The goal of hospice palliative care is to help you manage your illness as much as possible, particularly pain control and symptom management, in order to maximize your quality of life until the end of your life.If an individual is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, palliative care can provide support at any time and to individuals of any age. The length of time spent on this journey will vary from person to person. Hospice Palliative Care is also designed to support your loved ones or those caring for you in their role as caregivers as well as in their grief and bereavement. |
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Understanding Hospice and Palliative Care in BCWhat is palliative care?According to the World Health Organization, “Palliative care... improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual. Palliative care aims to reduce suffering and improve the quality of life of persons living with life-limiting illness”. What is hospice palliative care?
It is a specialized form of healthcare that aims to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for those living with a life limiting illness and nearing end of life and the people who care for them. An individual's hospice palliative care plan addresses their specific physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and practical issues, as well as their expectations, needs, hopes, and fears.
What is pediatric hospice palliative care?Pediatric hospice palliative care adopts an active and holistic approach, addressing not only the physical but also the social, psychological, and spiritual suffering endured by children and their families dealing with progressive, life-threatening conditions. Its aim is to assist them in achieving their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual objectives. In British Columbia, pediatric palliative care services are primarily delivered through the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (CPCH), a dedicated facility serving referred children across the province. CPCH collaborates closely with B.C. Children’s Hospital, which utilizes the hospice as its palliative care program for children and families coping with progressive life-threatening conditions. As the sole pediatric palliative care provider in British Columbia and the Yukon, CPCH stands as a beacon of support for families navigating the challenging journey of childhood illness. How are hospice and palliative care different?As a person nears their end of life, hospice palliative care prioritizes comfort and quality of life rather than curing the illness. With palliative care, or the approach to palliative care, this will help you manage your illness, particularly pain and symptoms so you can continue to live life as well as you can while dealing with your illness. Palliative care can help at any time from a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness and is available to people of all ages. |
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Eligibility & AdmissionWho is eligible for hospice palliative care?Hospice palliative care provides medical care, emotional support, and spiritual resources to individuals suffering from chronic illnesses that do not improve over time or who are in the dying stages of a serious illness, such as cancer or heart failure. How do I access hospice palliative care?There are several steps in accessing hospice palliative care support. You may be referred to a hospice palliative care program by your physician or a member of your health care team. Should you feel hospice palliative care is appropriate for you, you may wish to ask your doctor for further information and referral. For further information on what to expect and steps, visit the HealthLinkBC or the Yukon Health site |
Services ProvidedWhat services are offered in hospice palliative care?Typically, hospice palliative care services include the following: pain management, emotional support, spiritual care, loan of medical supplies and equipment, counselling and social support to assist you and your family with psychological, emotional and bereavement needs, volunteer support, such as cooking and running errands, and assistance with daily activities. Can I access hospice palliative care at home?Hospice palliative care can be offered in a variety of settings, such as; your home, hospice residents, hospital, assisted living accommodations and some long term care facilities. We encourage you to contact your local hospice society for further details |
Costs, Consent, Legal rights and InsuranceHow is hospice palliative care funded, do I have to pay?
British Columbia Expectations
Some publicly subsidized home and community care services are provided free of charge in British Columbia. The Ministry of Health and you, the individual receiving services, share the cost of other services. The amount you are required to pay is referred to as the client rate. The BC Palliative Care Benefits program is available to British Columbia residents who have active MSP coverage and have reached the end of their lives and wish to receive palliative care wherever they reside. The intent of B.C. Palliative Care Benefits is to allow patients to receive palliative care at home rather than be admitted to hospital. Palliative patients are entitled to the same drug benefits that they would receive in a hospital, as well as some medical supplies and equipment from their local health authority. The benefits include full coverage of approved medications, equipment and supplies (upon referral to and assessment by the local health authority). My legal rights and consent, what does that look like for me and my family?In Canada, you have the right to access affordable health care when you need it and in the setting of your choice. In hospice palliative care, there are legal, consent and advance directive discussions that one may want to ensure is occurring, or at the very least aware of, to be able to access the appropriate care. Hospice Societies' also help patients and their families navigate this sensitive time of life and may provide recommendations, education and guidance to support you in this journey. These topics are further explored in the resources below. |
Resources & Support
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About the associationBCHPCA represents its members: individuals and organizations that deliver hospice/palliative care and bereavement services and programs across British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. | Contact usEmail: office@bchpca.org Unit 1100- 1200 West 73rd Ave, | Stay InTouchKeep up to date on upcoming events and recent job postings |
The BC Hospice Palliative Care Association (BCHPCA) recognizes the traditional land of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples who have walked before us and minded the lands we now call home for time immemorial. Hospice Societies have been able to support, aid and care for many people on these same lands. The BCHPCA Offices are located on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and TsleilWaututh Nations.
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