It is time once again to draw your attention to Palliative Care Week, which runs from May 1-7.
This presents an excellent opportunity to bring awareness to palliative care with the goal to have more Canadians ask themselves questions such as: what does palliative care look like? When does palliative care start? How do I find out more about it?
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is the national voice for hospice palliative care in Canada. It is a non-profit organization with the mission of pursuing excellence of care for persons approaching death (www.chpca.net). According to CHPCA, “end of life care crosses all diseases, all professions, all ages and all Canadians.”
People diagnosed with a life-limiting illness such as heart disease, respiratory ailments or cancer may very well live with the condition for months to years. They will need to manage the symptoms and feelings caused by the disease as well as those caused by the treatment options. Palliative care is focused on improving the quality of life for anyone with a life-limiting illness. There is no “cookie cutter” approach to palliative care as everyone is unique in his or her needs and every death experience should be as individual, caring and respectful as the birth was.
Ultimately, palliative care should start at the time of diagnosis to travel the journey with the affected person and his or her family, to ensure the patient has control over decisions involving care and symptom management, as well as make sure support is offered to the family to ensure they know how best to assist their loved one on his or her journey.
Many Canadians have thought about end of life, but do not start planning until they are faced with a life-limiting diagnosis. The time when you are reeling over receiving the news of a deadly diagnosis is not the time you should have to start asking questions such as, “Where do I want death to occur?” and “What quality of life components are most important to me?”
Examples of quality of life might include pain and symptom control, spiritual beliefs or needs, care for mental health and friends and family support.
People facing a life-limiting illness might also wonder where to find resources to assist them on their journey.
These might be questions that become vital when faced with a life altering diagnosis, but there are also answers that can be thought of earlier by learning more about palliative care. It is never too soon for all of us to discuss with our families what we would value as we approach end of life.
Palliative care can help provide a calm, comfortable and holistic end of life journey.
Options to learn more about palliative care can come from different legitimate websites such as www.chpca.net, www.ahpca.ca and www.advanceplanning.ca, or locally by discussing concerns with your family physician, and/or contacting your local Sundre Palliative Care Association by emailing [email protected].
The Sundre Palliative Care Association consists of dedicated volunteers who provide bedside companionship to palliative patients and families, whether at home, long-term care or hospital settings. The volunteers belong to the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association (AHPCA). They obtain and support education for volunteers and local nursing staff through Alberta Health Services, AHPCA and CHPCA. Donations received are used for palliative care unit furnishings, comforting gardens and specific equipment, supplies, as well as comforting books and resources for both the patient facing a life-limiting illness and his or her family.
Watch for ads and posters on an upcoming educational session called The Risk of Caring, which takes place Wednesday, May 25. Anyone who's interested can pre-register by calling Sonya at 403-556-4902 or by emailing [email protected].
