Holmberg House provides quality for one’s end of life

When a loved one is reaching their end of life, it’s oftentimes very difficult for families. Holmberg House in Abbotsford is a new hospice that takes our current hospice model to the next level.

When someone is in hospice care, they understand that the primary goal of their care is quality of life. They are at the point where there is no requirement for hospital care and the care team is looking to provide the patient with comfort measures.

At Holmberg House, our care team is able to provide a hospice plus model of care. What that means is that people who need certain treatments like some intravenous medications, can now receive them in a hospice setting. This model of care is the first of its kind in Fraser Health and supports patients so that they are living their final days in comfort and not being transferred to hospital for periods of time to receive these types of procedures.

“As part of the palliative approach to care at Fraser Health, we want to ensure that we’re caring for our patients to the end, and helping them stay in the best place for their care,” said Dr. Neil Hilliard, Program Medical Director for the Palliative Care Program with Fraser Health. “We’re excited to pilot this program at Holmberg House as it expands who can be seen and treated in hospice care.”

Holmberg House is a beautiful new two-storey building owned and operated by the Abbotsford Hospice Society (AHS). Fraser Health is very pleased to partner with AHS in providing palliative care in our brand new 10-bed hospice located on the second floor. Holmberg House Hospice is located adjacent to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre Campus of Care. The hospice provides a family friendly environment, focussing on mind, body and spirit.

The upper floor has 10 individual rooms, most with balconies. Each room includes an ensuite and piped in oxygen and suction at bedside. Communal kitchenettes are also located upstairs for family members to utilize, gather together, and support each other. Families also have access to a patient comfort zone where they can grab blankets and personal care items for their loved ones, or themselves. There is also a washer and dryer for families as oftentimes, they will be living by their loved ones side.

Bereavement is part of the palliative approach to care. Located upstairs is a sanctuary, a quiet place for families to go when a loved one passes away. It’s during this time that the entire hospice family gets together for a memorial routine, supporting each other and the family.

A beautiful garden is shared between residents of Holmberg House and the neighbouring Matthew’s House, which provides respite care for children and Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. The garden offers peace and tranquility to patients and their families.

The palliative program within Fraser Health is a regional program. If you or your loved one requires hospice care, we will work with you to identify which site will meet your care needs.

Learn more about the Abbotsford Hospice Society.