This week marks the ninth annual National Hospice Palliative Care Week (May 5-12). East Prince Health is striving to raise awareness among staff and public on the value and role of hospice and palliative care.
This year, attention is centred on the role of the caregiver, recognizing the needs, skills and gifts of all Canadians caring for those living with or dying from a life threatening illness.
Hospice Palliative Care is the combination of active and compassionate care for individuals and families facing a life threatening illness, or who are bereaved. It provides physical, emotional and spiritual care with a focus on living fully to the very end of life in comfort and with dignity.
"No one should ever feel uninformed and alone when they are caring for a dying loved one," states Corinne Rowswell, coordinator for the East Prince Palliative Care Program. "Our program aims to support patients and families regardless of where they are receiving care - at home, in hospital or in a nursing home."
Over 50 people are referred to the East Prince Health Palliative Care Program each year. Services are tailored to the needs and expectations of the individual and their family and are committed to whole person care. Health care providers and volunteers work with patients and caregivers, offering help with such things as pain and symptom management, personal care, emotional and spiritual support, counseling, planning for future care needs, and ongoing bereavement care.
"We now recognize that a coordinated team approach improves access to services and consistency for people needing palliative care," added Ms. Rowswell.
Rev Charles Wagner, chaplain for East Prince Health and bereavement counselor notes that, "Caregiving can be a very satisfying and rewarding experience but it is important that caregivers receive adequate physical and emotional support during an illness and subsequent bereavement phase."
"Bereavement care development is one area that has been a priority this year," explained Rowswell. "Training sessions were offered to volunteers wishing to assist in our Bereavement Follow-Up Program. This program offers emotional support to caregivers after the death of a loved one and includes a series of phone calls for up to two years."
During Hospice Palliative Care Week across Canada, healthcare providers, volunteers, and family members are reaching out to their communities and supporting one another. Displays are being set up at * East Prince Health Region [to Nov 2005]al facilities throughout the week highlighting the caregiving role in hospice palliative care in our community.
For more information or to make a referral to the palliative care program, call (902) 432-2709.