New Denver Hospice Society works to support the residents and staff at the Pavilion, our local extended care facility. During Covid, Hospice was unable to spend time in the Pavilion. Our volunteers dispersed. We are in the process of rebuilding our volunteer base and getting back to the work we love….sharing and helping our friends at the Pavilion. The common thread is a love for this work, and we find the rewards for everyone to be amazing.
The relationships we form with the residents are priceless. We listen, read with them, play games or take them outside when the weather is good. In return, we get warm smiles, bright eyes and a wealth of stories.
We are fortunate to hear old stories about New Denver from the lives of some centenarians. They often make us laugh. A highpoint is Tuesday at 2pm, when we join our buddies for some toe tapping, seriously live music by ever-so talented and generous musicians.
Volunteering even an hour a week is guaranteed to expand the heart. Both being there for our seniors and associating with our Hospice colleagues are rich. We get to practice the easy gift of attachment and the harder grace of letting go. The intention of the Friendly Visits Program is to foster relationships that will go the distance. Our certified volunteers are trained in traditional hospice practices, so we make the transition to End of Life vigil when that time arrives. We are warmed to witness the comfort of familiar, trusted friends present in the final days and hours.
In this work NDHS is proud to support our professional long term care staff. Their commitment and skill inspire us.
If the path of community service draws you, NDHS will be offering Hospice Volunteer Training this winter. Get in touch with our Administrator, Gina Chapin at admin@newdenverhospice.ca, or 604-340-2186.