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Miramichi News: Hospice Miramichi Planing A "3" Stage Implementation Processs
Hospice Miramichi, Inc., a non-profit volunteer organization, was established in March 2011 and received its corporate status in July. The focus of hospice palliative care is on comfort not cure and on life not death. Hospice Miramichi is seeking to raise awareness of the unique needs of those who are living with life threatening illnesses where cure is not an option and medications are no longer controlling the illness. We will work within the community by providing services and support for clients and families within their homes. Our volunteers will be trained to provide practical and emotional support during the end stages of life and through the grieving process.
Our plan is to bring hospice to Miramichi in three (3) stages. First, the establishment of a Hospice Outreach Program, where in- home support services will be offered to assist palliative patients and their families live the remainder of their lives to the fullest extent possible. Support services will include:
- Friendly visiting
- Transportation to appointments
- Assistance with shopping and meal preparation
- Assistance with pet care etc.
The second stage of our plan will be the addition of a Hospice Day Program. Here those individuals in the last 6-12 months of their life will be encouraged to come to our facility two (2) times a week and be with others who are going through similar situations. There will be an opportunity to participate in planned activities including:
- Massage therapy
- Chair yoga
- Meditation
- Music therapy
- Foot and nail care and,
- Hairdressing and recreational activities
A registered nurse will be available to discuss questions concerning treatments, illness and pain and symptom management. Understanding that grief and bereavement is an important part of palliative care Hospice Miramichi will also hold a Grief and Bereavement program twice yearly.
The third stage of our plan is to establish a Residential Hospice (RH) in Miramichi within the next 3-4 years. RH, a home like environment will offer 24 hour end of life care for those individuals in the last 3-6 months of their life who are unable to remain at home to die but do not wish to go to hospital. This service will also be available to those who are admitted to hospital but wish to receive their end of life care at home. Hospice Miramichi will also offer a two week respite service designed to assist family caregivers needing a break from the stress of looking after a loved one at home. RH care will be delivered by certified and licensed professionals with assistance from trained volunteers.
Physician coverage and nurses specialized in pain and symptom management will be available to assist those individuals experiencing troublesome symptoms often associated with end of life care.
All services with the exception of respite care will be free of charge for our clients. Hospice Miramichi will acquire the needed funding through donations, corporate sponsorship, and fundraising campaigns. All monies raised will remain in the community.
The first annual project for Hospice Miramichi is the Angels Remembered Campaign which will take place November 13th- December 10th 2011. For a minimum $2 donation an angel will be hung on the Hospice Miramichi memorial tree in honour of a loved one. Volunteers will set up tables at a variety of locations throughout Miramichi. This fundraising campaign will close with a tree lighting ceremony and an open house at the Hospice Miramichi location on December 16th at 7 pm.
Without the support of volunteers this project would not be possible. Special thanks go to Pam Foley, Ann Duplessie, Fred and Donna Chiasson, Dora Carruthers, Evelyn Creamer, Nicky Jardine, Maureen LeBlanc, Ruby Henry, Marilyn Brewer, Brenda Duplessie and the Coastal Shore Girl Guides. The angels were assembled by the Chatham Girl Guides, the Douglastown Girl Guides and the Douglastown Pathfinders.
Please support Hospice Miramichi.
For more info go to www.hospicemiramichi.com
