| Nelson & District Hospice Society serves Nelson, Kaslo & the East Shore |
Population about 1,200,
was honoured in Harrowsmith Country Life magazine (April 2001)
as one of Canada's prettiest little towns.
Kaslo was the region's first incorporated city,
founded in 1893, originally called Kane's Landing. It became a
commercial centre for gold, silver and lead-mining during the 1890's.
The S.S. Moyie, the world's oldest intact passenger
sternwheeler, is Kaslo's gem. Retired in 1957, the ship is now
a museum, and sits dry-docked on Kaslo's main beach.
There has always been a strong sense of community
in Kaslo. Known to take care of it's own and proud of it, Kaslo
and Area Hospice is just one of many organizations and societies
who, through their volunteers, help provide and maintain a quality
of life in Kaslo second to none. It helps that we live in the most
beautiful surroundings, with mountains, lake and many hiking trails.
Hospice services in Kaslo began as one
person's initiative in 1990. The first hospice training course
ran in 1993. Today our services are available to assist
and support the dying and bereaved from Ainsworth Hot Springs to
the north end of Kootenay Lake, including Howser, Argenta and Johnson's
Landing.
The hospice office and resource library are located
in the Victorian Health Centre of Kaslo, which also houses our
palliative care suite. This room, constructed and furnished
with money raised by the community, offers a peaceful, home-like
setting for end of life care. A sofa bed and kitchen area enable
family members to move into the room, alongside their loved-one.
"I never knew people could be so kind." Dying
hospice client.
"Your lending resource library was great...lots of articles and books about grief
and loss which I found very helpful. They really helped me understand my feelings."
"To experience the support, kindness and compassion
that I received in the hospice grief support group, after the passing
of my beloved husband, was a spiritual experience. Without
it I would not be where I am now. Thank you, Hospice."
"I didn't realize I could stay in touch with
my hospice volunteer for a year after my husband died. It was so
reassuring just knowing she could be there for me from time to
time. I would like to do the same for someone else in the future."
"Last summer, my husband had a terminal prognosis.
The local nurses urged me to contact Hospice, and I am so glad
that I did. The support and understanding that I received
helped me enormously and I am so grateful for this program in my
community."
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