On April 16, Chilliwack Hospice Society joins organizations across Canada in recognizing Advance Care Planning Day and encouraging people to think about, talk about and document their wishes for future health and personal care.

Advance care planning helps ensure that if a person cannot speak for themselves, even temporarily, the people closest to them and the health-care team understand what matters most to them.

Advance care planning is not only for older adults or people who are seriously ill. It is for everyone. It is a process of reflecting on your values, wishes and priorities, choosing who could speak on your behalf if needed, and sharing that information before a crisis happens. This year’s national message asks an important question: If Not You, Who? If Not Now, When?

What is advance care planning, and why does it matter?

Advance care planning gives people the opportunity to consider what matters most to them before decisions need to be made under pressure. It can help reduce stress for loved ones, support clearer communication, and guide care that reflects a person’s values and wishes. ACP Canada says it is never too early to begin these conversations.

“Advance care planning is one of the most practical and compassionate things we can do for ourselves and for the people who may one day need to speak for us,” said Deanna Fedorkew, community education manager at Chilliwack Hospice Society. “These conversations can be hard to start, but they matter. When people take time to think about what is important to them and share those wishes clearly, it can reduce stress and uncertainty during some of life’s most difficult moments.”

Why more people need to start the conversation

Recent national polling suggests many people in Canada understand the value of advance care planning, but fewer have taken the next steps.

According to the 2024 Advance Care Planning Canada national poll infographic, 82 per cent of people in Canada believe recording their wishes would help take pressure off loved ones, and 77 per cent agree that having an advance care plan makes them feel relieved. The same poll found that eight in 10 people believe society needs to be more open about talking about illness and death.

At the same time, the poll points to some of the barriers people face. Fifty-seven per cent say thinking about a decline or sudden change in health brings out negative emotions. Nearly half, or 47 per cent, say they do not know where to find information or advice about advance care planning. The poll also found that 43 per cent of people think the best time to plan for future health and personal care needs is while they are healthy.

“We want people to know they do not have to navigate this alone,” Fedorkew said. “Advance care planning is not about having every answer immediately. It is about starting the conversation, learning what options are available, and making sure your voice is known.”

Free workshop this July

To support people in this work, Chilliwack Hospice Society will host its next free, two-part advance care planning workshop on Tuesday, July 21, and Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Chilliwack Hospice Society, 7112 Vedder Road.

These sessions are designed to help participants better understand advance care planning, reflect on their wishes, and begin having meaningful conversations with the people they trust.

“It is one of the most important gifts you can give your loved ones,” Fedorkew said. “Having a plan in place can ease the burden during stressful times and help ensure that future care reflects your wishes.”

A digital option for planning at home

For those who would prefer to work through the process on their own, ACP Canada also offers the Advance Care Planning Digital Guide. Developed in partnership with Thrive Health, the guide helps people think about what matters most to them and document wishes for health and personal care online. It also includes tools to securely store and share preferences with loved ones and sends yearly reminders to review the plan.

Free community education throughout the year

Throughout the year Chilliwack Hospice Society hosts a variety of in-person and virtual educational workshops and presentations for the community. Topics may include advance care planning, financial and legal matters, self-care and wellness. Educational workshops are provided for free thanks to the generosity of individual donors and businesses in our community.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

Sources and additional resources

Readers who would like to learn more or review the original materials can visit:

• Advance Care Planning Day – ACP Canada
• Advance Care Planning Digital Guide – ACP Canada
• Advance Care Planning Canada national poll infographic (2024)

Special opportunities for rituals and remembrances included the Mother’s Day Memorial on May 9 and the Father’s Day Memorial on June 13. Both events offered safe spaces for those grieving a parent or parent-figure to share memories and find comfort in community. On August 21, Fedorkew, alongside Jennifer Dacre and Kaylee Lovesy, co-facilitated the Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day Memorial, offering a time of reflection for those grieving the loss of a beloved pet or caring for a dying animal. The day included storytelling, expressive arts, and community support.

“Grief touches each of us in different ways, but it is something no one should have to carry alone,” said Fedorkew. “These programs create spaces where people can honour their stories, find comfort, and remember that community can hold us through the hardest seasons.”

Educational opportunities have included advance care planning workshops on July 15 and 17, and September 5 and 8, covering end-of-life care planning, temporary substitute decision makers, representation agreements, and advance directives. On June 19, Planning with Purpose: A Conversation on Death, Dignity and Diverse Traditions was presented in partnership with Tammy Miller of Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, helping participants explore funeral planning, cultural traditions, and essential considerations before and after a death. In September, Planning Ahead: An Introduction to Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements, presented by Aatif Nanji of Simpson Notaries, provided practical guidance on preparing for the future.

