Back in 2008 I made a post about "Advance Directives". In that post I talked about the importance of planning for what you would want done if you were given a terminal diagnosis.In that post I mentioned that our Health Authority had put out a series of pamphlets entitled "Advanced Health Care Planning" They were a series of 4 pamphlets. The first pamphlet Planning Fact sheet; is used as a tool to help the individual plan for advanced care and talking to the family and health care provider about their wishes. The second pamphlet dealt with CPR and what that means and the benefits and risks. The third asks you to look at how much health care you want. It describes 4 different levels of care, Comfort, Limited, Surgical or Intensive Care. The final pamphlets talks about feeding and for some that can be one of the most difficult topics to discuss. In light of what is currently going on in my family it seemed like an apporiate subject to talk about again.
The other day when my mother and father in law returned home from their trip to the cancer agency they discussed with us what the oncologist had to say. One of the topics MIL mentioned was "Palliative care". When I heard her speak those words I thought, thank god someone had the wisdom and foresight to brooch this sensitive topic with them.
I was a palliative care nurse for 5 years. I was so please to hear that MIL was open to all the program had to offer.
Palliative programs help not only the patient, but they help the families deal with end of life issues and how to help the individual deal with medical or emotional issues that they may be faced with during their journey.
One such issue that my MIL might be faced with is that of oxygenation. With the cancer being in her lung she will come to the point when taking a simple breath will become a struggle. In order to help minimize this discomfort she will be entitled to receive home oxygen and oxygen therapy at no cost to her or the family. The Palliative care program picks up the cost.
For someone who has to deal with knowing their time is limited, the last thing they need to worry about is the financial implications of receiving such treatments. Knowing that things such as this will be taken care of provides a certain peace of mind and can allow the individual to focus on what truly matters to them at this point in time.
Palliative programs provide such a valuable service to the community. The program is headed by physicians, pharmacist, physio and occupational therapists, registered nurses, pastoral care, and even provides for alternative therapies such as music, pet, therapeutic touch and so much more. This program provides an opportunity for an individual to stay at home for as long as they like and can manage. It also provides an opportunity for respite for the caregiver.
There are so many wonderful services that this program provides, and I am so thankful that we have that available to my mother in law, and that she is receptive to becoming part of the program.
If you would like to learn more about Palliative care programs here are a few links.....
Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association
Health Canada
Cancer Research UK what is palliative treatment
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
