Hospice East Rand explains the value of palliative care

Palliative care, which is offered by Hospice East Rand, is often seen as a service rendered to those who have bravely battled life-threatening illnesses and now need end-of-life support.

This cannot be further from the truth and is a misconception the organisation wants to abolish.

“In the realm of healthcare, palliative care is a guiding light, offering solace, compassion and comprehensive support to individuals and their loved ones facing life-threatening illnesses,” said Jonquil Siepman, marketing and media liaison for Hospice East Rand.

“Care of this nature encompasses physical, psychological, social and spiritual care provided by a team of experts from various disciplines.

“It extends from the moment of diagnosis and, when necessary, bereavement support.”

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Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life, with over 90% of the care provided by members of the Association for Palliative Care (APCC) being home-based, which emphasises comfort and promotes a sense of well-being.

“Care rendered by our team of compassionate and well-trained staff is offered holistically and available to individuals from the time of diagnosis thus, providing a multidimensional approach to address the challenges of living with life-threatening illnesses,” she said.

“The more people understand that they can reach out for support from the very beginning and receive ongoing care throughout their treatment journey, the more lives we can positively impact. Palliative care operates with the philosophy of kindness and compassion.”

Siepman further explains that Hospice East Rand’s services extend into the patient’s homes, working hand in hand with oncologists, physicians, surgeons and a range of clinical experts to provide the most comprehensive care possible.

“A prevailing challenge is the late referral of patients due to the misconception that only end-of-life care is provided,” she said.

“This delay not only impacts the patient’s access to beneficial care but also deprives families of much-needed support.”

Recognising the value of early intervention, particularly at the diagnosis stage, can bridge the gap and ensure that palliative support commences simultaneously with curative treatments.”

“In the vast tapestry of healthcare, palliative care weaves threads of empathy, compassion, and dignity,” said Siepman.

“Palliative care is a source of support and strength from the very start.

It’s a philosophy that upholds the inherent worth of every individual, fostering a sense of comfort, care and understanding in the face of life’s most challenging moments.”

For more information, contact Hospice East Rand on 011 422 1531.

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