Skip to content

Local group makes clients, families comfortable

Hospice doesn't focus on dying; it focuses on living
72238100milewebTracyHaddow_039
100 Mile House Hospice Palliative Care Society program director Tracy Haddow shows the palliative area at the South Cariboo Health Unit. The unit houses comfortable rooms for patients

There are a few myths floating around the palliative approach to care, one of them is that raising the topic of palliative care robs hope from patients and their caregivers.

"We try to make it a home-like environment to give the patient and families more control, says 100 Mile District Hospice Palliative Care Society program director Tracy Haddow.

"It helps the patient and family focus on living, when my husband died, I thought if only we could just figure out how to live while dying."

Some folks may think patients are better off not talking about palliative care.

In reality, a patient does not have to be within weeks of dying to benefit from palliative care. Folks can start the discussion early about protecting their quality of life as long as possible, which could include clinical interventions but it also means understanding what's important to the patient.

Tucked away in the South Cariboo Health Centre building on 555 Cedar Ave. is a palliative care room available to eligible clients who require respite, assistance with pain and symptom management or are at the end stage of a disease process.

"There is medical staff available when needed, but the rooms are designed for comfort and to ease stress."

The bedroom is designed for peacefulness, a window to gaze out, a T.V. and a music system. There is a comfortable seating arranged for visitors. Next to the bedroom is a lounging area complete with kitchenette.

Pets are even welcome, as long as they are well-behaved and people keep the door to the room closed while the pets are visiting.

For more information on palliative care, call 100 Mile Hospice at 250-395-7680.