The Desert Valley Hospice Society recently held a volunteer training course for individuals interested in supporting end-of-life care in Oliver and Osoyoos. The 30 hour course was facilitated by Lois Brummet, Hospice Volunteer Educator, and other professional members of the Palliative Care Team and hosted at Mariposa Gardens in Osoyoos. Topics covered during the training included Hospice history and philosophy, spiritual care, communication techniques, comfort measures, end-of-life issues and bereavement care. At the end of the intense 30 hour training, the Society welcomed 8 new volunteers to the existing group of Volunteers already donating their time to support end-of-life care in Oliver and Osoyoos.

The Desert Valley Hospice Society in partnership with the Interior Health Authority provide a hospice volunteer program to assist individuals and their caregivers living with life life-limiting illnesses in Oliver and Osoyoos. Volunteers are thoroughly screened and trained to offer confidential emotional, social, practical and spiritual support. Volunteers are available to visit in homes, the hospital, McKinney Place, Sunnybank Centre, Mariposa Gardens or Heritage House. Hospice Volunteers work in cooperation with the Palliative Care team to support excellence in the delivery of end of life care.

To learn more about the training program or to access Hospice Volunteer services please contact Kimberly Hutton, Volunteer Coordinator, at 250-498-5026 or Lois Brummet at 250-498-9050.