Grande Prairie Hospice Palliative Care Society

National Hospice Palliative Care Week is May 3 to May 9, 2015. Join us on May 6 for our: Care & Prepare Workshop with Rayne Johnson. See you there!!

Palliative care helps people live well (sometimes for longer!) with greater quality of life and it supports the well-being of carers - this is the news from the very latest research. Yet many people dread the words "palliative care referral". Many think that palliative care is code for "doing nothing" - yet this is so far from the truth. This is a great read by Barbara Gomes: http://bit.ly/1ajU6CO

CBC Presentaton: Death midwifery is a new practice here in Canada. A death midwife (or death doula as they're sometimes called) can help create death plans, some provide spiritual care, psychological and social support, and sometimes even physical care. They can help plan home vigils and home funerals, and offer guidance with respect to what your rights and responsibilities are in caring for someone who's died.

Although everyone experiences anticipatory griefa feeling of loss before a death occurssome have never heard of the term.

The Letter Project: Stanford University Conversations on Advanced Care Planning

OTTAWA - "When someone you love is gravely ill, you should feel free to focus on what matters most."

Many hospices hold memorial butterfly events to honor loved ones who have died. What a wonderful way to educate students about hospice and grief! Please like and share!

Community Happenings: Dying with Dignity. Register for your chance to hear local speakers discuss their thoughts on the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada! Session April 29th from 7-9pm at the Lions Learning Center 9625 Prairie Road.

As the number of seniors in Canada is expected to climb from five million to ten million over the next 25 years, our health care system will result in growth in demand for hospital services, home care, long-term care palliative care facilities and health and wellness programs, said Dr. Gabriela Prada, Director, Health, Innovation, Policy and Evaluation, The Conference Board of Canada.

Have you had your say on quality of life in the Grande Prairie area? Take a few minutes, take the survey and tell the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta what you think! https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GrandePrairieAreaVitalSigns2

Rayne Johnson will be facilitating our Care & Prepare: Compassionate Contemplative End of Life Care Workshop on May 6!

Great article in the DHT about our Swinging with the Stars Gala Event in support of the GP Hospice Palliative Care Society. Tickets are available!! Contact GPHPCS at: 780-897-0066 for more info!! Come on out for a great night and watch our STARS shine on the dance floor!!