Hospice care is often a daunting prospect for patients and their loved ones, as many view it as an end to a battle with life-threatening and terminal illness.
October 8 marked World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, during which the public was requested to reflect on what the role of hospice care really means.
“There are so many myths and misconceptions that over-shadow the the benefits of our services,” said Jonquil Siepman, marketing and media liaison for Hospice East Rand.
“It is our aim is to dispel these, in order to better educate the public thus ensuring that they get the care they need.”
Facts about hospice and palliative care:
• Receiving palliative or hospice care is not a sign of weakness, rather finding knowledgeable healthcare workers, to assist the patient to live life as fully as possible, despite their condition.
This form of care is available to persons undergoing treatment and may assist in pain and symptom management.
• More than 90% of hospice care is rendered in the comfort of the patient’s home and is not a sterile building where patients go to spend their final days.
• Receiving palliative care is not a death sentence.
The aim of this care is to assist with the pain management and other symptoms to ensure that the patient can remain as comfortable as possible and enjoy a good quality of life as far as possible.“Hospice’s philosophy is to affirm life, we regard death as a normal process and we neither hasten nor postpone it,” said Jonquil.
• Care services are not restricted to hospitals or hospice facilities.
It can take place where patients are most comfortable, including work, doctors’ rooms, primary healthcare clinics, care facilities and hospice inpatient units.
• Many patients fear that they may become addicted to pain medication prescribed during treatment or to manage the symptoms associated with an illness.
Palliative doctors are experts in preventing problems and the side effects of the use of strong pain medications.
They are also able to assist patients battling with addiction to manage their pain through alternative options.
Appropriately prescribed medicine, by a palliative doctor, will ensure that patients are safe and comfortable.
• Hospice care is provided to people of all ages from infancy to adulthood.
• Palliative care, although focused on the patient, takes a holistic approach to addressing their medical, psychological and spiritual needs, the Hospice team comprises a palliative doctor, nursing sisters and social workers who also provide support for family members.
“When a loved one is fighting disease, care providers ensure that their families are also well-prepared and supported throughout the treatment process,” she said.
For more information or assistance contact Hospice East Rand on 011 422 1531 or email intake@hospiceeastrand.co.za.
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