2016 was the end of a long journey and the start of a new one as we celebrated the opening of Holmberg House, the first adult hospice residence in Abbotsford.
It was 30 years ago, in 1986, that the original Abbotsford Matsqui Hospice Society was created. Then in 1999, the new Abbotsford Hospice Society found a home at 33134 Marshall Road. In 2010, the society began fundraising for a new AHS facility to be located at the Campus of Care in Abbotsford.
The announcement of a B.C. Government grant of 3.5 million dollars in 2011 served to augment the extensive personal financial contributions and tireless fundraising activities of David and Lee Holmberg. The name of the new adult hospice, Holmberg House, was intended to honour the life and legacy of David Holmberg Jr., their son who had recently died of cancer. Additionally, financial support came from all parts of the community that included businesses, service organizations, and individuals.
Today, Holmberg House, located at Gladwin and Marshall Road near the Abbotsford Regional Hospital, is Abbotsford’s first free-standing adult hospice. This 30,000 square foot, 10-bed facility will provide dignified end-of-life care to adults as young as 19. The building also accommodates grief support groups, volunteer training, education seminars, and one-on-one support services.
Palliative Services
In-home Palliative Support
The hospice volunteer provides various services to the palliative patient and their family in the private home. The aim of AHS home support is to improve the quality of living and dying for people whose disease cannot be cured and provide respite for families. A trained volunteer companion integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of care and offers support to help clients and their loved ones.
Caregiver respite
In-home, hospital, or extended care facility
Anticipatory Grief
Connect with a companion to explore changing roles and relationships, communication skills, self-care and stress management, grief and loss, and planning ahead
Vigil Services
The goal of the vigil service is to connect patients with a volunteer to sit vigil during their final 72 hours.
Extended Care Home Support
Spiritual Care Servcies
Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre Visiting
The hospital visiting service provides volunteers to support palliative patients in anywhere in the Abbotsford Regional Hospital
Support for Palliative Complex Care Unit (PCCU) Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre
AHS staff and volunteers support both patients and their loved ones while they are in or associated with this special unit.
Drop-in Support
During office hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, AHS receives drop in clients who are grieving a loss or caring for a loved one who is dying.