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Palliative Care / End of Life End-of-Life Care
End of Life is an overarching term to describe all types
of care delivered to patients who are at the end of their
lives.
Palliative Care
Palliative Care is a philosophy of care which combines active
and compassionate therapies intended to comfort and support
individuals and families who are living with threatening illness.
During periods of illness and bereavement palliative care
strives to meet physical, psychological, social and spiritual
expectations and needs, while remaining sensitive to personal,
cultural and religious values, beliefs and practices. Palliative
care may be combined with therapies aimed at reducing or curing
illness or it may be the total focus of care. (Canadian Palliative
Care Association, 1995)
Terminal Care
Terminal care is one component of palliative care and usually
refers to the management of patients during their last few
days, weeks, months at a point when it becomes clear that
the patient is in progressive state of decline (National Council
for Hospice and Palliative Care Services, 1995).
Hospice Palliative Care
Hospice is a term which has different meanings in different
countries. In Canada Hospice Palliative Care is aimed at the
relief of suffering and improving the improving the quality
of life of persons who are living with or dying from advanced
illness or are bereaved. (Canadian Palliative Care Association,
1999). This term formally recognizes the collaboration between
hospice volunteer programs and palliative care services.
For information on regional, provincial and national resources
click here.
References
Fisher,
R., Ross, M.N., & Maclean, M. (2000). A guide to end of
life care for seniors. Health Canada. Ottawa).
Paquette, D. (2004). Source Document. To Support the Development
of End-of-Life Networks in Ontario, District Health Councils
of Ontario.
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