Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of patients do hospice look after?
• Cancer • Motor neuron Disease • End stage organ failure • Emphysema • Aids
Who pays for the service from hospice?
We offer free services to anyone who has an incurable life threatening illness, but if the patient is on medical aid we do claim from the medical aid.
What is the difference between Hospice and Palliative Care?
Hospice is not a place or a building, but rather a philosophy of care that involves professionals and volunteers who provide medical, psychological, and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their loved ones.
What is palliative care?
The World Health Organization defines palliative care as an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with life threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering, the early identification and impeccable assessment and the treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychological and spiritual. It is applicable early in the course of illness in conjunction with other therapies that are intended to prolong life such as anti-retroviral therapy and continues until the end of life. It provides a support system to help the family to cope during the patient’s illness and during bereavement.
Is there a difference between home-based care and Palliative care?
Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients facing problems associated with life threatening illnesses through the prevention and relief of suffering, early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual. It can be carried out anywhere. Home-based care is the provision of health services by formal and informal care givers in the patient’s home in order to promote, restore and maintain a person’s maximum level of comfort,function and health including care towards a dignified death.
Who provides Palliative care?
Palliative care is provided by doctors, nurses, social workers / counsellors and trained volunteers.
Isn’t hospice a building?
Hospice is not a building, since not all Hospices offer In-Patient units. Hospice is an organisation that offers a specific kind of care that is motivated by values of caring for patients as a holistic being with physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. As mentioned, it is not a place, nor a building, but rather a concept of care that involves professionals and volunteers who provide medical, psychological, and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their loved ones. If I am not situated in the Pretoria or Mamelodi areas, how do I find a hospice close to me? Ask your local doctor or clinic sister to help you to contact your nearest hospice. Or visit the web site at http://www.hospicepalliativecaresa.co.za/map.html
Who refers patients for Hospice care?
- Patients are referred by doctors, nurses or other health services or practitioners.
- The patient themselves, friends or family members.
- Community services such as home-based care organisations.
- Patients may only be admitted if they or their guardian give consent.
Does Hospice mean the patient is dying?
No. The principal aim of hospice care is to control pain and other symptoms so that the patient can remain as comfortable and enjoy a good quality of life as much as their illness will let them.
Banking Details
ABSA Woodlands Savings Account: 349 814 9692 Branch code: 630 193 *NB Ref: Website