Hospice Information

What is Hospice?

The word "hospice" in ancient times referred to a place of rest and care for travellers. Today it is a community of caring people who offer help to individuals and their families who are facing life-threatening illness and bereavement. We are a non-profit, non-denominational society, operated by volunteers and financially supported by community funds.

What are Hospice goals?

• -to provide trained volunteers to our community;
• - to provide emotional support to terminally ill people and grieving families;
• - to alleviate the loneliness of shut-ins;
• and - to educate the public as to the varied needs of the terminally ill and their families.

How are referrals made?

Referrals can be made by doctors, nurses, ministers, home care, family, or friends.

Hospice volunteers

• - are trained right here in Creston;
• - provide companionship for clients, and relief for families at home or in hospital;
• - offer continued support for the bereaved;
• and - can volunteer in a variety of ways: sitting with clients who are near death; visiting shut-ins as a Friend of Hospice; sitting on the board of directors; working on the fund-raising committee; and in many other rewarding ways. How do you become a Hospice volunteer? Just telephone the Hospice coordinator at 428-7575 to get further information, and an application form. One of the directors will be happy to join you for a coffee and discussion.

  Why is our symbol the butterfly?

  After World War 11, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross discovered that butterflies had been carved and drawn by children on concentration camp walls. The butterfly symbolizes the transition between life and death, and is used by Hospice societies worldwide.