By Kendall Robertson

Virtual Hospice: Providing Support Anywhere

Apr 3, 2018 | 1:23 PM

PRINCE GEORGE- Today is National Caregivers day, it recognizes the importance of those who take care of a sick family member or friend. “They tend to put their own well-being next to the person who they’re caring for, so what happens if they’re not in a supported network is they become isolated,” said Hospice Society Grief Support Coordinator, Denise Torgerson, “we really want to walk with people and give them the support they need.”

‘Virtual Hospice’ lends out tablets for people who may not be able to come in to receive support. The tablets come with video calling apps installed that connect the user to a hospice volunteer. “As somebody gets sicker it becomes harder for the caregiver to leave the home and that’s when the caregiver needs the support more, or they may be in a rural remote area that just can’t get in as frequently,”  said Executive Director, Donna Flood. It gives them the opportunity to connect face-to-face with someone that can offer advice and support in a difficult time. 

The program was made possible through funding from Northern Health and donations from the Sovereign Order of St. John and Wood Wheaton.