Palliative Support
Our palliative support can begin as soon as someone receives a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. We offer programs and services that can help you access information and resources, and become part of a caring community of people who share your experience. Palliative support aims to assist people impacted by a diagnosis, and their loved ones, to cope with the changes they may face, and live the best life possible.
If you or a loved one have received a life-limiting diagnosis, you can contact Sunshine Coast Hospice at any stage in your journey, and ask us to be a part of your “circle of supportive care.” Your circle may consist of healthcare professionals, family members, caregivers, a counsellor, social worker, or other community groups or volunteers. Together, we support you, your loved one and family in adjusting to your new reality.
Palliative Support Services
If you would like to register for any of our palliative services, please request an appointment by email (link below) or call our Client Services Coordinator at 604-740-0475 Ext.3.
Practical, Emotional and Social One-to-One Support
Our trained and compassionate volunteers can provide companionship and a listening ear for those facing a life-limiting illness, and support and short-term respite for their caregivers. Specially trained volunteers can also provide information and practical support to complete advance care planning documents, including our own Sunshine Coast Hospice GreenSleeve.
Caregiver Respite
Being a caregiver to those facing a life-limiting illness can be enormously rewarding, as friends and family members support their loved ones to fully embrace life, even through adversity. Caregivers can also experience exhaustion, burnout and feelings of guilt and frustration.
Hospice programs such as volunteer one-on-one support and The Circle Wellness Day Program can provide opportunities for caregivers to take time for themselves, to restore their physical, emotional and mental well being. Our staff and volunteers can also help connect caregivers to other helpful resources in the community.
The Circle Wellness Day Program
The Circle provides a welcoming community of care and support to Sunshine Coast community members who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Activities such as art, music, movement and meditation are provided Tuesday and Thursday mornings by community facilitators and trained volunteers. Lunch is included in this vibrant, free program.
The Circle Wellness Program
The Circle is our weekly free palliative wellness program offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Hospice House in Davis Bay. The Circle offers a selection of activities including meditation, gentle movement, art, music, legacy projects, educational workshops and more.
Wayne and Dianna Whyte enjoying their Circle Wellness Program session.
Each session includes a light lunch and refreshments. In addition to the scheduled activities, participants have access to support, information and resources, and the opportunity to socialize. Programming can also be made available virtually from home.
To be eligible, participants need to have received a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, and be independent with activities of daily living (or come to the program with assistance). You must pre-register with Hospice for The Circle program.
Funder Acknowledgement
The Circle palliative wellness program was launched in 2021, and it continues to be offered to our community with the support of the Province of BC and:
The Circle continues today thanks to the support of donors from our community.
Gifts to Hospice help enhance our palliative care program.
Donations are used to fund essential programs such as The Circle, which provide provide necessary respite for caregivers as well as improve the quality of life of people with a life-limiting illness.
Compassionate Care Education
Visit our helpful resource library for more information about palliative care.