I am a nurse with more than 10 years of experience in the hospice in singapore setting here in Singapore – I’ve been fortunate to care for numerous patients and their families during one of the most difficult moments they will ever face. Since working with Caritas Singapore Community Council, a provider of hospice care and palliative medicine services in Singapore. I realised how misguided that was.
Aspiring Artist to Caring Nursificient
My journey into nursing was unbelievably not linear. When I was a teenager, my career aspirations included living in Paris and being the greatest painter to have ever lived. Unfortunately, after one too many jokes about being a starving artist from my immediate family I decided stability was more appealing. I realized then that being there for others when they needed it most was what I truly wanted to do while volunteering at a local hospital. It was to my heavy heart that I turned in my paintbrush for a stethoscope and became a Registered Nurse.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a form of healthcare that tends to the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of patients who have terminal illnesses. Hospice care, unlike traditional medical care which is aimed at curing or treating a disease, prioritizes comfort and symptom control over cure. Our team of experienced nurses, doctors and volunteers at Caritas Singapore Community Council work together to ensure the most comfortable care for patients as they near their end-of-life.
One question that we get and let us honestly tell you, it is completely legitimate to ask about this – Who qualifies for Hospice Care in Singapore?
However, in Singapore it is ready to hospital take care of patients who may have been identified as having a life-acclimating debilitated and are considered for just about any half-year or less. This pertains to conditions such as cancer that is in its final stages, complete organ failure and neurodegenerative diseases the likes of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson disease. Hospice care is not limited to elderly patients, however; people of any age can opt for this type of medical service.
Advantages of Hospice Care
Benefits of Hospice Care for Patients and Their Families Here are just some of the benefits:
– Pain Relief and Symptom Control: Special measures will be used to alleviate pain, nausea or discomfort so that each patient stays as comfortable as possible.
– Emotional & Spiritual Support – Our team at Caritas Singapore Community Council offers emotional and spiritual support to patients as well as family caregivers of a patient going through the stages of life-limiting illness.
Personalized care plans: Plans of care are built in collaboration with patients and their families to ensure each individual receives the right services suitable for them.
Improved Quality of Life: Hospice care can provide all available treatments to help alleviate pain and symptoms, allowing patients to focus on what matters most.
Tips and Tricks Re-tailored to You
I have a few hints and tips that I try to pass along in order to help make the hospice day go by with just a bit of sweetness or tenderness for my friends who also happen be busy taking care of palliative patients while being retired nurses themselves.
- ASK (always): You are never a burden when asking our team for help or requesting information about your loved one, and we find great satisfaction in educating families on hospice care.
- You need time: Helping a loved one living with a life-limiting illness can be an emotive, physical and tiring experience. Remember to give yourself breaks, and look after yourself so you don’t burn out.
- Time to live, not die: Hospice care is about living and creating cherished memories with your loved one. Dig deep and laugh, remember, and just be with the people you do life with!
As people working in the field of hospice in singapore for Caritas Singapore Community Council, we understand that this can lead to undue stress and uncertainty. It is for this reason that we are here to offer our support and guidance (as well as a dose of compassion) in caring for the patients/families during their most challenging situation. If you or a loved one are considering hospice care, contact our team to learn more.
