The truth about hospice care
Hospice care not only for those preparing for the end of life.
When referring to hospice care, many view the term as care enlisted at the end of a terminally ill patient’s life.
As Hospice East Rand gears up to celebrate National Hospice Week from May 7 to 13, palliative care doctors Dr Nosisa Matsiliza and Dr Jesne Kistan weighed in on the discussion of the role of the organisation in the community, while also debunking some common myths.
“Palliative care is an active, holistic approach to caring for individuals of all ages with serious health-related suffering due to a severe illness,” said Jonquil Siepman, responsible for marketing and liaison at Hospice East Rand.
“Most people believe this form of care is only required at the end of your life. This could not be further from the truth.”
According to Siepman, the main focus of palliative care is to provide relief from physical, psychosocial and spiritual symptoms associated with a life-altering illness.
“We endeavour to control patients’ pain and other complex symptoms, for them to remain as comfortable as possible to enjoy a good quality of life,” said Siepman.
“It’s a common misconception that acquiring palliative care means that the individual is giving up,” says Matsiliza.
“It’s about living life to the fullest despite your condition.”
Matsiliza explains critical to the team’s success are experienced social workers who assist the patient and family to cope with the emotional impact of a serious illness diagnosis.
“Even if a patient is receiving treatment to cure or reverse an illness, patients, family and caregivers can still benefit from palliative care,” she said.
“Our care assists in managing pain and other symptoms, especially during the treatment programme.”
Studies show those who receive palliative care live longer with a higher quality of life than those who do not.
“Living with a serious illness can be difficult, especially when managing complex and distressing symptoms,” said Kistan.
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“Our services are available to patients admitted to hospitals or 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 the patient.”
Kistan says palliative doctors support other doctors and specialists through trained experience in complex pain management and symptom control from diagnosis to end-of-life coordination, assuring that a patient’s wishes are upheld.
“In most cases, medical aid patients can rest assured that their palliative care benefit is different from the oncology or advanced illness benefit, which makes all the difference,” said Kistan.
“Whether you are a patient, doctor or specialist, Hospice East Rand provides the support you need every step of your journey.”
For more information about how Hospice East Rand can help you or your patients living with serious illnesses, visit www.hospiceeastrand.co.za or call us on 011 422 1531.
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