What is Hospice?

The Creston Valley Hospice Society is made up of a group of trained volunteers dedicated to provide free compassionate and emotional support to terminally ill patients; to their families and friends; in the home, hospital, or care facility; during and after the end of the loved one’s life.

“Hospice care allows people to live until they die, their families to live with them as they are dying and to go on living afterwards…” “You matter to the last moment of your life.” Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

How to contact us

Telephone: 250-428-7575
Or Email us at Hospice Coordinator

What happens when Hospice Is contacted?

Our Hospice Coordinator will speak with you to explain the program and to learn about your needs. An appropriate volunteer can then be chosen if you so desire. We can by pass this process and respond quickly if the need is urgent.

Hospice Volunteers

• are carefully selected and trained;
• listen without judging;
• respect religious beliefs without imposing their own values;
• respect confidentiality;
• offer time out for families;
• are ordinary people, many of whom have experienced the loss of a loved one; and
• work to support Hospice through fund raising events.

What else does Hospice do?

• maintains resource materials in the Creston Library;
• provides speakers for community awareness; and
• helps in finding hospices in other areas.

The History of Hospice

After World War 11, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross found drawings and carvings of butterflies on concentration camp walls. The butterfly symbolizes the transition between life and death and is used by Hospice Societies worldwide.

As an organization, Hospice was begun by Dr. Cicely Saunders in London, England during the 1960’s, at St. Christopher’s Hospital (the saint of travelers). Dr. Saunders was knighted in 1980 for her work in palliative care.

In 1967 Dr. Helen Hays brought hospice to a hospital in Edmonton, Canada.

In 1987, Dr. William Mitchell-Banks and Rev. Harry Haberstock founded the Creston Valley Hospice Society.