#Becauseimatter highlights patient’s value who receive palliative care
It is International Hospice week from May 6 to 13.
Hospice Week highlights the role of partnership in providing support and care for people with life-threatening illnesses.
St Francis Care Centre has been offering support for palliative and hospice patients in the Boksburg community for many years.
Matron Winnie Dlamini from St Francis spoke to the Advertiser about the importance of providing palliative support, which is taking care of the terminally ill and their families.
“At St Francis we continue to plant the seed that with palliative care you as the patient matter, from the day of diagnosis until the end of your life,” said Dlamini.
“There is a common misconception that when you are receiving palliative care you are dying and you are less important than others.”
According to her, this misconception is being addressed by the theme of this year’s Hospice Week, which is #becauseimatter.
According to Dlamini, they strive to ensure that the quality of life of patients is improved and that they endure minimal pain.
“We improve quality of life in a holistic way by including family members, managing symptoms, psycho-social support and spiritual and cultural care.
“We encourage the involvement of family so that they are involved in the care of patients,” said Dlamini.
St Francis is a member of the Hospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA) that is all about reaching out to the community from early diagnosis until critical illness.
“I have been here for the past 14 months. The staff are tremendous and my quality of life has definitely improved,” said Steve Rawlins, a palliative care patient at St Francis.
Rawlins struggles with high blood pressure and some early signs of memory loss and dementia and would not be able to manage on his own.
Dlamini said he is well cared for, surrounded by supportive people and things he loves like books and radio programmes.
“It is very important that the community of Boksburg know that those who enjoy palliative care are loved, cared for and that they matter.”
