In Recognition of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, Oct. 12, the Worldwide Palliative Care Alliance and its partners are focusing on “dispelling the myths,” and encouraging people to promote the facts about hospice and palliative care.
Also, advocates, patients and caregivers want to improve access to palliative care for people with life-limiting conditions by integrating palliative care into existing services.
To ensure all those with life-limiting conditions are cared for with dignity and according to their wishes, Terrace Hospice Society is asking for integrated hospice and palliative care health services.
A few myths and the facts about hospice and palliative care are:
Myth – Having hospice and palliative care means you will die soon.
Fact – Hospice and palliative care is not just for the end of life. It is a holistic approach that includes caregiver support, spiritual care, bereavement and much more during any stage of disease process.
Myth – Hospice and palliative care is just for people with cancer.
Fact – All those who are diagnosed with a chronic life-limiting illness including advanced diabetes, heart or organ failure and/or dementias can benefit from hospice and palliative care.
A Healing Touch Certificate Program Level 1 is being offered by Healing Touch International in partnership with regional hospices in the northwest at Kitimat General Hospital, October 26/27.
People from Terrace who are interested are invited to attend too.
Benefits of Healing Touch can include reducing stress, calming anxiety, strengthening the immune system, decreasing pain, enhancing healing, supporting cancer and non-cancer care plans, all while creating a sense of well-being.