“We really try to make the living part of their dying journey as meaningful, purposeful as possible and within the realities of where they are on their journey. We want to make each day count. Our focus is on the living part while recognizing and holding space for the journey they are on.”
- Nancymarie Arsenault, Director of Hospice PEI
“Our supports and programs are tailored to meet the needs of each individual and their care recipients,” Nancymarie Arsenault, Hospice PEI’s director, says. “We really try to make the living part of their dying journey as meaningful and purposeful as possible and within the realities of where they are on their journey. We want to make each day count. Our focus is on the living part while recognizing and holding space for the journey they are on.” Each referral and request for Hospice PEI is treated individually, and each referral is based on many factors that ensure the best match is made, and that a care recipient's needs are addressed within the scope of Hospice PEI’s work. Referrals for any service come in weekly
and are accessed and prioritized. Arsenault
Hospice PEI relies almost exclusively on fundraising and donations, which includes their annual “Dancing With the Stars” event, their main fundraiser, which is going into its twelfth year. “I’m always amazed at the ones who say yes,” Arsenault says. “For every yes we get there are probably seven to eight nos. Over my time here I’ve seen some incredible performances and our stars have raised some impressive amounts of money that goes to support our important work.” The organization also holds two other significant fundraisers, including the “Let Their Light Shine” campaign going into its 29th year, and its annual Hike for Hospice.
While most people think a hospice would be a sad place to work , Arsneault says her experience has been anything but. “For sure the work can be sad and there are tears but by gosh there is a lot of laughter. They are still living, making
recommends checking out the organization's website for more information. According to Arsenault, the staff and volunteers are the heart of Hospice PEI. “We have the most amazing staff and volunteers,” she says. “They are so dedicated and compassionate.” Many of Hospice PEI’s volunteers have had a connection to the organization in some form. “That emotional connection helps them to understand what a simple act of being there and listening has had on their own experiences,” Arsenault shares. “We have many volunteers who have been with us for over 10 years, some over 20 years. That’s so amazing when we think of the journeys they have been on with people who are no longer with us.”
each moment count! Changing the narrative of our work being from
people are dying to people are living, and how do you want that to be until you are no longer living, makes our job more meaningful and impactful.”
HOSPICE PEI 119 Water Street Charlottetown 902-368-4498 hpca@hospicepei.ca hospicepei.ca
WWW.PEI-LIVING.CA / 29 / FALL 2024.WINTER 2025
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