What is Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is compassionate care of the patient and family when cure is no longer possible. This is also known as care of the terminally ill or of the dying. However, the PCOP team prefers the dictionary definition of Palliative Care, simply defined as "providing relief or comfort."
How do I become a patient cared for by your Program?
All of our patients have a terminal disease or illness. We require a consult from a doctor in order to be able to see you and take part in your care. This is necessary to ensure a continuity of care with all care providers being involved and working together. It is important for any patient care, but perhaps more so for the terminally ill, to have open communication amongst all care givers.
What happens after I am seen for the first time to ensure this communication amongst all health care professionals?
After our first visit we contact your family doctor and all medical specialists and request and share information with them. We also request written consult reports, lab work and other data from your record so we have a complete file and can better help you in the future.
Who is on the team of the PCOP?
We have 1 full time doctor and 2 part-time doctors. There is 1 full time nurse who will work with the doctors to care for you at home. We also have an office manager who will be your first contact when you phone the office or require any other administrative assistance. We also have a massage therapist who is available on a fee for service basis.
What types of services does your team provide?
The doctors and nurse will see you regularly and provide an assessment and assistance with pain and symptom management, emotional support and help with future planning. They will follow you with frequent phone contact and visits as often as is required for your comfort and peace of mind.
Will your nurses help me with bedside care?
No, our nurse will see you regularly and provide a full assessment and suggestions for your care in conjunction with the doctors with the Program. They do not do any bedside nursing care. This is provided by agencies hired by the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC.) Our doctors and nurse communicate closely with all these agencies to again provide continuity of care for you.
Where does this service take place?
Most of our patients are seen in their own homes. Our doctors and nurse do from 5-8 house calls each day to provide advice concerning pain and symptom management. A few patients who are earlier in their illness and are well enough to travel can come to our office to be seen. The venue for the visits can change daily depending on the patient’s condition.
What are your hours of operation?
The hours for which you will be able to contact the administrator, a doctor or a nurse at the office is from 08:00 until 16:00 hrs Monday until Friday. However, all our patients and their families are given a pager number that will reach the nurse and doctor on call 24/7.
What happens when my loved one dies at home?
You should call the pager number provided for you and the doctor will come to your home. She will complete the necessary form and help with other plans that are necessary. You should not call 911 or any emergency services. A coroner is not needed to come when death is expected and a doctor is present to certify that the death was expected.
What about me and my family after the death?
We are still available to help you. Our team makes follow-up phone calls to you and visits if you wish. We also send out a bereavement package with readings and other information. We can be available for counselling for families on the short term or we can refer you to other professionals who have experience in grief counselling. We also hold an annual memorial service for everyone to attend.
