Who Prairie Hospice is for
Serving clients and their chosen families
Prairie Hospice supports people living with life-limiting illnesses and their chosen families. Anyone who would benefit from companionship, practical help, or a palliative approach to care is welcome to request our services.
Many individuals seek added connection and support, and many families appreciate moments of respite while caring for someone they love.
One of the greatest gifts we offer is relief for family caregivers, who often provide care around the clock. Burnout for caregivers is a challenge, for people living alone, our volunteers may be one of their most consistent sources of social connection and comfort.
Our services are free, flexible, and tailored to each person’s needs. Some people connect with us for regular one-on-one companionship, while others request support as needed through rides or respite. Families and chosen families may also access Bereavement Support after the death of their loved one.
Eligibility & referrals
Eligibility
Our eligibility criteria are intentionally flexible so we can support individuals living with life-limiting, noncurative illnesses within Saskatoon city limits.
In general, clients accessing our programs:
- are living with a life-limiting or palliative diagnosis,
- are no longer receiving curative treatment, and
- are living in a home environment where the safety of volunteers, staff, and the client can be reasonably ensured.
Referrals
Anyone can call or email us to begin the referral process. One of our Volunteer Coordinators will connect with you to arrange a home visit and take time to understand your needs, explain our services, and ensure Prairie Hospice is the right fit. Referrals also come from healthcare providers and community partners for individuals and families who may benefit from a palliative approach to care.
How Prairie Hospice helps
Supporting Daily Living and Independence
Our trained volunteers help make daily life a little easier through practical, nonmedical support. This can include picking up groceries, running errands, preparing simple meals, helping with light household tasks, or offering rides to appointments and outings. These small acts of support help people continue living comfortably and independently wherever they call home.
Companionship That Brings Connection and Comfort
Companionship is at the heart of what we do. Volunteers spend time with clients in ways that feel natural and meaningful—sharing conversation, enjoying a cup of tea, going for a walk, playing cards, reading together, or simply being present. We focus on helping people stay connected, supported, and engaged in the moments that matter most. These moments create comfort, reduce isolation and bring genuine joy.
Offering Respite for Families and Caregivers
Family and chosen families often carry a heavy load. Our respite support offers caregivers time to rest, recharge, or attend to their own needs, knowing their loved one is in caring, compassionate hands. This is one of the most valued gifts Prairie Hospice provides.
Walking Alongside Through Grief and Bereavement
Our support continues for families and chosen families through dedicated grief and bereavement support. We offer a compassionate space to navigate loss, connect with others, and find comfort during a difficult time.
What Volunteers Can and Cannot Do
Our volunteers will often simply “be there” – sitting quietly with our client, reading, playing games, visiting over tea, or outings. We believe that people who are at end of life want to live their lives to the fullest extent possible in spite of their illness, so we provide services that make it possible for them to “live until they die.” We try to help them be in the moment and experience joy in their lives in spite of their circumstances.
- Offer companionship and emotional support.
- Accompany clients to appointments, errands, and outings.
- Assist with simple household tasks and organization.
- Provide rides within Saskatoon.
- Offer respite for caregivers.
- Support clients in sharing or recording life stories.
- Administer medications
- Provide personal care or assistance with activities of daily living (lifting, transferring, bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding).
Programs
Companionship
Consistent one-on-one visits that bring comfort and connection, with a volunteer who works with you to set a schedule that fits your life.
Rides
Friendly, reliable transportation for appointments, errands, and outings—helping you stay engaged and supported in the community.
Respite
Shortterm support that gives family and chosen family caregivers time to rest and recharge, knowing their loved one is in caring hands.
Grief & Bereavement
Compassionate support for families and chosen families as they navigate grief—both during a loved one’s journey and after their death.
Our support providers
Prairie Hospice volunteers
Our volunteers are at the heart of our work. Each volunteer completes a thorough screening process—including a criminal record check, interviews, reference checks, and our comprehensive training program—so clients and families can feel confident and supported.
Volunteers come from many different backgrounds, and we carefully match each client with a volunteer who shares similar interests, values, or personality traits. Once paired, clients meet with the same volunteer each visit, creating consistency, trust, and a meaningful connection over time.
Volunteers can offer about four hours a week, and together, the volunteer and client choose a schedule that works best for them. In many cases, volunteers also stay connected with families for up to a year after a loved one’s death, offering genuine care and continuity during a tender time.
Our staff
Our staff work together as a compassionate, coordinated team dedicated to supporting clients, families, and volunteers with care, clarity, and respect. We make every match thoughtful, every visit meaningful, and ensure every person feels supported. Whether you call or visit the office, anyone who answers is ready to help — providing the guidance, connection, and support you need, when you need it. Working closely with community partners and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, our staff help create a seamless, person-centred experience for everyone we serve.
