At Hospice PEI we understand that being a caregiver can be challenging and often requires significant physical and emotional energy. Our trained volunteers are here to help.
Volunteers provide compassionate support and care at the bedside while also providing a needed break for caregivers. Volunteers offer emotional and practical support through companionship, conversation, assistance with small tasks, transportation to appointments, and other similar activities. Bedside Volunteers support clients who are living at home, in the hospital, palliative care settings, or in long term care facilities.
If you are currently a caregiver for a loved one with a life-limiting or palliative diagnosis, you are eligible for Hospice PEI respite services. The purpose of respite care is to ensure that you, the caregiver, are given time to rest and relax in order to avoid caregiver burnout. Although caring for a loved one can be a rewarding and cherished experience, the reality is that the caregiver role can easily take an emotional, physical and mental toll on your well-being which can have negative consequences for both you and your loved one. Respite care is about helping you maintain a healthy balance so that you can continue to enjoy your own quality of life. It is okay to need and want to take a break from the caregiving role.
Hospice Volunteer Services are provided free of charge and you do not need to have prior involvement with Hospice PEI or the Integrated Palliative Care Program to be eligible for our services. To learn more about our Hospice Support Services, please click here.
Anyone can make a referral on behalf of someone for Hospice PEI Volunteer Services, granted the client is in agreement. To refer someone for Hospice Volunteer Services, please call the Volunteer Coordinator in your area. Click here to see out staff directory.
Finding relevant support can be difficult as a caregiver. It can require a lot of time and effort to find information about what support resources are available to you.
Caregiver Support Group
At Hospice PEI we offer a free, monthly Caregiver Support group to those who are caring for someone who is palliative, has a chronic end-stage illness or is beginning the journey of caring for someone with a life-limiting illness. For more information on these groups, please click here.