Palliative Support
Our palliative support can begin as soon as someone receives a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. We offer programs and services to 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 in coping with the changes they may face and living 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 include healthcare professionals, family members, caregivers, counsellors, social workers, or other community groups or volunteers. Together, we support you, your loved one and your family in adjusting to your new reality.
Palliative Support Services
If any of our palliative services feel like they may be the right fit for you, please contact our Client Services Coordinator below.
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 advanced care planning documents, including our own Sunshine Coast Hospice Green Sleeve.
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 and 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 our Program Centre 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, as well as the opportunity to socialize.
To be eligible, participants must have received a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness and be independent in activities of daily living (or arrive at the program with assistance). You must pre-register for The Circle program. If you think this program may be right for you, please contact our Client Services Coordinator below.
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:
Gifts to Hospice help enhance our palliative care program.
Donations are used to fund essential programs such as The Circle, which provide necessary respite for caregivers as well as improve the quality of life of people with a life-limiting illness.