Resource

Palliative care resources for patients and caregivers

Father carrying son on his back

Compassionate support and essential information to help you and your loved ones navigate serious illness with dignity and comfort.

Making decisions about your health care

Making health care decisions can feel overwhelming at times. Learn more about how you can choose the care that is right for you and your loved one.

Learn more about making decisions about your health care

Financial information

    • BC Palliative Care Benefits program (Plan P)

      Available to B.C. residents with active MSP coverage who have reached the end stage of a life-threatening disease or illness and wish to receive palliative care wherever they live.

    • Who pays for care?

      Information on the costs for the different home and community care service options.

Resources for caregivers

    • Here to Help

      Contact for emotional support, information on appropriate referral options and support relating to mental health concerns.

    • Seniors’ Distress Line

      Provides a free and confidential telephone support service for seniors, their caregivers, or anyone concerned about a senior. Highly trained, nonjudgmental, and caring volunteers answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    • Services for caregivers

      Caregiver resources are available for information and support, and respite services provide caregivers a break from the emotional and physical demands of caring for a friend or relative.

Organizations

    • BC Centre for Palliative Care

      BC Centre for Palliative Care works with partners in the health system and community, researchers, and policymakers, to accelerate the spread of innovations and best practices in palliative care.

    • BC Cancer

      BC Cancer provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of BC in partnership with regional health authorities.

    • Canadian Virtual Hospice

      The Canadian Virtual Hospice provides support and personalized information about advanced illness, palliative care, loss and grief to people living with illness, family members, health care professionals, educators, and researchers.

Hospice information

Grandmother and grandson blowing bubbles at a park

Palliative services

A palliative approach to care follows your values, beliefs and wishes, and can be provided in any setting including at home, outpatient clinics, long term care homes, hospitals and hospices. VCH offers a range of palliative care services.

Learn more about palliative care services