Central to all care is the person and their family and often includes the person’s circle of support, which may consist of friends, neighbours, church family or community groups.

When additional help is needed, there is a team of specialized care providers including hospital and community medical staff, a palliative physician consultant, home support workers, Delta Hospice staff and volunteers, and others. Everyone is trained to provide sensitive care with emphasis on control of pain or other symptoms, practical, emotional, spiritual and educational support and advocacy for the family as well as the person needing care.

The care team helps to outline a plan of care and identifies choices for care, medical equipment, tests, procedures, medications and resources. Decisions are made based on the individual’s needs with the realization that something more can always be done to bring comfort and dignity to those who are suffering.

Volunteers are essential to the care team. Each volunteer receives the necessary training and supervision to provide patients and families with the highest quality of care. Volunteers bring the gift of time – presence – and compassion that patients and families so highly value.