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St. James Community Service Society offers two Hospices: May's Place and St. James' Cottage Hospice.
Our hospices offer care and comfort for terminally ill adults in a supportive and comfortable home-like environment.
May's Place, on Powell Street, offers six beds and was the first freestanding residential hospice for terminally ill
adults in British Columbia. May's Place has been in operation since October 1990. St. James' Cottage Hospice, in
Burrardview Park, offers 10 beds and opened in May of 1999.
Operating funds for the Hospice Program come from the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and are supplemented by
the fund-raising efforts of the Society.
Both Hospices have a volunteer Palliative Care program. Volunteers provide companionship and support to the clients in
a variety of ways. The volunteer program adds to the individualized care we offer in the hospice.
Hospice Program Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Hospice Care?
2. How much does it cost?
3. How do I pay?
4. How do I get referred?
5. What else do I need to do?
6. What are the visiting hours?
7. Who will be caring for me?
8. What about Spiritual Care?
9. Can I tour the hospices before deciding if hospice is right for me?
1. What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care refers to the physical, emotional and spiritual care offered to
people who are living with or dying from advanced illness. The focus is on providing comfort and
improving quality of life.
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2. How much does it cost?
All residents are charged an affordable per diem (daily rate) that is based on their
income. You will be asked to provide information from your income tax form. If you are receiving Income
Assistance, the Ministry of Human Resources will pay the per diem fees. If you are not receiving Income
Assistance, but cannot afford to pay the per diem, talk to your Community Health Nurse or Social Worker.
The per diem covers rent, food and food supplements. The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority covers all other
costs with the exception of prescription fees.
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3. How do I pay?
There are a variety of payment options. You can pay in advance or receive a monthly bill.
Or, you can arrange for direct payment by credit card or from your bank.
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4. How do I get referred?
While anyone can make a referral to the Hospice Program, your Social Worker or
Community Health Nurse will need to complete some forms before you move in. You will be asked a number of
questions about a various aspects of your daily life, such as your mobility, your nutrition, etc. Some of
these questions are very personal and may be a little embarrassing, but they help the staff at the Hospice
to know how to best meet your needs.
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5. What else do I need to do?
It is important to discuss your wishes regarding your care with your family and your physician.
This will help to determine whether Hospice is right for you. It is also a good idea to have prepared your Will and
to have made decisions about who will be managing your financial affairs before coming to Hospice.
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6. What are the visiting hours?
There are no fixed visiting hours at the Hospice. Your family and friends are welcome to
be with you as long as you wish.
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7. Who will be caring for me?
Both Hospices are staffed 24 hours a day with Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses
and Care Aides. Hospice physicians visit daily throughout the week and are on-call on the weekend. There is also a
Music Therapist who works 3 days per week. We work closely with other health professionals such as physiotherapists
and social workers in the Home Hospice Program. There are also a number of volunteers available to provide
companionship and support.
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8. What about Spiritual Care?
The clergy from St. James Anglican Church offer spiritual care at both Hospices on a regular
basis. If you prefer, we can arrange for spiritual support from other denominations, or you may invite your own spiritual
advisor to visit you as you wish.
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9. Can I tour the hospices before deciding if hospice is right for me?
Yes. Tours can be arranged by contacting the Hospice Program Coordinator at (604) 606-0381.
Please do not arrive at the hospice without an appointment for a tour. You will not be permitted to enter. This is
to protect the privacy of the people living at the hospice.
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For more information about Hospice Care please contact Anita Hutchings at (604) 606-0381.
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