With the recent celebration of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day Hospice East Rand took the opportunity to dispel several misconceptions around the organisation.
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World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is celebrated on October 8.
The world was asked to stop for a moment and reflect on what Hospice and palliative care means
Marketing and media liaison for Hospice East Rand Jonquil Siepman said on this day the community members are asked to stop and reflect, on what Hospice and palliative care means.
“There are a lot of myths or misconceptions around Hospice and palliative care,” said Jonquil.
Hospice East Rand aims to dispel these for the benefit of the community.
•The myth: If I reach out to Hospice I’ve given up.
Jonquil said care and Hospice are not about giving up It’s about living as fully as possible with your condition.
Patients receiving their necessary treatment can receive palliative care too.
“Palliative care can help you cope with aggressive treatments by getting your pain and symptoms under control to help you fight the disease,” said Jonquil.
•The myth: Hospice is where patients go to spend their final days.
Jonquil said Hospice focuses on enhancing the quality of life and 90% of the care provided is home-based.
•The myth: receiving palliative care means I am dying.
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Jonquil said this is untrue and that palliative care aims to control pain and other symptoms.
She said this is done to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible for as long as possible or as long as their disease allows.
•The myth: I can only receive palliative care in a hospital.
Palliative care services are offered wherever the patient is.
Jonquil said It can be provided in places such as at home, at work, in hospitals, correctional services, doctors’ rooms, primary healthcare clinics, care facilities and Hospice inpatient units.
Hospice East Rand provides palliative care at the patents home.
•The myth: I can become addicted to my pain medication.
Jonquil said although addiction to prescribed pain relief medication is a common fear it doesn’t occur frequently.
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“Palliative doctors are experts in preventing problems and side effects of strong pain medications.”
She said palliative doctors also help patients with addictions get pain relief.
•The myth: pain medication can speed up my death.
The appropriately prescribed medicine will not hasten a patient’s death
“Your palliative doctor has the expertise to devise a medication plan that makes you comfortable and is safe.”
•The myth: palliative care is just for seniors.
Jonquil explained that palliative care is provided to people of all ages.
“Adults also die in their prime, and we must make sure they and their families are properly supported and prepared for death, no matter their age.”
•The myth: palliative care is for a patient only
Jonquil said palliative care uses a holistic approach addressing medical, psychological and spiritual requirements.
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The Hospice team comprises a palliative doctor, nursing sisters and social workers who provide holistic treatment and support for both the patient and their family members.
Contact Hospice at 011 422 1531, intake@Hospiceeastrand.co.za or visit www.Hospiceeastrand.co.za for more information and assistance.
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