Advance Care Planning
Advance care planning is the process of thinking about and writing down your wishes or instructions for present or future health care treatment in the event you become incapable of deciding for yourself. The BC Ministry of Health encourages all capable adults to do advance care planning. See BC Health Link for more information.
For more information on advance care planning in British Columbia, including how to get started making a plan, answers to frequently asked questions, resources for planning, links to the No CPR Form and more, see Advance Care Planning.
What are Hospices?
The mission of hospices within Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is to create a unique environment for quality living and dying as individuals approach the end of their lives. Everyone involved in the journey—the individuals, their families, and the staff—is provided with the level of support and assistance they need.
VCH hospices focus on quality of life and ensuring the comfort of residents and their families. Hospices strive to create a home-like environment. They are staffed with a team of skilled care providers available to support the needs of the residents and their families.
The care services and support available are provided in ways that recognize and respect death as a natural part of the life cycle. Because people are coming to hospice at the end of their lives, the care provided extends beyond medical services typically available within the health care system and involves a more holistic approach that supports people as they transition to the end of life, including cultural, spiritual, and psychosocial needs.
What is the difference between end-of-life care and hospice?
During hospice care, treatment is given to treat symptoms and negative effects. End-of-life care is given as a supportive treatment to ease the person’s physical symptoms and provide emotional and spiritual support. A hospice care team organizes most of a person’s care and communicates with their medical care team.
How to Access Hospice Care
If you or someone you know is interested in accessing care in Hospice (including respite care), please speak with your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or attending specialist about your symptoms and desire for support. You can also contact your local health unit to request home and community care services (e.g. nurses, care aides, allied health). There are a number of hospices across the province. On the North Shore, there is
North Shore Hospice
319 East 14th Street
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2N7
Phone: (604) 984-3743
The North Shore Hospice provides compassionate care to patients and families living with terminal illnesses. The program encompasses community services, volunteer programs, and the Palliative Care Unit at Lions Gate Hospital. It serves as an option for those in the last few months of life when home is not an option due to care needs, symptom management needs, or patient and family goals.
Services offered at the North Shore Hospice include:
- Every Day Counts (EDC), run by the North Shore Hospice and Palliative Project, is a free North Shore program that helps patients facing serious illness and their families, friends, and caregivers live their best quality of life. Whether you or your family member has recently been diagnosed with a serious, life-limiting illness or you are further along on your journey, the Every Day Counts Program can connect you to a community of guidance, wellbeing, and support.
You can self-refer to Every Day Counts on the EDC website here.
No doctor’s referral is required. Call 604-363-0961 for more information about referrals to the EDC.
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm PST - The North Shore Palliative Outpatient Clinic offers services for patients registered with the North Shore Palliative Care Program who require additional support managing complicated pain and symptoms or end-of-life/palliative planning. Appointments are made by a palliative physician or nurse practitioner.
Outpatient Clinic appointments are not meant to replace routine medical care performed by the patient’s
primary care provider.
Spiritual Care at North Shore Hospice
Through spiritual care and multifaith services, spiritual care practitioners help people address the profound thoughts and feelings that can poignantly arise at times of significant illness or trauma.
For general information and support on palliative care, loss and grief
The Canadian Virtual Hospice is a web-based platform that provides support and personalized information about advanced illness, palliative care, loss, and grief to people living with illness, family members, people working in healthcare, educators, and researchers.
Commonly Used Terms in Advanced Care Planning – a Glossary
It is important for all those involved in providing end-of-life care to have a common understanding of what such terms mean in practice. Click here for an essential list
