We’re here to help. In response to frequently asked questions regarding additional support, we have provided links to external agencies for ease of reference. We understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the practical realities of coping with end-of-life illness. For more information, you are welcome to contact us.
Island Health provides health care to more than 765,000 people on Vancouver Island, the islands of the Georgia Strait, and in the mainland communities north of Powell River and south of Rivers Inlet.
IH General Health Enquiries, Health Information Line:
250-388-2273 or 1-888-533-2273
With Healthlink BC, British Columbians have trusted health information at their fingertips by phone or web
BC Palliative Care benefits are available to BC residents of any age who have reached the end stage of a life-threatening disease or illness and who wish to receive palliative care at home — meaning wherever the person is living, whether in their own home, with family or friends, in a supportive/assisted living residence, or in a hospice unit at a residential care facility (e.g. a community hospice bed that is not covered under PharmaCare Plan B).
The Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice and Salt Spring Island Community Services provides a comprehensive community listing. Type in a keyword in the search window to find the topic or service you’re looking for.
Salt Spring Hospice Society recognizes the sensitive nature of this topic. Per our values we acknowledge and respect all cultures, beliefs and choices and uphold the dignity, self-worth, and uniqueness of all.
The Drivers Program:
Requests are usually received from local residents for drives to the doctors (often eye doctors) in Victoria, Saanich, Duncan, and Nanaimo. The dispatcher then coordinates to find a volunteer driver willing to do the drive. It is reported that a good many satisfied customers agree it is an excellent service with no cost to the passenger(s). Drivers are paid according to the BC Government travel guidelines, if not in cash, then in a charitable donation receipt for the same amount. It is considered a paltry sum for the work involved.
You are welcome to make a booking by calling the Drivers desk directly or the office.
Drivers desk hours: Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm
Drivers desk direct line: 250-537-4635 or Office: 250-537-4604
Dementia is a general term that refers to a variety of brain disorders. Physical changes in the brain cause dementia. Learn more in this section about dementia, its impact on the brain, and how to keep your brain healthy.
This is a handy guide to local Salt Spring Island Seniors’ services.
A compassionate and caring team work hard to make sure that the members of the community and beyond are taken care of during such a difficult time. For advice on what to do when a loved one is dying, making funeral arrangements, pre-arranging your own funeral, or anything else, please feel free to contact them, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information please contact:
Jennifer Ellis
Email: SSIhomefunerals@mail.com
Offers 24-hour crisis line service to Vancouver Island, the islands of the Georgia Strait, and the mainland communities between Powell River and Rivers Inlet, as defined by Island Health. It operates 365 days a year. Crisis workers provide short-term nonjudgemental emotional, support, crisis intervention, information, and resources.
Note: The toll-free number works only within the province of British Columbia. Out-of-province callers needing to reach the Crisis Line are invited to dial their office number at 1-250-753-2495 (long distance fees apply) and select Option 2 to be transferred to the Vancouver Island Crisis Line.
The Vancouver Island Crisis Line and other network members of the Crisis Line Association of BC answer this 24/7/365 provincial service to support callers experiencing suicidal thoughts. Workers provide skilled suicide assessment, de-escalation, intervention, referrals, and short term support.
Developed by Crisis Services Canada (CSC), the Canada Suicide Prevention Service includes 24/7 Crisis Line service. The Vancouver Island Crisis Society is part of the CSC collaboration of non-profit distress and crisis service centres located throughout Canada. This service is available throughout Canada.
The Vancouver Island Crisis Society also answers the provincial 310Mental Health Support service 24/7/365 to provide empowering emotional support, information on appropriate resources and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns.
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