Palliative Care Counselling
Patients and their families who are affected by terminal illness are confronted by a number of difficulties which may include family conflict, unresolved relationships, depression, anger, and anxiety. Added to this are worries about practical issues such as financial strain, employment, future care, and care of minor children in the family.
It can be traumatic for the patient and their family to accept their circumstances and continue the difficult process of end-of-life planning for their loved one. Our qualified counsellor and other team members (trained volunteers, clergy) are experienced, with a wealth of knowledge and skill, while their true worth lays in their caring hearts. As valued members of our multi-disciplinary team, they represent the patient and family’s wishes at every team meeting. Their goal is to ensure that each family receives care that is tailored to fit their particular needs.
Their services include:
- Personal and family counselling.
- Future care planning for patients.
- Care planning and support for vulnerable children.
- Spiritual care and support.
- Access to community resources and other specialised agencies.
- Co-ordination of support groups for patients.
- Co-ordination of the bereavement support service.
Their work involves helping people through some of the most vulnerable, stressful and difficult times of their lives. The rewards however, are great, walking side by side with the patient and their family results in profound connections being made, in the sharing and celebrating of significant moments in their lives, and in having a hugely positive impact during adverse times. Intrinsic to Hospice Bloemfontein care is the belief that, despite illness and loss, there is also a remarkable opportunity for self-awareness, change and growth for the patient and their family and this remains a primary focus in the work we do.