Hospice East Rand team celebrated
Hospice East Rand’s home-based care services are aimed at offering support and care from diagnosis.
The dedicated team of 11 nursing sisters, two doctors and social workers of Hospice East Rand are being honoured for their work during Hospice Week (May 5 to 11).
Rendering both palliative as well as hospice care, these professionals offer compassion and support throughout every stage of their patients’ journey, living with life-limiting illnesses.
According to Jonquil Siepman, marketing and media liaison for the organisation, both areas of service are vital for patient care.
She says the concept is often misunderstood.
“Our services are often only called upon during the final stages of a patient’s life, during which we bring comfort to them and their families,” said Siepman.
“However comprehensive palliative care forms part of our service offering and can be accessed at the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment. Hospice and palliative care programmes take place in the comfort of the patient’s home with support being given to family and carers.”
• Palliative care, focusing on enhancing quality of life
This form of care provides physical, psychological, social and spiritual care to those facing the diagnosis and treatment of a life-threatening illness.
It is designed to complement existing treatments by managing symptoms and improving comfort.
Throughout this period patients will continue their prescribed medical treatments, including those aimed at curing or managing the illness, while receiving palliative support aimed at managing symptoms and reducing stress.
• Hospice care, supporting end-of-life
In contrast to palliative approaches, hospice care is tailored for patients entering the final phases of life-limiting illnesses.
Priority is given to the patient’s comfort, dignity, peace, and pain management while addressing their emotional and spiritual needs as well as those of their loved ones.
Hospice care supports patients in their final weeks or days, ensuring they live as fully and comfortably as possible.
“Understanding the two types of care is essential for making informed decisions about healthcare and treatments,” said Siepman.
“We are committed to offering care and support with utmost care and respect.”
For more information about how Hospice East Rand can help you or a loved one call 011 422 1531 or www.hospiceeastrand.co.za.
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