The Shuswap Hospice Society has just moved into their new home, and they expect the effects on the programs they offer to be major.
Moving from their office above the Bank of Montreal to the old CSRD offices near Marine Peace Park will give the hospice society more space for their programs in a location that is more accessible for their clientele.
According to hospice society administrator Cookie Langenfeld the society is aiming to expand their day programs that promote quality end of life in the fall and in order to do that more space was needed.
Langenfeld said that the expansion would focus mainly on advanced care planning programs for those with terminal illness and their families.
“That will help people with having the conversations about death and dying and also planning their treatment and having their wishes honoured by their caregivers and loved ones,” Langenfeld said.
Along with the programs for those making preparations for the end of their lives, the hospice society also plans to expand their programming to take care of caregivers as well, taking care of their critically ill family members for the day while they take a break.
Langenfeld said that the proximity of the new office to Marine Peace Park will open up possibilities for activities with sick family members while providing respite for caregivers.
The new office will boast kitchen and bathroom facilities, a meeting room that can be reconfigured to host various activities a small library and a quiet room equipped with comfortable chairs.
The hospice society also plans to hold music and massage therapy sessions, along with their bereavement therapy program at the new offices.
Langenfeld said that the hospice society has been searching for a larger location for a long time and planning to expand their programs.
“Now that we have the office, we can put the plan in motion and move it along much better,” Langenfeld said.