Your Guide to Hospice Care Providers in Alberta: Finding Support, Comfort, and Compassion

When facing the challenges of a life-limiting illness, hospice care provides specialized support focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for both the individual and their loved ones. Alberta offers a range of hospice care options to ensure compassionate and personalized care is accessible during this difficult time.

Understanding Hospice Care in Alberta

Let's clarify what hospice care entails:

• Focus on Comfort: Hospice prioritizes managing physical symptoms like pain, shortness of breath, and nausea alongside optimizing overall comfort.
• Emotional & Spiritual Well-Being: Counseling, chaplaincy, and support groups address the emotional and spiritual needs of both patients and their families.
• Personalized Care: Care plans respect individual values, choices, and preferences, ensuring a tailored approach.
• Practical Support: Assistance with daily tasks, respite care for caregivers, and coordination of various services.
• Bereavement Support: Grief counseling and support groups are available to family members and friends, before and after a loved one's death.

Accessing Hospice Care in Alberta

Here's how to find hospice services in Alberta:

• Your Healthcare Team: Start the conversation with your family doctor, specialist, or nurse. They can refer you to hospice services and help assess your needs.
• Alberta Health Services (AHS) – Continuing Care: Contact your regional AHS Continuing Care office (https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/cc/page15328.aspx) to inquire about hospice services, eligibility, and programs available in your area.
• Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association (AHPCA): Visit the AHPCA website (https://www.ahpca.ca/) for resources, advocacy, and a searchable directory of hospice and palliative care providers across Alberta.

Where to Find Hospice Care in Alberta

Hospice care is offered in various settings:

• Residential Hospices: Dedicated facilities with a home-like atmosphere providing 24/7 specialized care (examples listed below).
• Palliative Care Units in Hospitals: Specialized hospital units for patients with complex end-of-life care needs.
• Community-Based Hospice Programs: Support services provided in the individual's own home, offering skilled care and practical support.
• Long-Term Care Homes: Some facilities offer hospice services or incorporate palliative care principles into care.

Exhaustive List of Hospice Care Providers in Alberta

Calgary Region

• Rosedale Hospice (operated by Hospice Calgary)
• Foothills Country Hospice (Okotoks)
• Agape Hospice
• Dulcina Hospice (operated by Covenant Care)

Edmonton Region:

• Covenant Health (Grey Nuns Hospital, Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre, Misericordia Hospital)
• Pilgrims Hospice Society
• Norwood Hospice (operated by Capital Care)

Other Regions:

• Red Deer Hospice Society
• St. Michael's Health Group – Palliative Community Care & Hospice (Lethbridge)
• Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation – Carmel Hospice (St. Joseph's Home)
• Grande Prairie Palliative Care Society
• North Peace Palliative & End-of-Life Care Society (Fairview)
• Westlock & District Continuing Care Centre – Palliative Care Unit

Additional Resources

• Alberta Health Services – Palliative and End-of-Life Care: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/palliative-care
• Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association (AHPCA): https://www.ahpca.ca/
• Canadian Virtual Hospice: https://www.virtualhospice.ca/

Important Things to Consider

• Type of Care Needed: Determine if residential hospice, community-based support, or a hospital setting is most appropriate.
• Location: Consider proximity and accessibility of different hospices.
• Specializations: Some hospices may have expertise in specific areas like pediatric care or complex symptom management.
• Availability: Be aware of potential waitlists, especially for residential hospices.

Key Points to Remember

• Early Access is Key: Hospice care is most beneficial when started early in the progression of an illness. Don't hesitate to seek support.
• You Are Not Alone: Alberta offers a compassionate network of care providers dedicated to ensuring a supportive journey for both the individual facing a life-limiting illness and their loved ones.
• Comfort is the Priority: Hospice care emphasizes quality of life, pain relief, and addressing all aspects of an individual's well-being.

Let this guide help you or your loved one navigate the options available to find the hospice setting and care that provide optimal comfort and support during a challenging time.