Pictou County Palliative Care Society is pleased to announce a new initiative, an In-Home Visitation program for those within the palliative program

The Aberdeen Health Foundation is excited to share the news release below from the Pictou County Palliative Care Society, also known as PCPCares, announcing the launch of the In-Home Visitation Program. Visit PCPCares to learn more about community-based palliative care supports.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —

Pictou County, [February 10, 2025) ] – Pictou County Palliative Care Society is pleased to announce a new initiative, an In-Home Visitation program for those within the palliative program.

This program aims to fill any gaps for those with a palliative diagnosis and who may be experiencing feelings of isolation and loneliness.   By suitably matching a volunteer to a client the desired result is to enhance the lives of those at home.

This is a two-year pilot project, made possible through generous support of the Pictou County Palliative Care Society Board,  Aberdeen Health Foundation, and the Pictou County Prostate Cancer Support Association.

Treasurer of the prostate cancer support group Bill Skinner says his” Association’s mission is to provide support and friendship to members through their Prostate cancer journey. Our organization recognizes the importance of in-home palliative care services in our community”.

Lisa MacDonald, Aberdeen Health Foundation Board Chair, “at the Aberdeen Health Foundation we believe in supporting care that meets people where they are, whether in hospital, at home or in the community. That’s why we’re proud to invest in this pilot program, which will help train and coordinate in-home palliative care volunteers, filling an important gap in Pictou County. By working closely with the hospital-based palliative team and the Palliative Navigator role we are also supporting, this initiative will help more patients spend their final days at home, surrounded by loved ones, with the emotional and respite support they and their families need. It’s another step toward a more connected and compassionate system of care for our community.”

After much research and consultations with Cumberland Regional Hospice Palliative Care, who has a similar program, three board members of PCPCares, Margaret-Ellen Disney, Rob Roy and Shawna Coleman are confident the program is ready to launch here in Pictou County. They also acknowledged “this initiative was the result of outcomes identified during our Society’s strategic planning process held a few years ago.

A further announcement of Co-ordinator of In-Home Visitation will be made in the coming days. For more information about the In-Home Volunteer Visitation Program or to learn how you can get involved, please contact :   coordinator@pcpcares.org

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The Pictou County Palliative Care Society is a dedicated volunteer board with a general membership committed to supporting community-based palliative care services. Through this new In-Home Volunteer Visitation Program, PCPCares will provide compassionate visitation and support to individuals living with life-threatening palliative illnesses, in the comfort of their own homes.

Media Contact:

Pictou County Palliative Care Society
[admin@pcpcares.org]
[902-301-9754]

 

 

 

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The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2023, the Foundation invested over $2 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michelle Ferris
Executive Director
Aberdeen Health Foundation

902-752-7600 ext. 4442
Michelle.Ferris@nshealth.ca