Submitted by the Sunrise Health Region
As it has in previous years the Sunrise Health Region is recognizing National Hospice Palliative Care Week – May 6-12. The week is intended to raise awareness about end-of-life care and the services that are offered in that area.
Hospice palliative care is “whole-person care” that aims to relieve suffering and improve the quality of living and dying for people with progressive life-limiting illnesses and their families. It affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. Those who are dying require skilled end-of-life care and support and families also need help providing care as well as support in coping with loss and grief during illness and bereavement.
Hospice palliative care is appropriate for any person and/or family living with, or at risk of developing a life-limiting illness due to any diagnosis, with any prognosis, regardless of age. At any time they may have unmet expectations and/or needs and are prepared to accept care. Hospice palliative care is most effective when delivered by a team of healthcare professionals who provide sensitive and skilled care to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of both the person and the family.
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is a national association and voice engaged in advancing and advocating for quality end-of-life/hospice palliative care in Canada. Established in 1991, its volunteer board of directors is comprised of hospice palliative care workers and volunteers whose work includes public policy, public education and awareness. CHPCA works in close partnership with other national organizations and will continue to move forward with the goal of ensuring that all Canadians will have access to quality hospice palliative care for themselves and their families.
