A new facility at 22 Jonagold Place in Osoyoos will likely open in October for administration of the Desert Valley Hospice Society and for programs – but it will not be a round the clock care facility.

The facility will be used as a Supportive Care Centre which the Society will utilize as their administrative office, as education and training space for Hospice Volunteers and as a place from which to deliver current and future programs.
DVHS president Janet Shaw says the Society, which serves the communities of Oliver and Osoyoos,  is currently developing new programming to enhance existing services. “We are developing programs which will assist community members in making an Advance Care Plan, and we will soon be able to offer Bereavement Support for our clients’ loved ones. The new space will enable us to further develop our programming, and we envision providing caregiver support, respite care and hopefully palliative day programs as we phase in our planned use for the building in Osoyoos. We also hope to create partnerships with other organizations that provide support to people in need. ”
Although the Society does not have the financial capacity to provide full time hospice care to clients at this point, Shaw states “We recognize the need to work cooperatively with our health authority and government toward our common goals. We will continue to advocate for the best possible hospice palliative care and end-of-life services for our community members. Helping individuals to accept death as a natural part of life and to be able to die with dignity, pain free and in a setting of one’s choice surrounded by loved ones is at the heart of what we endeavour to do. ”

Earlier on ODN – August 18

Province to help with development of hospice