Our Palliative Care approach brings dignity and improves the quality of life of patients and families facing problems associated with serious illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering. We deliver services in the community, include nursing care for pain and symptom management and psychosocial services to address emotional, spiritual and social distress. We provide bereavement support after the loss of a loved one.
The word ‘palliative’ comes from the Latin word ‘pallium’ meaning a cloak. It describes palliative care interventions as a “cloak” of total care with the primary aim of providing comfort.
The World Health Organisation 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, early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, whether physical, psychosocial, or spiritual.
Palliative Care is provided through a multi-disciplinary approach by our team who work in partnership with the patient’s doctor to provide additional support. It focusses on the patient’s needs rather than the patient’s prognosis. The care is focused on the wellbeing of the patient and support to the family.
We provide support for life limiting/life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, neurological diseases, dementia, and frailty.
Our team provides services to patients and their families both in the public and private sectors. We render care to patients and their families throughout the Northern, Tygerberg and Eastern Substructures.
Tygerberg Hospice invites you to make use of the services that are offered to enable you to experience peace of mind while your loved one receives supportive care from our professional team.
PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE
Support for family and caregivers, including bereavement counselling is vital for hospice and palliative care. Many families and caregivers need assistance and require information, preparation, and support to assist them in their roles.
Life limiting illnesses and trauma affect all aspects of our lives: physically, emotionally, mentally, psychologically, and spiritually.
Psychosocial support assists individuals in receiving support and education to reduce life stressors. This can be achieved through general counselling, bereavement counselling, education, spiritual support, support groups, and other services. These services may be provided by registered Counsellors, Social Workers, Nurses, and Volunteers.
Counselling and social support can help people and their carers cope more effectively with each stage of their illness to enhance their quality of life. With adequate support, people are less likely to develop serious mental health problems. Each individual is uniquely different and therefore needs a unique approach. It is imperative to understand the psychological and social environment people find themselves in and how these factors impact the individual’s mental wellness and ability to function effectively.
Tygerberg Hospice also offers bereavement care to families who have lost loved ones. Bereavement care is essential for hospice care. Qualified Bereavement Counsellors and volunteers are available to help families process their feelings as they go through the stages of grief and adapt to their new life. We provide ongoing bereavement support for the bereaved over a period of 13 months.
We care and are concerned with the psychological and emotional well-being of patients and their families; this includes self-esteem and insight to their or their family members illness. The department will always put the needs of the patient first to ensure the patient is in an environment conducive to their physical and mental well-being.
Contact Details:
Tel: 021 946 2460
Palliative Care referral forms should be submitted to: pcreferrals@tygerberghospice.org
Physical Address:
Grounds of Karl Bremer Hospital
Unit M7 & M8
c/o Mike Pienaar Boulevard & Frans Conradie Drive
Bellville
7530