In celebration of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on October 10, East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC) is dispelling the biggest misconception about palliative care: that it’s only end-of-life care.

“For many people, palliative care is still associated with the final days or weeks of life, but imagine if support came much earlier,” said Jonquil Siepman, ERPC marketing and community engagement.

“Imagine having access to a team of health care professionals, registered nurses and social workers who can step in from the time of diagnosis to assist in pain and symptom management, while holistically offering spiritual, psychological and emotional support to those facing a life-limiting and threatening disease as well as their families, in the comfort of their own homes.

“For many patients, this does not have to be imagined; the care is already available.”

Under this year’s national ‘Imagine if’ campaign, the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) is encouraging South Africans to think differently about when palliative care should begin.

“Rather than being reserved only for the final stages of life, palliative care can form part of a person’s care from diagnosis and seamlessly work alongside treatment provided by doctors and specialists,” said Siepman.

“Changing this mindset and understanding the core principles of palliative care is the most important conversation ERPC can have with the community.

“Palliative care can be enlisted from the moment of diagnosis and throughout the treatment process, because at our core is helping patients live as comfortably and meaningfully as possible while supporting those around them too.”

According to ERPC general manager, Andrea Nazam, early involvement allows the palliative care team to become an additional layer of support.

“Palliative care does not replace a patient’s doctor, specialist or treatment,” she said.

“We work alongside the existing healthcare team, bringing additional support wherever it is needed.

Whether it is in the form of managing symptoms, helping a family cope or simply making sure that a patient feels heard, supported and cared for.”

Nazam adds that palliative care complements ongoing clinical care.

“Enlisting palliative care services does not mean that treatment has stopped or that all hope is lost,” she said.

“The sooner care is provided, the easier the journey through uncertainty can become.”

For more information about ERPC, its service offerings, or to become a volunteer, go to www.erpc.org.za or call 011 422 1531.

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