New wellness and connection programs were also introduced. Gentle Mat Yoga, led by Emmy Kerr, was offered once weekly outdoors through August, blending movement and mindfulness as a way to nurture body and spirit in grief. Fedorkew also launched Craft and Chat, held the second Friday of every month, creating a welcoming space for participants to connect and process grief through creativity.

Throughout the year Chilliwack Hospice Society hosts a variety of in-person and virtual educational workshops and presentations for the community. Topics may include advance care planning, financial and legal matters, self-care and wellness. Educational workshops are provided for free thanks to the generosity of individual donors and businesses in our community.

Today, on Advance Care Planning Day in Canada, Chilliwack Hospice Society joins individuals and organizations across Canada in raising awareness about the importance of planning for future health care decisions. Advance care planning is more than just a document — it’s a process of thinking about your values, wishes, and beliefs, and then sharing those with the people you trust, including your health care providers.

“In B.C., over three-quarters of people agree it’s important to talk about what matters most in future health care,” says Deanna Fedorkew, Community Outreach & Education Manager at Chilliwack Hospice Society. “Yet less than half have had those conversations with their families, and even fewer with their health care team. We want to help people change that.”

What is advance care planning?

Advance care planning includes choosing a substitute decision maker — someone who knows what matters to you and can speak for you if you’re unable to communicate. In B.C., the law outlines a list of people who may be asked to make decisions on your behalf if no plan is in place. But without knowing your wishes, those decisions may not reflect what you truly want. Creating an advance care plan ensures that your voice is heard, even if you can’t speak for yourself.

Upcoming Workshops: Learn How to Create Your Plan

Chilliwack Hospice Society offers free educational workshops to help individuals and families understand the process of advance care planning and take steps toward creating their own plan. The next two-part workshop will be held:

Monday, July 15 & Wednesday, July 17
1:00–3:00 PM
Chilliwack Hospice Society – 7112 Vedder Road

These sessions are interactive and informative, designed to empower people with the knowledge and tools to begin or continue their planning conversations.

Deanna adds, “It’s not always an easy topic to approach, but it’s one of the most important gifts you can give your loved ones. Having a plan in place can ease the burden during stressful times and ensure that your care reflects your wishes.”

For more information about the workshops or to access resources about advance care planning, please contact Deanna Fedorkew at (604) 795-4660 or email deanna@chilliwackhospice.org.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

Deanna Fedorkew

Deanna joined our team in February 2024 as our receptionist, bringing with her seven years of experience in the dental field and a lifelong connection to our organization. Her journey with Chilliwack Hospice Society began in middle school when she first volunteered alongside her mother, Coletta Holmes, a cherished member of our staff team at the time. This deep-rooted connection to our mission makes Deanna’s new role even more special.

With a genuine passion for community and a heart dedicated to making a difference, Deanna is already creating meaningful impacts in her new role. As Community Outreach and Education Manager, she oversees a variety of initiatives designed to support individuals and families through their grief journeys.

Her responsibilities include:

• Organizing the Supportive Walking Group on a weekly basis.
• Supporting the Second Step Grief Support Group, offering continued care for those navigating their grief.
• Planning and presenting monthly educational workshops on topics such as advance care planning, self-care, gentle chair yoga, expressive arts, and financial and estate planning.
• Coordinating biannual volunteer appreciation events, recognizing the incredible contributions of our dedicated volunteers.
• Organizing memorial events, creating meaningful opportunities for reflection and remembrance throughout the year.

Deanna’s warm spirit, enthusiasm, and dedication to Chilliwack Hospice Society’s mission shine through in everything she does. We are confident that her leadership in this role will enhance our programs and strengthen our connection to the community.

Please join us in welcoming Deanna to her new position! Together, we look forward to continuing to provide compassionate support and meaningful resources to those in need.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

Reflecting on what matters most in your life and how that might help guide someone in making the kinds of healthcare decisions you would want can be both helpful and decrease stress for you and your caregiver(s).

Advance care planning is a process of thinking about your values, beliefs, and wishes for future health and personal care, and sharing them with the people you trust. It can include choosing who would make care decisions for you if you cannot. Advance care planning can help you get the care that’s right for you, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

As an important part of life planning—like planning for education, retirement or saving for a vacation⁠—every adult in BC should engage in advance care planning. When life happens, a person’s health can change in an instant. It’s more important than ever to talk to those they trust about their values, beliefs and wishes, to prepare for a time when they may no longer be able make their own medical decisions.

