Part 1 of a 4 part series on the Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care program.
BARRY’S BAY – Most people have heard about Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care. But there are still many misconceptions out there on just what exactly it is all about.
Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care (MVHPC) encompasses a small group of employees and a large number of volunteers. Their goal is to relieve suffering, and improve the quality of life, for persons who are living with, or dying from, advanced illnesses, or are bereaved.
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association sums up the overarching goal of hospice palliative care:
“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 loved one, it will be peaceful and free of pain. We hope to face death surrounded by those we love, feeling safe, comfortable and cared for.”
That’s exactly what the MVHPC is there to do, and it’s all free of charge to anyone interested.
This group provides both palliative and hospice care to people in their own homes, or inside the Madawaska Valley Hospice, located inside St. Francis Memorial Hospital.
MVHPC volunteers started going out in the community in December 2010. It has grown from volunteer home support in 12 communities and the medical loan equipment cupboard, to include grief and bereavement education and support in 2013, and caregiver support in 2018.
Pick up a copy of the September 18 Valley Gazette for the complete story, or subscribe online.