OSOYOOS, BC — They’re a group of people making sure you receive the best end-of-life care, offering support to you and your family.
But for nearly a decade, the Desert Valley Hospice Society (DVHS) hasn’t had an office or a place to train volunteers.
President of the DVHS, Janet Shaw, says she is thrilled the organization finally has a brick and mortar home.
She adds before the new space, volunteers and staff would have to work from their own homes and sometimes, out of their cars.
“For us to have a home is a huge step forward,” says Shaw. “We just see this as a way to really answer needs for palliative and end-of-life care.”
The building was designed to be a long-term care facility, but it has sat vacant for the past 7 years.
For DVHS Program Director, Lois Brummet, this is a homecoming. She used to be the head nurse of the former long-term care home.
“When we were having to leave, people were saying this would make such a wonderful place for palliative care and this kind of think. We did try, and the owners did try. But everything is timing,” explains Brummet.
Now the timing is right for the hospice society to take over.
BC Housing granted the DVHS a 3-year lease. The provincial government is helping to pay for some operating costs, providing $37,000 to DVHS annually.
An open house for the community is expected at the end of October.
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