Hospice Society of Camrose

Programs

What is a Palliative Care Approach?

Palliative Care aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with a life-limiting illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification, comprehensive interdisciplinary assessments, and appropriate interventions.

End-of-Life Care is special palliative care provided to an individual and their family when they are approaching a period of time closer to death, which may be exemplified by an intensification of services and assessments aimed at comfort.
(Ammended from the Palliative/End-of-life Care Alberta Provincial Framework)

Hospice Society Programs

Introduction to Grief

Sorrow is a universal human experience, one that arises from a vast array of losses.

Sometimes the symptoms of our grief are overwhelming, washing over us in waves of emotion. Making sense of our loss in a way that is transformative is at the heart of our sorrowing journey.

During this two-hour session, you will learn the difference between grief and mourning. It will include, but not be limited to, various grieving styles along with numerous grief responses.

As of June 2024, this session is a requirement for all clients who want to use our services. Sessions are capped at four participants.

To sign-up, contact us by phone, 780.608.0636 or send us an email, admin@camrosehospice.com

Palliative Care Approach During a Life-Limiting Illness

Together 2408616 128020171018 2590 tu9dte

This program brings together trained HSCD volunteers with individuals who have received a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. Quality of life is key to our service, and Hospice volunteers provide practical, emotional, and spiritual support to both clients and their families. We acknowledge that these relationships benefit and enrich both the volunteer and those facing a life-limiting illness.

Care Volunteers may help with daily tasks, listen to life stories, or simply sit in quiet companionship. Family and other supports may be present, or they can take time to step away for rest or other responsibilities.

All Hospice volunteers receive thorough training, as well as on-going support, so that they may provide a high level of excellence in service to the community.

To receive palliative care/end-of-life Hospice support contact the hospice office at 780.608.0636

Grief Companioning Program

People 2562352 128020171129 20550 120ddqp

Grief companions are HSCD-trained volunteers offering one-on-one grief support. Based on Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s model of companioning the bereaved, companions are a compassionate, listening presence when you need a safe place to tell the story of your loss and share tears... or laughter. Meeting in your home, or out for coffee, companions fill spaces created by the loneliness of bereavement.

For more information or to register, contact us at 780.608.0636

Hospice Support Groups

Hospice provides a selection of support groups throughout the year.

Groups are offered when demand is sufficient and facilitators are available; check with the office for dates:

Parent Grief Support Group
Suicide Loss Grief Group
Children's Art Therapy Grief Group (ages 7-12)
Teen Grief Group (ages 13+)
Adult Grief Group
Grief Walking Group
Men's Cooking Circle Grief Group
Caregiver Support Group
Cancer Survivor Support Group

If you do not see a group that fits your needs, please make a request by contacting the office at 780.608-.0636 or email admin@camrosehospice.com

Grief-Support Walking Group

This drop-in walking group meets year round on
Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

We meet at the Hospice Office for a leisurely walk followed by coffee and conversation.

During summer we walk outside around Mirror Lake Center, lower level (lake-side).

During winter we walk inside the Camrose Recreation Center around the track (2nd floor).

Please register when you arrive.

Everyone affected by loss is welcome to attend.

Parent Grief Support

This group is for adults who have experienced the loss of a child, of any age. This group runs for 6 weeks.
Topics include marriage, surviving children dynamics, pregnancy loss and strategies to cope as a family.

Details to come.

Call the Camrose Hospice office to register 780.608.0636.

Adult Grief Support Group

Who should come?

This support group is for adults who have experienced a loss.

Interested participants will be contacted by a facilitator who will discuss the program content, answer your questions and discuss readiness for group grief work.

Topics covered?

Telling Our Story
Soulfulness of Grief
Signs and Symptoms
Feelings
Looking Back
The Business of Reality
Self-compassion
The Legacy
Grief’s Journey

Group work includes discussion and activities, facilitator presentations, videos, writing exercises, journaling, and knowledge sharing. You are invited to share as you feel comfortable. You may observe only or step out of the group at any time.

More information?

When: TBA

Where: Hospice office at 5415-49 Ave, lower level, south side of the building

To register by phone, or for more information
Call 780.608.0636 or email admin@camrosehospice.com

Thank you to Saint Mary's Hospital, Camrose, for generously sharing their grief support facilitator's manual with the Camrose Hospice Society.

Men's Cooking Circle

Men's Cooking Circle is an opportunity to learn basic cooking skills, meet other men, cook and eat together, and to engage in conversation with men who are experiencing grief. This is a partnership program with Hospice, Alberta Health Services, Safeway/Sobeys, Camrose Association for Community Living, and community facilitators.

The program runs one evening per week for five weeks, and includes a grocery store tour, nutritional information, cooking instruction, dining on the meals we prepare, and of course, rich conversation on all things grief and mourning for men. All grieving men are welcome.

TBA

To register by phone call 780.608.0636, or email admin@camrosehospice.com

iPad Loan Program

HSCD has iPads available for loan, which comes with a Hospice volunteer (see description above). This person will provide mentoring and teaching on use of the iPad for connecting to family and friends digitally.

Ideas for use:
- Partners who are separated through hospitalization
- Clients who require online access

Our digital-connection program provides clients with an iPad and charger for a thee-month period of use. A volunteer is available during this time for technical and social support, as well as supporting clients in navigating other resources to raise their quality of life.

After three months, if clients/families are comfortable with and appreciate the device they are encouraged to purchase one for themselves.

Contact the Administrative Coordinator for more information:

P: 780.608.0636
E: admin@camrosehospice.com