The Houston Hospice House has finished renovations with plans to open before the end of 2026.
The Houston Hospice Society said it purchased the property in August 2024 to bring a second hospice bed to the community.
“Often those who want to pass away at home, if they don’t have the support around them, they have to go to Smithers or to Burns Lake hospital,” said chair Lisa Mueller.
Mueller said the society will be working with Northern Health and the Houston Health Centre and its existing bed for placements.
“We’re super excited about this because our one-bed model is the only model in B.C. and we’re hoping it will be a solution to small rural communities around peoples’ end of life,” Mueller said.
Work on the home included interior and exterior renovations, with time, funds, and resources being donated by various businesses and residents in Houston.
“It took a community to build this because it is the community’s house,” said Mueller. “We really wanted the community to feel like they are part of the house.”
Mueller said the total cost of the project is not yet available.
Along with being a second hospice bed in the community, the society has hosted events and training at the house including its grief support groups, widow groups and other programs.
The home has two bedrooms, one for the family member receiving end-of-life care and the other for a family member to stay with them.
The society is looking to create an advisory committee to oversee the house with more information to be announced at a later date.
“We’re asking anyone who feels they want to be a part of that and see the vision of hospice to join,” said Mueller.
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