In an ideal world, everyone experiencing end-of-life care should have the opportunity to spend their final days in peace, surrounded by those they love. To die with dignity, in honour of a life well lived, with that individual’s family having the comfort to grieve in dignity, too.
Sadly, this dream scenario isn’t always the case. We know that many spend their final days in unfamiliar and overcrowded hospital wards, listening to the distressing “beep beep” of a patient monitor instead of the reassuring heartbeat of loved ones sitting bedside.
It’s a problem that seems even more acute in the Kootenays, a region geographically isolated from the more readily accessible hospice-style amenities available in larger urban centres. Fortunately, the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) has recognized this is an issue, which is why this year’s Starlite Ball fundraising gala was organized to help raise funds towards a standalone hospice home for the region.
As a home medical equipment supplier that helps support individuals undergoing palliative care, it’s a cause we at Kootenay Columbia Home Medical Equipment (KCHME) take close to heart and a reason we were honoured to be a Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Starlite event. We see the benefits first-hand experienced by those who enjoy treatment in a warm and caring environment, and know the hospice home being organized by the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society (CKHS) will go a long way towards uplifting individuals and families during their end-of-life journey.
Hospitals are doing the best they can
“The East Kootenay Regional Hospital is in overflow,” explains Greg Sternig, a CKHS Board Member and Hospice House Steering Committee Chair. “There are only a couple of palliative beds, but they’re not dedicated beds, meaning they can be used for other care purposes if the need arises. There’s no privacy. Nowhere for family to comfortably gather around.
“That’s why we are motivated to open a hospice home in Cranbrook to offer a more dignified quality of care for affected individuals and families. The hope is to develop a standalone facility with 10 beds and full-time staff, a large family room to host gatherings, a kitchen and even a meeting room for family to discuss other business matters privately when needed.
“Hospitals honestly do their best and the staff members, individually and collectively, work really hard to offer every comfort available,” Greg continues. “They just don’t have the space, or the right environment.”
So far, the process of establishing a hospice house has included several starts and stops. The hope is that CKHS will have a property donated to it, saving valuable funds. CKHS was offered a property by the City of Cranbrook but, after conducting a feasibility study, the offer fell through. A second property was graciously donated, but the Society had to unfortunately turn down the offer after completing an environmental survey and uncovering issues that would be too costly to remedy. So, the search goes on…
There currently is no dedicated hospice house east of the Okanagan, and Cranbrook has been identified as an ideal location to help ease the pressure on surrounding healthcare facilities offering palliative or end-of-life care. There is a clear need for a local healthcare amenity such as this.
“When it does get built, and it will, our hospice house will definitely be very much appreciated,” Greg elaborates. “There will not be an empty bed. Right now, people are dying in hospital hallways with no dignity at all. Our goal is to offer a new and welcoming environment where those affected are finally surrounded by the smell of cookies instead of antiseptic.”
How to donate or learn more
While the 2025 EKFH Starlite fundraiser helped significantly in supporting the region’s hospice house dream, additional funds are needed to bring the project to fruition; there will also be a continual need for funds to cover operational expenses once the facility is open. You can donate to the CKHS hospice house initiative on the society’s donations page.
To learn more about KCHME’s range of equipment and services dedicated to palliative care, complete the contact form on our website and include a brief description of your palliative services needed in the message area, and a team member will respond shortly.