World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, on October 12, is a reminder of the role palliative care plays in the lives of those facing terminal illnesses, says St Luke’s Hospice sister Joanne Austin.

The day is a chance to reflect on how palliative care can profoundly touch the lives of the terminally ill and their families, ensuring that those facing the “end-of-life” can experience peace, dignity, and comfort, she says.

Palliative care, she says "is about affirming life, and regarding dying as a normal part of the life cycle."

This type of care neither hastens nor postpones death but instead provides crucial support to enable patients to live as fully and actively as possible. Whether provided in a hospice, hospital, or at home, palliative care can enhance the quality of life for both patients and their loved ones.

She said home-based palliative care could help patients live free from pain and other debilitating symptoms, ensuring comfort and improved quality of life; offer support while patients continued with their treatment; integrate the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of care; and provide a support system that extended to families, including bereavement counselling and emotional support.

At St Luke’s Hospice, a professional nurse with palliative care training is the case manager for each new patient referred by the referring doctor such as the general practitioner, oncologist, or a state hospital.

A social worker provides the patient and family with psychological and social support while trained hospice volunteers are available for group and individual support and counselling.

When required, the hospice doctor consults with patients either at home or during a two-week stay in St Luke’s in-patient unit.

St Luke’s Hospice had played a significant role in providing compassionate care for patients in False Bay, said Sister Austin.

Forty years ago, a group of women from the community underwent caregiver training at St Luke’s head office in Kenilworth with the aim of supporting patients in need of palliative care. In 1995, the False Bay satellite branch of St Luke’s was officially formed. It’s office is at 161 Kommetjie Road.

“Our hard-working team of volunteers continue to make it all happen. Today there are around 70 men and women involved in a variety of support roles as volunteers at St Luke’s False Bay Hospice,” Sister Austin said.

The hospice’s work is entirely funded by the community, particularly through the St Luke’s Hospice Shop on Recreation Road, which is also run by volunteers.

Sister Austin said the public could get involved by donating goods to the hospice charity shop or by shopping there.

“You never know what bargains or treasures you might discover,” she said, adding that St Luke’s accepted any usable hospital equipment or nappies at its office, and new volunteers were also welcome.

St Luke’s Hospice is open from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. To contact the office, call 021 785 2104, and to contact the shop, call 021 7824992.

The St Luke’s Hospice Charity Shop in Recreation Road.

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