NOHS: Compassionate Care Beyond the Hospital

For some, the word “hospice” brings to mind hospitals, machines, and the final moments of life. Here in Vernon, hospice feels very different than many expect for those who experience it firsthand.

“The building is beautiful, and the rooms feel like a little home. Families can gather, stay overnight, and simply be together. Death is an inevitable part of life, and we’re honored to provide a space that is gentle, comforting, and filled with care.,” said Megan Cox, Executive Director for North Okanagan Hospice Society (NOHS).

That compassionate care also extends beyond the building. NOHS’s Hospice at Home recently earned an award from Health Quality BC. The innovative program allows patients to remain in their own homes while receiving high-quality end-of-life care. Nurses provide daily visits and 24/7 support alongside a caregiver, helping families navigate one of life’s most challenging times.

In addition to end-of-life care, NOHS offers ongoing grief and bereavement support for families and loved ones.

“No one should walk through grief by themselves,” said Cox. “Our grief and bereavement counsellor, along with our many support groups, provides compassionate support for anyone in our community who is navigating loss.” She added that the groups are open to anyone experiencing loss, even if NOHS wasn’t involved in caring for their loved one.

NOHS has one-on-one sessions, as well as a ladies’ group, a men’s group, and a kids and teens group that’s starting up this year. There’s also drop-in coffee every second Monday and walks in the park every second Thursday. A memorial service takes place every two months, and a symbolic burn ceremony is planned for later this month.

For the counselling and the support groups, people participate by donation. The free services are available thanks to funding, giving, and volunteers.

The community plays an essential role in supporting NOHS. Cox speaks about the volunteers warmly. “Community support is at the heart of everything we do,” said Cox. “Our volunteers are remarkable individuals, and many are inspired to serve because of their own experience with hospice. Their dedication strengthens our entire organization.”

Along with events like Hike for Hospice, Dancing with the Vernon Stars, and a butterfly release, locals also organize their own fundraising initiatives, with NOHS available to assist as much or as little as needed.

Donations, events, and legacy giving supplement NOHS’s funding and help sustain the programs that make hospice care possible. For example, the award-winning Hospice at Home program is one of the services that is entirely funded by donations.

Through the generosity of our community, the North Okanagan Hospice Society continues to help families navigate one of

life’s most difficult times with care and compassion.

To learn more about ways to support NOHS through your giving, please visit NOHS.ca.