Celebrating Hospice Week

To celebrate Hospice Week (May 1-7), NPO Hospice East Rand shared information with the community to inform and remind them of the work that it does.
As an organisation, hospice provides palliative care for individuals diagnosed with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness.
Patient care manager at Hospice East Rand Sr Sindisiwe Mdlalose said the care it provides is specialised medical care to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing the challenges associated with the diagnosed illness.
This is achieved by the prevention and relief of suffering through early identification, assessment and treatment and control of pain and other challenges whether physical, psychosocial or spiritual.
Sindisiwe said palliative care can run alongside other medical treatments the patient may be receiving.
She said patients will receive care from Hospice East Rand in the comfort of their own homes or bed.
The NPO aims to offer a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death.
Speaking on those who benefit from palliative care, Sindisiwe said palliative care is a resource for anyone living with a life-threatening illness.
Some examples include advanced heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, motor neuron disease, Parkinson’s disease, tuberculosis and HIV/Aids.
She said palliative care is helpful at any stage of illness and is best provided soon after a person is diagnosed.
In addition to improving quality of life and helping with symptoms, palliative care can help patients understand their choices for medical treatment.
Those assisting a patient with palliative care are usually referred to as a palliative care team
A palliative care team is made up of different professionals that work with the patient, family, and the patient's other doctors to provide medical, social, emotional and practical support.
Hospice East Rand’s team includes a palliative care specialist doctor, palliative care nursing sisters, community care workers, social workers and volunteer caregivers who offer emotional support to the patient and family members.
If you or a family member have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and require care and support contact Hospice East Rand at intake@hospiceeastrand.co.za or on 011 422 1531.