Valley Hospice Foundation

The Valley Hospice Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting hospice and palliative care services in the Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia. Incorporated as a registered charity in 2000, the Foundation was established in response to a community need to provide individuals who are nearing the end of life—and cannot be cared for at home—with a welcoming, quiet, and comfortable alternative to hospital-based palliative care[2][3][4].

History and Mission

The Foundation was created to advocate for and enhance hospice care options for residents of the Annapolis Valley. It played a pivotal role in a major capital fundraising campaign, known as Our Community Our Health, which raised over $8 million to support the construction of the Valley Hospice residence and projects at the Valley Regional Hospital. This campaign was led collaboratively by the Valley Hospice Foundation and the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation[2].

The mission of the Valley Hospice Foundation is to enhance and support hospice and palliative care throughout the Annapolis Valley. The Foundation continues to serve as a fundraising vehicle and advocate for hospice care in all care settings within the region[2][4].

Services and Programs

Valley Hospice Foundation funds various non-medical programs and services aimed at improving the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of hospice patients and their loved ones. These include:

• Complementary therapies
• Bereavement support
• Volunteer services
• Practical assistance for families and the community
• Professional support services

Through these programs, the Foundation seeks to enrich the experience of patients receiving end-of-life care and provide comfort to their families[1][4].

Valley Hospice Residence

The Foundation's efforts support the operation of the Valley Hospice residence, a home-like health care facility located on the grounds of the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, Nova Scotia. The hospice is operated by Nova Scotia Health and provides specialized palliative care for patients who require more care than can be provided at home but do not need hospital admission.

The residence features ten private rooms, each with its own washroom and space for family members to stay overnight. The design includes patios overlooking wooded areas to provide a peaceful environment. Care at the hospice includes 24/7 professional nursing with physician support, individualized meals prepared by an on-site cook, and access to social work and spiritual care services[1][5].

Governance and Community Involvement

The Valley Hospice Foundation is volunteer-led and works in collaboration with Nova Scotia Health and the broader community through an Integrated Hospice Palliative Care Advisory Committee. This partnership reflects a shared vision to provide excellent hospice and palliative care tailored to the needs of residents in the Annapolis Valley[2].

Registration and Charity Status

The organization is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency as a charitable entity under the business registration number 894902923RR0001. This status enables it to receive donations that support its mission of enhancing hospice care services in the community[4].

The Valley Hospice Foundation remains a vital contributor to the quality of end-of-life care in Nova Scotia, fostering a compassionate approach that addresses not only the medical but also the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses.

[1] https://valleyhospice.ca [2] https://valleyhospice.ca/valley-hospice-foundation/ [3] https://www.chpca.ca/listing/valley-hospice/ [4] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/valley-hospice-foundation/ [5] https://www.nshealth.ca/locations-and-facilities/valley-hospice