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Improving quality of life

The North Okanagan Hospice Society brings a new Volunteer Navigator program
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The North Okanagan Hospice Society is offering a new Volunteer Navigator program. (Photo submitted)

The North Okanagan Hospice Society (NOHS) is pleased to announce a new community-based Hospice Volunteer Navigator program.

NOHS has partnered with a UBC Okanagan research program called NCARE (Navigating, Connecting, Accessing, Resourcing, and Engaging), which pairs older adults (55 and older) who are living with a serious illness. Hospice Volunteer Navigators provide extra support in the home and improve quality of life.

“This is an exciting program,” said Lorrianne Topf, learning and effectiveness leader at NOHS. “When people find out they have a serious illness, they worry about how they are going to manage, where they can find support, or how to know what kind of community resources are available to them. They may be too well for community health services, but they know they would like some kind of help.

“Our volunteers are there to be a listening ear and a go-to person to make connections such as finding someone to clear a driveway in the winter or a ride to go grocery shopping.”

NOHS is looking for adults who would like to be paired with these specialized volunteers. If you live in the North Okanagan, are 55 years or older and have a serious illness such as heart failure, kidney disease, or cancer, you may be eligible for this program. As this is a research study, only a limited amount of clients will be able to enroll.

If you would like to enroll or learn more about this program, please contact Topf at 250-503-1800 (ext. 104) or by email at info@nohs.ca or visit www.nohs.ca.