Palliative Care at Home

“Palliative care at home is an increasing part of the service we provide on the North Shore,” reports Bev Thompson RN of Living Well Home Care Services.  “With the growing number of clients with multiple medical concerns, Living Well Home Care has put together a team of Community Health Workers who specialize in palliative care and complex care clients.”

Palliative home care needs vary from client to client and Living Well recognizes that an individual’s home care plan must be tailored to meet specific needs. 

“Creativity and flexibility are used to offer our clients cost effective services that meet their own needs”, says Ms. Thompson.  “Home services are available 24/7 and can range from a short hourly visit to a live-in situation – all depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances.”

Palliative care is not limited to the hospital or hospice.   Many patients and families can manage serious illness at home with visits to hospital and hospice as and when needed.  Palliative home care services are often sought by families who wish to have in-home care for their family member when they choose to remain at home or while waiting for placement in a facility or supported living environment.

Equally important, home care services are available to provide patient care when the primary caregiver needs a break or is ill.  This is particularly important in palliative home care when the primary care giver is usually a family member and would benefit from a respite from on-going care responsibilities.  Living Well Home Care Services can also provide medication assistance and monitoring, meal preparation and housekeeping in support of both the patient and the family.

As palliative care needs increase, Living Well Home Care Services will continue to grow its expertise and services.  “We are proud to provide the education and training that is required to provide care in our communities”, says Ms. Thompson. “We frequently include family members and others in the community at our in-service training sessions. Because of their knowledge of the community and the resource available, our staff members are able to direct clients and their families to available services and frequently advocate on our clients’ behalf.” 

The good news for palliative care patients and their families is that options for palliative care at home are available in all the North Shore communities.  To learn more about Living Well Home Care, visit their website at www.livingwellhomecare.caor call 604-904-2397.