Patient and Family Blog
End-of-Life Planning: A Legacy of Clarity and Care
Though death is a painful reality we instinctively avoid, delaying preparation and planning can rob us of control and clarity when facing uncertainty. Avoidance may feel protective, but in fact, avoiding these important matters can inadvertently cause more harm than addressing them head-on. Thoughtful planning can provide some clarity and peace while also easing the […]
Supporting Children and Teens Through a Parent’s Serious Illness
No one likes to think about their own mortality—especially when they’re raising children. But for many parents living with a serious illness, or simply wanting to plan ahead, the question quietly lingers: What if I die? How can I prepare my child or teen if that were to happen? Although death is a natural part […]
Does your healthcare team know what matters most to you?
How to Talk to Your Healthcare Team About What Matters Most – Insights from Dr. Margie Venter I was recently fortunate enough to pack my bags and travel with my family. That said, I have three boys—and in the midst of planning and packing, I sometimes wonder if the chaos is worth it! One gets […]
How does a professional carer support a patient and family during serious illness?
We recently checked in with *Sly, a professional carer to get a glimpse into the daily routine and challenges while caring for patients in a palliative care setting. Here’s what she had to share: What does a typical day look like for you when providing care for a palliative patient? A typical day starts with […]
My Experience Caring for My Friend with Advanced Cancer
I’ve known *James for several years from work. He doesn’t have a close relationship with his family, and there aren’t many people he could call close friends either. When his cancer got worse, he asked me to be his proxy. I didn’t fully understand what that meant, but I said yes. After his last hospital […]
Finding Purpose and Support in Palliative Care: A Personal Journey
Two years ago, I received a diagnosis that changed my life: colon cancer. Since then, my journey has had many challenges and uncertainties. For me, the essence of palliative care lies in the ability to continue living life on my terms despite the obstacles. My family, especially my grandchildren, son, and daughter-in-law, have become my driving […]
Navigating Emotions and Support: Insights from a Palliative Care Counsellor
What role do you play in the palliative care setting? As a counsellor in the palliative care setting, I focus on patients’ and their families’ emotional and social needs. I’m particularly passionate about supporting families who are often excluded from the healthcare team. I also help coordinate referrals and prioritize the psychosocial wellbeing of both […]
From Crisis to Comfort: How Social Workers Enhance Palliative Care
What is the role of the social worker in palliative care? The social worker is essential in coordinating care and support for the patient and their family. We focus on relieving the emotional and psychological distress of the patient and their family and help them come to terms with not only the diagnosis but also […]
Nourishing Words: The Role of Speech Therapists in Feeding and Communication Support
What Can a Speech Therapist Offer in Palliative Care? Speech therapy in palliative care provides essential support, with speech therapists helping patients communicate, even in the early stages of a diagnosis. We help patients express their wants and needs, enabling them to participate in their care and convey their values to both their families and […]
My Grief Counselling Story
Last year was one of the worst times in my whole life I had never in my 23 years of life experienced something this painful and traumatic from the visits to hospitals, doctors and clinics for tests and nobody could find a solution to my dear mom’s pain to being told she’s got stage 4 […]
Palliative Care from an Occupational Therapists perspective
We typically think of OTs in rehab. Where do they fit in in palliative care? Occupational therapists want to optimize a person’s quality of life through meaningful occupations. This means that we will adapt and modify activities and ensure that you can live and function regardless of your diagnosis and current health status; we want […]
Pain can be treated
Uncontrolled pain is probably the most troubling symptom that can chip away at one’s quality of life. It affects all aspects of living: mobility, appetite, sleep, mood relationships and well-being. Pain can be effectively managed with the support of your palliative care team or other healthcare providers. Sometimes medication is needed, making adjustments until […]
Palliative care and cancer
Think of palliative care as a fundamental level of support to a cancer patient and their loved ones. Contrary to popular belief that it’s associated with end-of-life care alone, this medical approach improves quality of life – through pain and symptom management – at any stage of a cancer journey.
Writing about grief as therapy
Today is National Grief Awareness Day. The death of someone close to us is an event we are all likely to experience. And the grief that comes along with it. For many of us, we don’t know what to do or how to deal with grief – whether it’s our own or the grief of […]