Burnaby Hospice Society is a charitable organization committed to providing dignified, compassionate support to hospice patients and residents who are grieving.
Burnaby Hospice Society is a charitable organization committed to providing dignified, compassionate support to hospice patients and residents who are grieving.
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 Complex Care Unit, and the wider community (homes, assisted living, long-term care, etc.).
Hospice Palliative care is a philosophy of care that focuses on comfort and quality of life. It supports patients physically, psychologically, spiritually and socially and helps patients achieve the best possible quality of life right up until their death.
Palliative care starts at the point of diagnosis to engage in relationship building with a health care team, addressing symptoms, coping, providing information, engaging with family, exploring treatments and supporting with end-of-life planning.
At the exhaustion of all life prolonging or curative treatments, patients may enter a hospice or receive hospice care in their residence. The goal of hospice care is to help manage symptoms and provide comfort until the end of life.
Patients continue to be supported by a palliative care team of social workers, doctors, nurses, and spiritual care providers.
All Burnaby Hospice volunteers: Have successfully completed a 30-hour training program.Have undergone orientation to the palliative ward at Burnaby Hospital as well as St. Michael’s Hospice.Are committed to continuing education... Learn More
Our dedicated team of volunteers sets up a charming array of treats on exquisite china, served with a cup of tea or coffee. The tea cart is designed to bring... Learn More
In music therapy, patients and therapists actively participate in singing, songwriting, improvisation, and listening to music based on each individual's musical preferences. Music is conveyed through guitars, voices, videos, and... Learn More
Art therapy, a form of psychotherapy, utilizes a person's creativity to improve their overall mental health. This approach involves a range of activities like drawing, painting, sculpting, and working with... Learn More
Pet therapy dogs (and their human volunteers that accompany them) are like emotional superheroes, banishing anxiety and fear with their cuddles and love. Therapy dogs swoop in with their wagging... Learn More
Our volunteer practitioners offer a range of healing touch modalities such as Therapeutic Touch, bio energy and Reiki; healing methods designed to enhance relaxation and relieve pain. Depending on your... Learn More
Our hospice volunteers provide emotional and comfort support to patients and family members. They are present to listen, reassure without giving advice, share worries and concerns, hold a hand or... Learn More
Performances by local musicians are scheduled throughout the year with the Music in the Garden series at both St. Michael’s and Burnaby Hospital occurring through the summer months. In the... Learn More
Our compassionate volunteers make themselves available to sit at the bedside of someone who is within the last 24 hours of life. All attempts are made to ensure that patients... Learn More
A volunteer can help patients leave legacies for their loved ones by recording memories through audio and/or video and/or assist in writing legacy letters for loved ones to be left... Learn More
Visiting volunteers are available for patients and their families at home, designed to fit your schedule whether you wish regular scheduled visits or as needed. This service is offered in... Learn More
All Burnaby Hospice volunteers:
To learn more about our programs and how to sign up, please complete this form and one of our staff will call you back. Alternatively, you can call us at 604.520.5087.
Our dedicated team of volunteers sets up a charming array of treats on exquisite china, served with a cup of tea or coffee. The tea cart is designed to bring joy to both patients and visitors alike.
*in St. Michael’s and 2D only
In music therapy, patients and therapists actively participate in singing, songwriting, improvisation, and listening to music based on each individual's musical preferences. Music is conveyed through guitars, voices, videos, and interactive instruments that patients can use to engage in the experience.
Art therapy, a form of psychotherapy, utilizes a person's creativity to improve their overall mental health. This approach involves a range of activities like drawing, painting, sculpting, and working with fabric. Through the creation of art, people can convey their feelings, reduce stress, and experience a cathartic release, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Pet therapy dogs (and their human volunteers that accompany them) are like emotional superheroes, banishing anxiety and fear with their cuddles and love. Therapy dogs swoop in with their wagging tails and furry charm, giving hugs and social vibes that can soothe stress and lower blood pressure. Plus, they're the ultimate icebreakers, sparking lively chats and bonding moments over our shared love for our four-legged pals!
*in St. Michael’s and 2D only
Our volunteer practitioners offer a range of healing touch modalities such as Therapeutic Touch, bio energy and Reiki; healing methods designed to enhance relaxation and relieve pain. Depending on your preference, healing touch sessions can involve placing hands on or near your body.
Our hospice volunteers provide emotional and comfort support to patients and family members. They are present to listen, reassure without giving advice, share worries and concerns, hold a hand or just sit quietly
Our hospice volunteers offer emotional and comforting support to patients and their families. They are there to listen to worries and concerns, provide reassurance without offering advice, hold a hand, or simply sit in silence. They can provide such comfort as a hand massage, getting a drink or snack, or a warm blanket.
Performances by local musicians are scheduled throughout the year with the Music in the Garden series at both St. Michael’s and Burnaby Hospital occurring through the summer months. In the winter months, practicum students from local colleges and universities play for patients in the lounge.
*in St. Michael’s and 2D only
Our compassionate volunteers make themselves available to sit at the bedside of someone who is within the last 24 hours of life. All attempts are made to ensure that patients are supported around the clock.
A volunteer can help patients leave legacies for their loved ones by recording memories through audio and/or video and/or assist in writing legacy letters for loved ones to be left for important occasions such as graduations and weddings.
Visiting volunteers are available for patients and their families at home, designed to fit your schedule whether you wish regular scheduled visits or as needed. This service is offered in conjunction with Burnaby’s Home Health team. Referrals for palliative can come from healthcare professionals or community agencies. The person being referred must consent to the referral. The society’s staff members complete the referral information and arrange for a visit in your home. Following the visit, a community fully trained palliative support volunteer may be assigned to you.
All of our volunteers have successfully completed a 30-hour training program, signed a pledge of confidentiality and have valid, current criminal record checks.
The program coordinator will be in touch with you following the initial visit with the volunteer assigned to you to ensure it is a good fit.
If for any reason you’re not comfortable with the volunteer that was assigned to you, new arrangements will be made.
To learn more about our programs and how to sign up, please complete the form below and one of our staff will call you back.
Alternatively you can call us at (604) 520-5087.
Our volunteers can help patients in many ways:
Volunteers also provide support for caregivers:
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