them. We try to have people realize that their life has meaning. Perhaps we will facilitate someone’s ability to see that they are important and that they made a difference. Guests in the Rotary Hospice House and their families and friends are appreciative of what we do. Obviously, due to the nature of the work, people are quite moved by the experience and show their appreciation through hugs, thankyous and donations. So, this makes for a rewarding work setting.
Do people ever go home from Hospice?
Yes, 30 to 40% of all admissions go home again. Short-term admissions occur for a variety of reasons such as symptom relief from pain or nausea, hospital to home transition, caregiver rest or need to travel.
Is the hospice service only for people with cancer?
Although the majority of our admissions are from cancer, people may use the Hospice House for any progressive life-threatening disease diagnosis.
Is the Rotary Hospice House just for Rotarians?
Anyone from any walk of life, from anywhere, who has a progressive life-threatening illness may use the services of the Prince George Hospice Society and the Rotary Hospice House.
Why is grief support necessary?
Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult and profound losses one can experience. However there are other types of losses that also create powerful after effects. Losses are common to us all as we progress through our life.
We are all grievers. Grief is a journey without clear direction that we have to take. We cannot anticipate how it will affect us until it strikes.
People who have experienced grief have discovered that there is very little understanding in our society, about how grief affects us and what we need from our friends at a time of grief. So, when grief occurs, we are alone with our pain, our powerlessness, our fear and regret, our anger, confusion and loneliness. It changes who we are.
Because those around us, including perhaps family, friends, coworkers, casual acquaintances, misunderstand us we ignore our need to work through the grief and pretend to be back to normal. Our bodies store the pain and although we may not be conscious of it, we use coping behaviours to allow us to continue to ignore our feelings. This is a disaster waiting to happen.