With National Hospice Week celebrated during the month of May, Hospice East Rand hopes to provide more insight to the community about how the organisation assists those in need.
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National Hospice Week is celebrated from May 7 to May 13.
According to the NPO’s marketing liaison Jonquil Siepman, most people believe that Hospice and palliative care are required at the end of one’s life.
However, this assumption is far from the truth.
She said palliative care is an active, holistic approach to caring for individuals of all ages with serious health-related suffering due to a severe illness.
The principal aim of it is to provide relief from physical, psychosocial and spiritual symptoms associated with an illness.
Jonquil said the NPO’s staff aim to control pain and other complex symptoms so that patients can remain as comfortable as possible and enjoy a good quality of life.
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In the hopes of informing the community and debunking some of the myths surrounding palliative care Jonquil spoke to Dr Nosisa Matsiliza and Dr Jesne Kistan from Hospice East Rand.
“It’s a common misconception that palliative care means giving up,” said Matsiliza.
“It’s about living life to the fullest despite your condition.
“Critical to our team are experienced social workers who help the patient and family cope with the emotional impact of the serious illness diagnosis.
“Even if you’re receiving treatments that aim to cure or reverse your illness, you can still benefit from palliative care.”
Matsiliza highlighted that palliative care helps manage pain and other symptoms, especially during a patient’s treatment programme.
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This can help patients fight diseases more effectively.
She highlighted that studies show those who receive palliative care live longer and have a higher quality of life than those who do not receive palliative care.
“Living with a serious illness can be difficult, especially when it comes to managing complex and distressing symptoms. That’s where palliative care comes in,” said Kistan.
She said it is the NPO’s goal is to improve the quality of life for patients living with serious illnesses.
“Our palliative care services are available to patients admitted to hospitals as well as patients in the comfort of their homes.
“We work alongside oncologists, physicians, neurologists, surgeons, intensivists, nurses, and other clinical teams to ensure the best possible care for our patients,” said Kistan.
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Jonquil said Hospice’s approach to palliative care means the organisation provides care for the patients’ families and caregivers as well.
A holistic range of services is provided to support patients throughout their illness
These include pain management and symptom control, psychosocial support and spiritual support and where necessary, assist in breaking bad news, advanced care planning, and end-of-life care coordination.
“Our experienced and compassionate team help patients navigate difficult health decisions and ensure their wishes regarding their care are upheld,” said Jonquil.
She said the NPO provides support to patients, doctors, and specialists throughout the patient’s journey.
Visit www.Hospiceeastrand.co.za or call Hospice on 0114221531 For more information.
