Early support from East Rand Palliative Care: Six key advantages
Community members can rest easy knowing that the organistion will walk alongside patients and their families from the moment of diagnosis, not just during the final stages of illness.
Facing a life-threatening illness can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.
At East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), formerly Hospice East Rand, community members can rest easy knowing that the organisation will walk alongside patients and their families from the moment of diagnosis, not just during the final stages of illness.
Jonquil Siepman, marketing and media liaison at East Rand Palliative Care, shared six important reasons why reaching out sooner can make a meaningful difference:
• Palliative care is not only for end-of-life
Many people think palliative care is only for the final weeks or days of life. This is a misconception.
Palliative care is about enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms, and providing emotional and spiritual support from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
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The earlier East Rand Palliative Care becomes part of your support team, the more it can help.
• You deserve comfort and dignity from the start
Pain, discomfort, fatigue and anxiety are all common side effects of serious illness and treatment.
East Rand Palliative Care’s multi-disciplinary team, consisting of a doctor, nursing sisters, social workers and carers, helps manage symptoms effectively, ensuring comfort and preserving dignity.
Early involvement allows the organisation to tailor care plans that truly work for you and your lifestyle.
• We support families, too
Serious illness affects more than just the patient. Families often feel overwhelmed, scared or unsure of what to do.
At East Rand Palliative Care, families are offered practical guidance and emotional support because carers also need care.
• You can still pursue curative treatment
Palliative care works in conjunction with your doctors and specialists.
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You can receive palliative support while undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis or other treatments.
The organisation’s goal is not to replace your treatment, but to support you through it physically, emotionally and spiritually.
• Planning ahead reduces stress later
When we connect with patients early, we can help with advance care planning, emotional preparation and important conversations.
This helps reduce panic, confusion and stress, creating space for peace of mind.
• Our support is accessible and compassionate
East Rand Palliative Care is an NPO with a mission to make quality palliative care available to everyone who needs it.
Its team includes a doctor, nursing sisters, social workers and carers who provide home-based care, support and counselling without the pressure of hospital settings.
“We’re here when you need us and even before you think you need us,” Jonquil reaffirmed.
Whether you or a loved one has just been diagnosed or you’ve been managing a life-threatening illness for a while, reaching out to East Rand Palliative Care early can make the journey more manageable and meaningful. Let’s walk this path together.”
Contact East Rand Palliative Care on 011 422 1531 at or visit the social media pages.