According to 2021 data from the BC Centre for Palliative Care, 76% of British Columbians agree it is important to talk about what matters for the future healthcare, however less than half of those surveyed have discussed their wishes with family and still fewer (14%) have a had a conversation with a health care provider.

“We are encouraging members of the Chilliwack community to start talking about their wishes for their future care,” says Laurie McNaught, Community Outreach and Education Manager at Chilliwack Hospice Society. “These conversations are not easy ones to have, but they are very important, and there are resources and support available.”

Chilliwack Hospice Society offers free, two-part in-person workshops to help you or your parent(s) develop an Advance Care Plan, including one’s Beliefs, Values and Wishes, Temporary Substitute Decision Maker, Representation Agreement, and Advance Directive. The next sessions are scheduled for August 15 and 22 from 1:00–3:00pm at Chilliwack Hospice Society, located at 7112 Vedder Road. Pre-registration is required.

To learn more about advance care planning and a variety of educational workshops and presentations offered by Chilliwack Hospice Society throughout the year, please call (604) 795-4660 or go to www.chilliwackhospice.org

Organized by Laurie McNaught, Community Outreach and Education Manager, facilitators from the community and within Chilliwack Hospice Society, presented a wide variety of learning opportunities for guests, beginning with gentle chair yoga by Emmy Kerr at the start of the morning. Amanda St. Amour of Wild Birds Unlimited gave an informative talk in the Mountain View Wellness Room, while downstairs in the Serenity Garden Room author Karen Skillings read selections from her book of poetry Love, Loss, and New Life.

Executive Director Sue Knott led a group of women through the process of pour painting in a workshop aptly titled ‘Pour Out Your Feelings’. A popular activity for both adults and children who visit Chilliwack Hospice Society, pour painting is a beautiful medium for exploring grief through creative expression.

Lucy Fraser, Director of Programs, taught participants about what she has learned about EFT tapping and its benefits for those stricken with anxiety and stress, a common experience for those grieving the death of a loved one. Combined with online videos, the presentation gave those present a moment to just breathe and experience relief brought about by EFT tapping.

Throughout the day, Relaxation Program leads Marjorie Perzow, Eileen Trojanoski, and Dale Seguin provided relaxation treatments through Healing Touch for those who wished to experience healing through therapeutic touch. This program is offered regularly at Chilliwack Hospice Society, booked in advance through the office.

The day’s events culminated in an interactive presentation on grief and family dynamics facilitated by Franceska Hills, Child and Youth Program Manager, and Jennifer Dacre, Palliative and Bereavement Services Manager in which adults and youth learned how to navigate difficult conversations when a family member is dying or has died.

Visitors to Chilliwack Hospice Society, some of whom were experiencing the very recent death of a loved one, remarked on Health and Wellness Day being their first time to enter the office and learn about the various programs and services available. Overall, the second annual event proved to be an important time for learning and healing along many Chilliwack residents’ grief journey.

Chilliwack Hospice Society Health and Wellness Day was generously supported by Chilliwack Hospice Society Thrifty Boutique and many other local businesses including, Beautique Beauty Lounge, Chilliwack River Valley Honey, Cookies Grill, Klassen Farms, Mighty Moose Ice Cream, SinAmen Bun Co., Smits & Co.w Farm Cheese, and Wild Birds Unlimited.

Throughout the year Chilliwack Hospice Society hosts a variety of in-person and virtual educational workshops and presentations for the community. Topics may include advance care planning, financial and legal matters, self-care, and wellness. For more information, contact Laurie McNaught, Community Outreach & Education Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or visit https://www.chilliwackhospice.org/education/education-workshops/

A safe, supportive space for displaced Ukrainians who now call Chilliwack home has been created at Chilliwack Hospice Society. The group will meet monthly to assist those affected by the war to process their complicated grief and losses. One-to-one support is also available by appointment for those participating in the group and those who aren’t comfortable with the group setting. In addition to a grief support group dedicated to these newcomers to Chilliwack, Hospice Society staff will be facilitating three other grief support groups during the winter months.

