INFORMATION & EDUCATION
For more information about the services shown below, please contact Program Coordinator Kathy Hankinson Tel: 250-495-1590 ext 103 or email: programs@dvhs.ca.
Community Resource Booklet
Desert Valley Hospice Society has created a Community Resources Booklet for the communities of Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls. Published twice a year (Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter editions), the booklet provides the public with a handy list of local resources. From Activities & Recreation, Cleaning & Errands, Healthcare, Meal Services, Service Groups, Veterans Support, to Women’s Services, the booklet is a great information source. It does not in any way, endorse or recommend any particular service or business.
Booklets can be obtained at the Oliver and Osoyoos Town Offices and select long-term care facilities.
For your own paper copy, phone Desert Valley Hospice Society at 250-495-1590. A downloadable PDF is attached at the bottom of this page.
If you wish to have your service or business added to the Community Resources Booklet, please send us an email. Include your name, the name of the service/business, the phone number, address and a short description of the service provided.
Memories & Messages: Video Project
Memories & Messages is an opportunity for seniors, living in facilities or in their own homes, to capture their life stories and create memories on video so they can share them with family members and loved ones. All seniors, including those in palliative care or living with dementia, are eligible to participate. Each senior receives their own personal video.
Volunteers are trained in video production so all the senior has to do is sit back, relax, and tell their stories. Volunteers provide guidance by asking questions such as Where did you grow up? and What was your fondest memory so far?
If you wish to have a video made of you or your loved one, email programs@dvhs.ca Include your name, the name of the person to be in the video, your phone number, and email address. Written consent is required before production begins.
My Wishes, My Care: Advanced Care Planning
Think: What matters most to you? Who could make health-care decisions for you if you cannot?
Talk: Discuss your thoughts with those closest to you and your health-care providers.
Plan: Record your wishes. Share your plan with those closest to you and your health-care providers.
Review: Whenever there is a change in your health, personal life or living situation.
None of us knows what will happen to us in the future. Without warning any one of us could face a medical situation or be in a serious accident that would leave us unable to communicate our health care choices. This is what My Wishes, My Care: Advance Care Planning is all about. It is a process of planning for a time when you cannot speak for yourself or make your own medical decisions.
Our Advance Care Planning Team is happy to explain why such a plan is important in our lives. We can provide you with information folders that include both the medical and legal aspects of advance care. A Team member will go through the material with you and explain the forms and completion process.
We also offer presentations to the public. Our sponsors cover community presentations so there is no charge to the public. We are grateful for the generosity and encouragement from our donors in offering this program.
If your organization, group or service club would like to book a presentation, please call Program Coordinator Kathy Hankinson at 250-495-1590 ext. 103 or email programs@dvhs.ca
Nav-CARE (Navigation - Connecting, Accessing, Resourcing, Engaging)
Navigating Life and Aging with Chronic Illness
Navigation services are provided by specially trained volunteer navigators, in partnership with health care providers. Volunteer navigators will advocate for older adults, facilitate community connections, coordinate access to services and resources, and promote active engagement within the community. Like a helpful neighbour or friend, Nav-CARE volunteers focus on enhancing the quality of life of their clients.
How Does the Service Work?
A trained volunteer will provide regular scheduled visits at your home. The volunteer will:
- Provide support to help you live well with serious illness.
- Help identify and access community and healthcare services.
- Identify resources that help with needs now and in the future.
- Help when life gets challenging.
Nav-CARE Benefits Clients by:
- Relieving any feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety.
- Providing someone for you to talk to about important decisions and future plans.
- Connecting you with your community and the world at large.
- Giving help to locate local services and resources to help you manage your illness and well-being.
- Assisting you to re-engage in hobbies and other interests.
- Tailoring a plan to meet your specific needs.
To register for the Nav-CARE program, please call Program Coordinator Kathy Hankinson at 250-495-1590 ext. 103 or email programs@dvhs.ca.
