Palliative services

We understand the round-the-clock commitment involved in caring for a loved one. The Burnaby Hospice Society volunteers offer both emotional support and practical assistance to individuals dealing with life-threatening illnesses.

Our volunteers are there to lend a listening ear and provide respite for family members who need a break from caregiving duties. They extend their support to patients and families in various settings, including St. Michael’s Care Centre (hospice and Extended Care), Burnaby Hospital Palliative Critical Care Unit, and the wider community (home, assisted living, long-term care, etc.). Visiting volunteers engage patients in tea service, bedside chats, games, and outdoor activities. Additionally, we offer caregiver resources and can connect individuals with support groups as needed.

To learn more about receiving palliative support please fill out the request form bellow, or contact us by phone at (604) 520-5087 or by email [email protected].

Request Palliative Support Service

What do palliative support volunteers do?

Our volunteers can help patients in many ways:

  • Talk about anything on your mind
  • Sit in calming silence or simply be present
  • Accompany you to daily events at the hospital
  • Help you place a call
  • Help you convey a message to the staff
  • Watch TV or listen to music together
  • Read poetry/stories/newspaper together
  • Play board games or puzzles together
  • Create memorabilia or special crafts for loved ones
  • Provide Therapeutic Touch sessions (select volunteers)
  • Write cards or letters
  • Help organize photos or paperwork
  • Compile a video montage of advice, memories, stories
  • Create a memory box

Volunteers also provide support for caregivers:

  • Sit with your loved ones when you rest
  • Sit with you in calming silence or simply be present
  • Go out with you for some fresh air
  • Bring you coffee or tea or snacks
  • Talk about anything on your mind

What do palliative support volunteers NOT do?

  • Housework
  • Provide any professional treatment
  • Attempt to transfer patients
  • Administer medication
  • Look after children or pets
  • Accept any gifts or monetary compensation
  • Drive patients to appointments (though they may accompany patients places)

I enter each room with openness, willingness, and peace. I sit a while, hold a hand, sing a song, massage cream into dry skin, play cards, bring a drink, and read a book out loud. But what I mostly do is listen. There are often things needing to be said and to have a listener is sometimes all it takes.
~ Judy Dixon, Volunteer