Hospice Happenings - May 2018
ENSURING NO ONE DIES ALONE
“It meant so much just knowing that compassionate
souls were there with Mom.” - Gwen

For the past 15 years, Pilgrims Hospice has offered the  Compassionate Companions  home visiting program for individuals living with a terminal illness and limited in their ability to leave home. Specially trained volunteers provide emotional, social and spiritual support, life review and legacy work, respite care for the family, and end of life vigil.

As an extension of the Compassionate Companions program, this spring Pilgrims Hospice launched the  No One Dies Alone  (NODA) program.

The program is  free of charge  and intended for clients who do not have family or friends available to support and comfort them. It provides around the clock vigil for their final hours of life, ensuring that no one dies alone if that is their wish.

“We have a wonderful group of trained volunteers – NODA Vigil Companions – wanting to provide comfort and make a difference. I’m in awe of their commitment, as well as their open willingness to give their hearts and their time. It’s really beautiful to witness,” says Bonnie Ross, Manager of Respite Services at Pilgrims Hospice.

Join us for a 5K Run, 2K Hike or 5K Hike,
through Edmonton’s beautiful river valley.

Saturday, June 23 

Starts at Pilgrims Hospice in Edmonton’s Crestwood community, and onward through the MacKinnon Ravine.

11:00am 5K Run/Hike
11:05am 2K Hike
Check-In starts at 9:30am
Free BBQ & Entertainment to follow

Family friendly event - all are welcome to participate
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF HEALTH 
For National Hospice Palliative Care Week (May 6-12, 2018), the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Canadian Minister of Health, issued a Statement in support of hospice palliative care, which included:

"Palliative care is an essential part of our health care system, providing much-needed support to individuals and their families during what is often the most difficult times of their lives. Sadly, roughly 70% of Canadians who could benefit from palliative care lack access to it.

Our government is committed to improving palliative care and making it available to all Canadians. I invite you to participate in our public consultation . Your input will help develop a framework to improve access to palliative care, which will be introduced later this year."

Make sure your voice is heard by taking part in the Public Consultation .
ADULT DROP-IN BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, June 13
7pm to 8:30pm

This replaces the regular meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

As usual, there is no cost to attend and no registration required.
Light refreshments are provided.

Contact Sarah Karesa at 780-413-9801 ext. 107 for more information.
Grief Workshop for Professionals

Join us for an informative and interactive workshop focused on the needs of the Dying and those who are Grieving.

For caregivers, students and professionals who work with individuals diagnosed with a life limiting illness, and their families.

Please note: space is limited and the workshop fills quickly.

Thursday, June 14th, 2018 from 9am to Noon

At Pilgrims Hospice Society
9808 148 Street, Edmonton AB

Cost: $25 (receipt provided)

To register: email cherylsr@pilgrimshospice.com
Pilgrims Hospice Society
A NNUAL G ENERAL M EETING
 
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
5pm at Pilgrims Hospice
9808 148 St., Edmonton, T5N 3E8
 
RSVP by Friday, June 15
danielles@pilgrimshospice.com
Tel: 780-413-9801 ext. 110
EXECUTOR: The hardest job you never signed up for
According to Douglas Gray, co-author of The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning, being the executor of a will is “probably the most stressful experience you'll ever have."
 
Complications can abound - squabbling family members, multiple beneficiaries, assets that are outside the province or country where the estate trustee lives. If a functioning business is involved, or a trust for a child, even more complexities arise. (Globe & Mail: Being executor of a will likely ‘most stressful experience you’ll ever have’)
 
For those in the Edmonton area, the Executor Event on Saturday, June 9 , can help you through the maze. Held at Westlawn Funeral Home , the full day event covers the value of pre-planning, the top 10 things an Executor should know, tax consequences upon death, organizing your affairs online, sharing your life story through a book or video, and much more.
Full details available here . 
12 th Annual Pilgrims Hospice Charity Golf Classic
Our Funding
Pilgrims Hospice is grateful for the support of the Alberta Government, who provided 9.5% of our funding in 2017. 

Because of your generosity...  individuals and families receive the compassionate end-of-life & bereavement support they need. Thank you for your care.
Contact Us
For more information about any of our services, for a loved one or for yourself, fill out our Service Request Form or call 780-413-9801.