First Step Grief Support Group begins February 7 and meets weekly for eight weeks. The group is best suited those who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past six months or year; offering mutual support and socialization for bereaved people wanting the share the journey into change and renewal. It is well-established that grief has no timeline. As such, some First Step group members may choose to begin participating weeks following the death of their loved one. In turn, others may find themselves open to the benefits of participating in a grief support group years later.  A Traumatic Loss Support Group will also begin meeting in February with the exact dates to be decided. The content of this group’s meetings is specifically developed for those who have experienced the death of a loved one due to homicide, suicide, drug poisoning, workplace accident, or sudden illness.

Chilliwack Hospice Society recognizes that significant loss isn’t limited to human connections. Beginning February 22, a supportive space will be created for those grieving the death of a beloved pet. The staff-led grief support group will meet once weekly for four weeks and include participation from the Society’s university practicum students. Students of social work, counselling psychology, child and youth care, and other fields offer a wonderful exchange of knowledge and experience for staff, volunteers, clients, and students alike, and will be contributing to grief support groups – First Step, Traumatic Loss, and Grieving the Death of a Pet.

“In addition to our grief support groups, staff and volunteers offer many opportunities for one-to-one support and complementary therapies to assist members of our community through the grieving process,” Lucy Fraser, director of programs, says. “Informal connections with other bereaved individuals and mutual support can be found in our Relaxation Program, Supportive Walking Group, and Gentle Chair Yoga sessions, as well as our many volunteer opportunities.”

As part of the organization’s community outreach and education programs, a new matinée series of ‘Movies That Move You’ will be shown once monthly, starting with Collateral Beauty on January 24. Each movie has been selected for its themes of grief and loss and are suitable for adults’ viewing and discussion. Advance Care Planning workshops have also been well-received by the community and will continue in 2023 with the next two-part session starting February 16. The writing prompts, worksheets, and group discussion help individuals or their parents develop an Advance Care Plan, including indicating one’s beliefs, values, and wishes, Temporary Substitute Decision Maker, Representation Agreement, and Advance Directive.

Exemplifying the real impact Hospice Society programs and services are having on the Chilliwack community, was once again named a finalist for Non-Profit of the Year by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. Also in December, Child & Youth Program Manager Franceska Hills was recognized by Murray Mazda as a ‘Local Community Legend’ and received $2,500 in arts supplies toward the Society’s children’s programs.

“Our staff and volunteers at Chilliwack Hospice Society, with support from our dedicated board of directors, continues to build our programming and expand our outreach efforts; providing heartfelt support to more adults, teens, and children who are dying or grieving,” Executive Director Sue Knott says. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued benevolence of individual donors, sponsors, and grants which enable us to meet the increasing demand for our services from the community.”

If you or someone you know is grieving the loss of a loved one right now, call Chilliwack Hospice Society at (604) 795-4660 or visit www.chilliwackhospice.org to learn more about the one-to-one support, groups and workshops that are currently being offered. Donations are always gratefully accepted at the Thrifty Boutique and online at www.chilliwackhospice.org/donate

For more information, news, and events, join our email newsletter list or follow Chilliwack Hospice Society on Facebook and Instagram.

Entryway to Cascade Hospice Residence where Chilliwack Hospice Society provide free bereavement and palliative care support services to patients and their families.

Facilitated by Jennifer Dacre, Manager of Bereavement and Palliative Services, group participants met two to three times weekly through the month of September for a total of 35 hours required. Through lectures, videos, group activities, panel discussions, and guest speakers, participants learned about the history of hospice palliative care, types of grief and grieving styles, compassionate communication, and boundaries, working within family dynamics, psychosocial and spiritual care, perspectives on medical assistance in dying and pain management, supporting bereaved children and youth, complementary bereavement therapies, and prioritizing self-care.

The kitchen at Cascade Hospice Residence where patients, their families, and volunteers can get a cup of coffee or a freshly baked item.

Upon completion of Basic Hospice Training and a post-interview, 12 new individuals have begun job-shadowing existing volunteers at Cascade with the hope they will become regular client and patient volunteers themselves. Hospice volunteers are specially selected and trained individuals who have the maturity and experience to be a caring listener to a terminally ill or bereaved person or family member. Hospice volunteers are compassionate observers who bring a caring heart and an understanding approach to a stressful situation. Often our volunteers can be found sitting by the bedside of someone who is dying or bringing a cup of tea to one of their family members.

One of ten guest rooms at Cascade Hospice Residence. A beautiful quilt, handmade and donated by a member of one of several quilting guilds in Chilliwack, features prominently on the bed. We are appreciative of these incredible donations which become cherished keepsakes of family members after their loved one has died.

