An integrated palliative approach makes key aspects of palliative care available to individuals and families during a life changing illness, and in all care settings. When people have access to palliative care services integrated with their other care, they report fewer symptoms, a better quality of life, and greater satisfaction with their care.

No. The palliative approach to care is designed to support individuals (and their family caregivers) who have been diagnosed with a life-changing (incurable) illness, at any stage in the prognosis. Palliative care is focused on quality of life rather than disease curing. Many people receiving palliative care live for many years, even decades, after their diagnosis.

Palliative care can be delivered in many care settings. The settings may include your own home, a seniors residence, the emergency department or acute care unit of your local hospital, or long-term care. You and your family will decide which is the best place is for you to receive your care. It will change over time, depending on your circumstances.

Bow Valley Palliative provides many programs and services including its Compassionate Companions to help in a palliative care setting. To learn more visit our programs page

When faced with a life changing illness diagnosis, a transition of thinking occurs. Many of us reflect on the change of thinking from “somebody who might die” to “someone who will die.” This transition has many stages and is difficult no matter what age or the nature of the illness.

Palliative care is introduced early when the diagnosis of a life changing illness is made and treatment to modify the original illness is often provided hand-in-hand with palliative care. Palliative care steps in to provide comfort and the opportunity to live life to the fullest to our final days. Bereavement, which is the grief support provided to the individual and their loved ones, is also provided to their loved ones after death.

Never. You will, however, learn to live with and move forward in a healthy way with your loss. Grief changes us – forever.

Bow Valley Palliative grief supports mentor you in learning to be with sorrow in a way that is transformative.

Our palliative and grief support may be accessed by contacting us directly via email at info@bvpal.ca or calling 403-707-7111. Alternatively, you can be referred through your doctor, Home Care, or another health care provider.

Currently, all Bow Valley Palliative programs and supports are offered barrier-free, including financially. As a charitable society, BVP receives its funding through donations, fundraising events, and grants.