Why We Exist

THIS IS HELEN AND DAVID’S STORY

Helen is 45 years old and a caregiver for her husband David. They have lived in Irricana for the past 20 years.

David has a terminal illness and wants to die at home.  Irricana is his home, not Calgary.  Helen often feels isolated in her journey with David, and says she is stressed. She has difficulties concentrating and is mentally and physically fatigued.

As David’s illness progresses, the truth is David could no longer stay in his home because of the care that was required.  Helen’s only option is to have David transported from their community to hospital where they will wait for a Hospice bed to open up. This is a reluctant choice for them.

David wants to stay close to his family and his wife but he now finds himself in Calgary.  Helen is faced with the long drive of 1 hour or more each way to see her husband.

Each day; Every day.

One day, David dies when Helen is driving to see him in hospital.  He never did make it to hospice. In a world of very unfortunate choices, David never got any of his.

As a community please hear our message. We are not Calgary and we are under served.  How could we have supported this family?

·        Family physicians’ being more knowledgeable palliative management.

·        More nursing support from the Home Care team.

·        Appropriate and timely palliative care planning.

Outlying rural communities are now considered Calgary Zone but do not have the same resources available in their communities.  Albertans like David should have the right to die in their place of choice with the exemplary support from knowledgeable physicians, nursing staff, volunteers and home care staff.

How could we have made the end of life better for David and Helen?

What we are working towards is clearly stated in our Mission .enhance our community capacity to care for our family, friends, and neighbours who are dying.  We want effective collaboration and partnerships with Government & Community.

We want to minimize the burden of those in palliative care.

Ask yourself are rural communities expected to settle for second best?

What We Do

Volunteer – Volunteering with ADHS Hospice is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, be part of a team, share your experience learn new skills and develop lasting relationships.

Donate – ADHS relies on charitable contributions to continue our mission to enhance community capacity by promoting physical, emotional and spiritual well being through compassionate end-of life and bereavement care.

Support an Event – Each year ADHS hosts two signature events Hike for Hospice and the Tree of Hope. We are also looking at an annual Hope Gala.  More information can be obtained by calling our main phone line.

Host an event ADHS welcomes groups int he community to host an event and donate the proceeds to us.  Families, Community groups and businesses have hosted golf tournaments, walks, plays and many other activities to raise money to support ADHS.

How We Do It

How We Can Help

Palliative Care Companions – Specially trained volunteers who can provide a few hours of respite so caregivers can tend to their own needs, such as going shopping or attending an appointment. (Volunteers cannot provide medical care, but they can sit with a person and keep them company.)

Compassionate Care Fund – Certain medications, aids to daily living, and transportation to visit loved ones in hospice might not be covered by Alberta Health. We might be able to help you with some of these costs courtesy of the Compassionate Care Fund.

Grief Support Groups – We offer 6-week adult grief support groups four times per year, free of charge. Facilitators are specially trained to provide a supportive and safe environment to share your grief.

Navigating The System – We can help you learn what services are available to you in the community through all stages before and after a death.

Education Sessions – Sessions include:

• Wills, Powers of Attorney
• Personal Directives – What they Are
• Cooking for One After A Loss
• Coping With Grief Over the Holidays
• Goals of Care

What You Can Do

there are many ways to be involved at Airdrie & District Hospice Society.  check out the opportunities below to make a difference int he life of a family facing the loss of a loved one or in the life of someone living with a life threatening illness.

Volunteer – Volunteering with ADHS Hospice is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, be part of a team, share your experience learn new skills and develop lasting relationships.

Donate – ADHS relies on charitable contributions to continue our mission to enhance community capacity by promoting physical, emotional and spiritual well being through compassionate end-of life and bereavement care.

Support an Event – Each year ADHS hosts two signature events Hike for Hospice and the Tree of Hope. We are also looking at an annual Hope Gala.  More information can be obtained by calling our main phone line.

Host an Event – ADHS welcomes groups in the community to host an event and donate the proceeds to us.  Families, Community groups and businesses have hosted golf tournaments, walks, plays and many other activities to raise money to support ADHS.