Chilliwack Hospice Society does not own or operate the Cascade Hospice Residence. Instead, hospice volunteers complement and work alongside the palliative health care team. Outside of the family support system, our volunteers are often the only other consistent presence in a patient’s final days. Hospice palliative care aims to relieve suffering and improve a patient’s quality of living until death.

Garden fountain and covered courtyard for Cascade Hospice Residence patients and families to relax in a quiet, outdoor space.

To learn more about Basic Hospice Training and to join the waitlist for the next course, go to www.chilliwackhospice.org/education

According to the BC Centre for Palliative Care, over three quarters of British Columbians agree that it’s important to talk about what matters most of them about their future health care, but less than half have talked with their family, and fewer still (14%) have had a conversation with a health care provider.

Advance care planning is a process of thinking about your values, beliefs, and wishes for future health and personal care, and sharing them with the people you trust. It can include choosing who would make care decisions for you if you cannot. Advance care planning can help you get the care that’s right for you, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

As an important part of life planning—like planning for education, retirement or saving for a vacation⁠—every adult in BC should engage in advance care planning.

When life happens, a person’s health can change in an instant. It’s more important than ever to talk to those they trust about their values, beliefs and wishes, to prepare for a time when they may no longer be able make their own medical decisions.

“We are encouraging members of the Chilliwack community to start talking about their wishes for their future care,” says Laurie McNaught, co-facilitator of the advance care planning workshops for Chilliwack Hospice Society. “These conversations are not easy ones to have, but there are resources and support available.”

Chilliwack Hospice Society will be offering free, two-part in-person workshops to help you or your parent(s) develop an Advance Care Plan, including one’s Beliefs, Values and Wishes, Temporary Substitute Decision Maker, Representation Agreement, and Advance Directive. There are two sets of sessions to choose from:

• July 18 & 25, 2022 | 1–3pm
• November 17 & 24, 2022 | 7–9pm

Registration is required as space is limited. Please call Laurie McNaught, Community Outreach and Education Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email laurie@chilliwackhospice.org to register or request more information.

Here is what some of our clients had to say:

“Thank you, Laurie and Sue! Who knows how long we would have put this off without your help!”

“Thank you so much for helping us to get our end-of-life plans in order legally. I have booked our appointment at the end of April with the lawyer to do our wills and everything all at once. Thank you for the motivation!”

“I appreciate that your sessions made me feel better about the support I gave my mom at the end of her life and reaffirmed my actions taken and decisions made on her behalf.”

“What really was the best part for me is that you were both so caring and compassionate. This made a difficult topic easier to deal with.”

The program curriculum included:

• defining types of grief, factors that affect the grieving process, and what may be helpful when someone is grieving
• practicing active listening and interpersonal communication skills
• learning about different personal values, attitudes and beliefs about death, dying, grief and loss from guest speakers representing Stó:lō and Buddhist backgrounds
• understanding the differences in the cognitive development of children, teens, and adults
• discussing setting and maintaining healthy boundaries as a support person
• best practices for social media use when a peer is grieving a death of someone they love
• volunteer training for facilitating grief support groups for children and youth

Participants also learned about the resources available to them in the community, including the programs and services at Chilliwack Hospice Society, and discussed how they might refer a bereaved classmate for additional support.

Practicum students Caitlin Lidster and Chloe Amos contributed to the weekly discussions offering insights from their experiences.

“I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Chilliwack Hospice Society’s Teen group this year as a practicum student. It was amazing to learn and participate alongside the teens during the six sessions together, and I enjoyed listening to all their contributions and thoughtful ideas that they had surrounding the topic of grief. I think that having this group is so important especially for high school aged students. Learning how to provide support for a grieving friend or classmate can make a huge difference in their lives and how they experience grief. Having this group provides the resources for teens to learn more about grief as a whole, and about the different supports and resources that are available to those experiencing grief.” — Chloe Amos

Students also gave their own brief presentations, participated in journaling exercises, games and activities to gain further understanding.

All participants received a certificate recognizing their successful completion of our Teen Grief Peer Support Training and were credited with work experience hours for their high school graduation requirements. We anticipate facilitating another Teen Grief Peer Support Training course in the spring with new students.

If you or someone you know is grieving the loss of a loved one right now, call Chilliwack Hospice Society at (604) 795-4660 or visit www.chilliwackhospice.org to learn more about the one-to-one support, groups and workshops that are currently being offered. Donations are always gratefully accepted at the Thrifty Boutique and online at www.chilliwackhospice.org/donate