MANY TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS find the hospital setting too depressing and tend to die quicker if they remain there.
However, says Deiann Sobers, president of the Barbados Association of Palliative Care, such patients live longer when quality care is provided within a home setting.
“A lot of patients want to go home to die as a hospital setting can be too restrictive,” she said.
Established about nine months ago, the association aims to take care of terminally ill patients and assist them in living out their last days in comfort and peace in the familiarity of their own home and surrounded by family and friends.
“A hospital setting gives the feeling of ‘I’m going to die’ but we want people to think along the lines of ‘what are you going to do for the rest of your life?’ and we find people live longer with quality palliative care,” Sobers said in a recent interview.
“We offer health, medical and physical assistance as well as social care for those diagnosed with a terminal illness. Also, if you need any help we cannot give, we can refer you to non-governmental organizations that deal with whatever help you may need,” she added.
The association, which boasts members from the medical fraternity, Government and the clergy, has hosted free seminars and courses. It held a classical music concert last Saturday at the Frank Collymore Hall under the patronage of Minister of Health Donville Inniss. (CA)
