Questions about Aitken Community Hospice

Q: Who owns and operates Aitken Community Hospice?

A: Golden Life Management (GLM) is a family-owned and operated Canadian company. Island Health contracts GLM to provide medical care and beds for Aitken Community Hospice.

Q: Who makes hiring decisions for the Aitken Community Hospice?

A: GLM is responsible for hiring the nursing staff for the hospice. Requirements are set out in their contract with Island Health.

Q: How are services of the Comox Valley Hospice Society different from the hospice itself?

A: While our counsellors and volunteers are available at the Aitken Community Hospice, Comox Valley Hospice Society supports palliative clients, caregivers, and those who are grieving throughout the community – in homes, at the Comox Valley Hospital, at our office, and in Aitken Community Hospice. Our services and programs are supported through donations, bequests, fundraisers, and grants.

Q: Is end-of-life care provided in the Aitken Community Hospice overseen by a medical team?

A: Palliative patients eligible for hospice are referred to the Island Health Palliative Team. During their stay, patients may remain under the care of their family physician, nurse practitioner or a MRP (medically responsible provider – a local palliative physician that agrees to oversee their care). 24/7 nursing care is provided by the GLM nursing team under supervision from the GLM Clinical Director in consultation with the IH Palliative Team.

For those who have a palliative diagnosis and are near end of life, or supporting such a friend or family member, we recommend contacting Community Health Services - Island Health for advice around care at home, or to determine whether a referral to the Aitken Community Hospice is the best option.

Q: Who makes the decisions about how the hospice beds are occupied?

A: When a hospice room becomes available, an intake panel reviews the list of palliative patients who might benefit from being in hospice to decide who will be invited into the hospice room. The intake panel includes the GLM Director of Care and a GLM Registered Nurse, a Palliative Nurse Coordinator and/or a Palliative Social Worker from Island Health, a Palliative Physician consultant, and a CVHS counsellor.

Q: How many hospice beds are available in the facility?

A: There are 6 hospice beds, which are only available with a physician's referral, which goes through Island Health Palliative Care Team. An online tour of the hospice can be viewed at comoxhospice.com.

Q: What criteria are considered for an admission?

A: Those who are admitted to hospice are considered to be near the end of life (within an average of 30 days). Factors such as a patient's ability to manage their pain levels, day to day care, and mobility are other considerations. A person in a long term care facility will already be receiving palliative care.

Q: How much does it cost to stay in the hospice?

A: The daily fee of approximately $49.57/day is a rate set annually by the Province of BC plus the cost of medications not covered by the BC Palliative Benefits Program.

Questions about Palliative Care

Q: Is a palliative diagnosis the same as having a terminal illness?

A: A palliative diagnosis means that the treatment and care of an illness or condition is focused on managing symptoms not a cure.

Q: Does having a palliative diagnosis mean that I'm dying?

A: A person who has a palliative diagnosis, is someone who has an illness or a condition that will not be cured and will eventually result in death. This person may still be active and living independently as their condition progresses. It may or may not mean that they are actively dying.

Q: My doctor said I could call CVHS for support. What is available?

A: We welcome self referrals from those impacted by the end of life journey or bereavement. Our services include emotional and psycho-social support provided by staff or volunteers, through 1:1 sessions or support groups, as well as other community offerings such as our self care clinic and advance care planning.