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Hospice House
Hospice House is a 12-bed residence where palliative individuals and their family receive care and support at the end of life. It is a warm, dignified environment where clients are made to feel as comfortable as possible, and where they can receive quality care.
NOHS is a registered charity that operates this space and owns all the assets on behalf of the community.
At some time, in some way, we must all face the end of life. And most of us share a common hope – that when death comes to us or to a significant other, it will be peaceful and free of pain. We hope to face death surrounded by those we love, feeling safe, comfortable and cared for.
Admissions Criteria
This residency has 12 rooms to allow clients a place to live during their final weeks.
Individuals at end-of-life can also stay at Hospice House temporarily for pain and symptom management and/or to allow families a break from caregiving.
Who can be admitted to Hospice House?
The following criteria are used to determine an individual’s eligibility for admission to Hospice House. Referrals for admission to Hospice House are assessed on an individual basis taking the need for our specialized care into consideration. Referrals are triaged daily.
Admission Criteria
- Have a diagnosis of a terminal illness with a prognosis less than three (3) months for permanent admission and less than one (1) year for respite admission.
- Are a resident of the North Okanagan.
- Are eligible for palliative care services in BC and registered for the BC Palliative Benefits Program.
- Are in need of pain and symptom management.
- Have a declining score on the Palliative Performance Scale.
- Require a holistic, team-based approach to care.
- Have no primary caregiver available or whose caregiver requires respite and/or whose family/friend support system can no longer manage care needs.
- May request or have been approved for Medical Assistance in Dying.
- Have been assessed by the family physician prior to or at the time of admission.
Fees
- As of January 2025, the daily fee charged to Hospice House clients is $48.20 (this fee is set by the BC Ministry of Health).
- Most medications, supplies and equipment are paid for by the BC Palliative Care Benefits Program.
- Volunteer support at Hospice House is provided free of charge.
- Services available to Hospice House clients and families, such as psych-social care support and bereavement follow-up, are provided free of charge.
Additional Services
Bereavement Follow-up Program
A series of regularly scheduled telephone calls to the bereaved are scheduled for 2 week, 3 month, 6 month and 12 month intervals following a death of a loved one. Volunteers, with specific training in active listening and recognizing complex grief issues, conduct the calls under the supervision of the Support Services Leader. Complex grief issues are referred to the Grief and Bereavement Counsellor for follow-up.
Memorial Services
Memorials for families and friends allow for spiritual and emotional expressions of grief in a supportive environment. Trained volunteers, under the supervision of our Community Program Manager, facilitate bi-monthly memorial and candle-lighting ceremonies.
For more information on these services, please contact us.
Book a Tour
You are welcome to take a tour of the Vernon Hospice House to find out if it is the right place for you and your family. To book a tour, please call our Social Worker (250-503-1800 ext. 105), and they will book a time for you. Please note, that the resident rooms maybe full and may not be able to be viewed for protecting our residents confidentiality.
Other questions?
If you would like more information about eligibility for admission, speak to your family doctor, call Home and Community Care at 250-541-2200, or call Hospice House directly at 250-503-1855.
