Team profiles :

Terrace Regional Hospice Network Society

At a Glance   

Region: British Columbia

Setting: Rural

EAIP program principle(s): 

• Access to specialized healthcare services 
• Access to social and community supports 
• Access to system navigation and support 

Implementation (new, spread, and/or expand):   

• New and expand 

Team Profile  

The team leading this initiative is Terrace Regional Hospice Network Society  (TRHNS) in collaboration with Nav-CARE, United Way, Abbeyfield, and Pacific Northwest Division of Family Practice. Team members include caregiver navigators and coordinators, executive director, volunteers and community partners. 

Community

• TRHNS is located in rural coastal Northern BC, serving an area slightly smaller than Prince Edward Island. 
• Adults aged 65 and over make up approximately 15-20% of the population in many parts of Northern BC, with variations depending on specific communities and regional districts. Like other parts of Canada, Northern BC is experiencing an aging population, with the proportion of those aged 65 and older increasing. 
• A significant portion of the population in Northern BC is Indigenous, with one-third of the people in this region being First Nations. 
• Access to healthcare and social services can be more challenging in Northern BC due to geographic isolation and limited resources. There is a need for more senior-friendly housing and support services to enable older adults to age in place, including home care services, assisted living facilities, and community support programs.  

Program Focus 

Program Description  

• Nav-CARE is a free program in rural coastal Northern BC, designed to support individuals with declining health through trained volunteer navigators. These volunteers assist with locating local services, providing transportation, re-engaging in hobbies, offering guidance for important decisions, and relieving feelings of loneliness and anxiety.  
• The TRHNS Nav-CARE program is expanding to meet growing demand, including supporting Indigenous communities, launching a youth co-op program, and recruiting additional volunteers with comprehensive training. Recent achievements include securing a regional status, securing medical equipment donations, and developing partnerships with occupational therapists.  
• New initiatives within the TRHNS Nav-CARE program include building a Dementia Connection Program, reactivating paused programs like Death Cafes and walks, and developing a circle of care with the health authority.

Implementation Approach: 

• Support Indigenous Communities: Offer Nav-CARE and volunteer training (22 hours total) to Indigenous communities to encourage local volunteers to support aging in place. 
• Youth Co-op Program: Provide a co-op program for local high school students with Nav-CARE training followed by volunteer training to increase care aid and nursing support in the community.
• Volunteer Onboarding and Training: Onboard and train at least 25 new volunteers with a comprehensive training program, including Nav-CARE and specialized volunteer training, followed by mentorship to expand capacity and meet growing referrals. 
• Expand Existing Service and Reduce Social Isolation: Seek out funding for larger service space to expand services to social meals, hands on projects and various support groups (e.g., Book Clubs, Advanced Care Planning, Mourning Walks)