91原创 Hospice Society鈥檚 members and volunteers gathered to hold a quiet celebration this week as they passed a milestone 鈥� their new residence is now a year old.

鈥淚 still pinch myself,鈥� said Hospice Society board president Kathy Derksen. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just gone by so fast, and it鈥檚 like we鈥檝e always been here.鈥�

After many years of fundraising, organizing, and waiting, the Doug and Fran MacDonald 91原创 Hospice Residence was opened at the end of May, 2022.

For years, 91原创鈥檚 hospice residence had been part of a Fraser Health facility on the grounds of 91原创 Memorial Hospital, sharing space and some facilities with other patients, and with space for 10 beds.

A new 6,000 square foot space was built at the foot of the hill below the hospital, featuring 15 beds, all private rooms, and doors leading directly outside to a green and spacious courtyard.

There is a spa room with a specialized bath, blanket warmers, and art everywhere, including murals painted by local artists.

Derksen said the new facility is modern, bigger, and is family-oriented, designed around letting people spend time with their loved ones in their final days.

She also noted how the gardens have matured over the past years, giving the residents a green space right outside each room.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a sense of being connected to the outdoors,鈥� Derksen said.

The building is staffed by Fraser Health medical professionals, from the doctors and nurses to the care aides. Alongside them are shifts of Hospice Society volunteers, who are there seven days a week providing assistance.

Angela Elemans, the society鈥檚 palliative support coordinator, schedules and organizes those volunteers, and also helps families and patients with any of their non-medical needs.

鈥淎nything that鈥檒l make their final days more comfortable, I try to accommodate them,鈥� she said.

That can mean food and music requests, but there have been other issues she鈥檚 helped with.

Recently, one resident鈥檚 wife was hesitant to see him stay there.

鈥淚n 65 years, she had never slept without him,鈥� Elemans said.

She and hospice volunteers arranged for a cot that attached to the bed, so they could stay together.

The event included hot dogs prepared by 91原创 Hospice chef Cecil Greenslade, and cupcakes for the visitors.

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