'Caring for the dying and bereaved'

Mission Statement:

To enhance the quality of life and death of persons facing death and bereavement through skilled and ompassionate physical, emotional, and spiritual care in the setting of the individuals choice.

Philosophy:

• Dying and grieving are a natural outcome to life.
• The individual and family are the unit of care.("Family" is understood to include significant others.)
• The association supports the individual and family to know and discuss in whatever terms they wish, the extent of the disease and its implications.
• The association supports the individual and family to be involved, according to ability, in the planning and choice of care.
• The association supports all persons facing death and bereavement to receive consistent physical, emotional, and spiritual support.
• The association supports those providing care for the dying and bereaved to receive planned emotional and spiritual support.
• Effective care must be coordinated and consisten, reflecting a common philosophy.
• It is essential that hospice caregivers have a commitment to professional and personal growth.

The butterfly is used as a symbol by many Hospice Societies worldwide. The transition between life and death is symbolized by the caterpillar forming its cocoon and preparing to leave life as it is known to become a lovely butterfly.