Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of those with a life-threatening, incurable disease. This is done by two-fold patient-centered approach:
- Pain and symptom control using modern evidence based approach such as morphine.
- Supportive care which is an holistic method of caring for the patient and their family by addressing their physical, socio-economic and spiritual needs.
A full description of Palliative Care as per who.int
Palliative care is a crucial part of integrated, people-centred health services. Relieving serious health-related suffering, be it physical, psychological, social, or spiritual, is a global ethical responsibility. Thus, whether the cause of suffering is cardiovascular disease, cancer, major organ failure, drug-resistant tuberculosis, severe burns, end-stage chronic illness, acute trauma, extreme birth prematurity or extreme frailty of old age, palliative care may be needed and has to be available at all levels of care.
It is estimated that globally only 14% of patients who need palliative care receive it; to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, working towards universal health coverage, countries have to strengthen palliative care services. WHO works with countries to include palliative care as a key part of their health systems. To improve equitable access to palliative care services, emphasis is given to a Primary Health Care approach. Assessment tools have been developed to measure progress made. Strong partnerships are in place to develop and implement technical guidance, to strengthen capacity and to disseminate information.
Who do we serve?
Hospice comes to you.
Our services are not restricted by race or social class or gender. Our patients will be found in suburbs and townships, from Wilderness through to Harkerville. They have only two things in common: they live in our area and they need our services.
Who is eligible for Care?
Anyone with a life – limiting illness, including but not limited to:
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Progressive neurological disorders
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- End-stage cardiac, renal, respiratory, hepatic disorders
- Motor Neuron Disease (MDR)
- Children with chronic disorders
How do we work?
Our services are offered free of charge, but we do welcome donations to cover the cost of our services.
For those who are diagnosed with any life limiting illness, we offer a planning and consulting service. This provides practical experience and knowledge that help the individual manage their situation.
For patients with minor children, we will work with the patient, family and where appropriate social services, to ensure that an acceptable plan for the care of the children is in place.
How do I get referred?
Access to Hospice services as per the criteria in our mission statement can be done as follows:
- Referral by a private medical practitioner
- Referral by a clinic or provincial hospital
- Family or self referral with a complete medical history
- Palliative care patients will be contacted within 24 hours of referral. Chronic care patients will be contacted within a week of referral. In instances where the patient does not meet our referral criteria, we will suggest and facilitate alternative service providers.