The Airdrie and District Hospice Society (ADHS) is hoping to implement an innovative method of care.
The Society is a community network of support that includes professionals, businesses, volunteers and neighbours, uniting to provide many aspects of hospice care to those in need.
“It is not necessarily about a building where people go to die but about the community coming together to help those with life-limiting illness and their families, so they can stay in their homes longer and more comfortably,” said Wendy Timmerman, a community health nurse and chair of the Society.
She said there is no need for a hospice facility in Airdrie because the Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary recently opened up 20 more palliative care beds, however, caregivers in the community need support.
The Society’s vision is “no one dies alone.”
“We know it affects the whole community when someone suffers from a life-limiting illness,” said Michele Gray, palliative care nurse and co-chair of the Society.
She said about 90 per cent of people with life-limiting illnesses are cared for by their family and friends.
“We want to offer services so they will be cared for and we will be a stronger community for it,” said Timmerman.
“We want to deal with more than just the health-related struggles and address the shopping and housekeeping and shovelling of the walk. We want to take care of all of that.”
She said the Society’s short-term goals include creating a registry with a list of all of the people who need help with daily chores such as taking the recycling to the depot, doing laundry and walking the dog, and pair them up with volunteers in the community who are willing to do the tasks.
“This isn’t something that has to be done through us either,” she said.
“You can go to your neighbour who is struggling and ask them if you can do something specific for them. Ask if you can take out the garbage or mow the lawn because if you ask if you can do anything for them, they are less likely to tell you what to do. If you offer to do a specific task, they are more likely to let you help.”
The Society also plans to set up a compassionate care fund that will help support services for caregivers in the community.
The longer-term goal of the group is to build a stand-alone facility that will provide education, group sessions, therapy, a library, information on wills and speakers who will talk to loved ones about the end-of-life process.
The charitable, non-profit organization has been in operation for about two years and serves the communities surrounding Airdrie as well.
The Society is also working closely with Martin LaBrie, palliative care consultant and physician for the Palliative/End of Life Care – Calgary Zone, to interview people affected by an end-of-life illness to identify common themes in the community. Individuals will be interviewed in confidence and in small groups.
“By telling their story, good and bad, people will be helping to ensure others’ end-of-life journey is a positive one,” said Gray.
“You don’t need to be a public speaker, you just need to tell your story.”
She said at any time, there are about 25 individuals in Airdrie and the surrounding area undergoing palliative care.
“We need to normalize death,” said Gray.
“It doesn’t need to be scary. It is just a normal part of life. If you look at it that way, it is not so scary to talk about and easier to be willing to help.”
On Oct. 3, the Society and the Alberta Hospice and Palliative Care Association will be hosting a networking and communication seminar called “Talking About the Tough Stuff” at Genesis Place.
If you are interested in sharing your experience with the Airdrie and District Hospice Society or would like to support or take part in the Oct. 3 event, call 403-880-0424 or email [email protected]
