Palliative Volunteer Services
Support for individuals who are terminally ill is provided through visitation and companionship while at home, at the Kelowna General Hospital, residential care facilities and the Central Okanagan Hospice House. Volunteers are friendly visitors to talk with, who sit and listen, and help with meal time. They also assist with practical tasks such as running errands, doctor's appointments, playing board games or cards, walking the dog, going out for a stroll or a cup of coffee, and providing respite for caregivers, etc.
Bereavement Services
In our grief: We can often feel sad, alone, misunderstood, isolated, bewildered, angry and guilty. Coping with tasks of daily living can feel overwhelming and exhausting. We may be hesitant to burden family and friends with our story of loss, or they may make us feel abnormal or crazy. If you are experiencing some of these emotions and seek guidance for your grieving, COHA offers the following no cost services.
Vigil Volunteer Services
Volunteers provide bedside support and a caring presence in the final days and hours of a person's life. Vigil volunteers offer comfort, support, companionship, information and guidance. They may sit in silent reflection, play soft music, and provide a gentle touch of comfort or a listening ear for individuals or loved ones who may wish to share their thoughts and feelings. Call our Vigil Services Convenor, Shirley Jensen at 250.212.5877 and she will do her utmost to schedule one or more of our 37 Vigil Volunteers.
Click here for more information on Vigil Services
Margaret MacNeill Library
Located at the Central Okanagan Hospice House, the Margaret MacNeill Library holds an extensive collection of books, audio tapes, and videos on "death and dying" and "grief and loss" that are available for borrowing, free of charge to the public.