That was the question we posed to Dallas Ehrke, the Director of Palcare, when he came to chat to us at the Dementia Support Group meeting on Thursday last week.
Grahamstown Hospice, established in 1984, was rebranded as PALCARE to encompass not just hospice care but palliative care too.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is holistic and includes comprehensive care delivered by a collaborative team of specialists, addressing the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of both adults and children facing life-threatening illnesses and those of their families too. Their support begins at the time of diagnosis and continues through bereavement if required.
Their care is delivered in the familiarity of the patient’s home, emphasising the enhancement of quality of life by effectively managing pain and other challenging symptoms. Palliative care is seamlessly integrated with curative treatment for life-threatening illnesses, ideally commencing at the point of diagnosis.
Who qualifies for Palliative and Hospice care?
Any person, of any age who has a life-limiting condition qualifies for palliative care. This includes many different types of illnesses, the most common of which are cancers and AIDS.
How do you receive this care?
Ask your oncologist, doctor or clinic sister to complete a referral form and email or deliver it to the Palcare offices. office@palcare.org.za
Thank you, Dallas, for your most informative talk.
Should you need more information, visit www.palcare.org.za
