What is the North Shore Palliative Care Program?

Should you, your friend, or a family member become part of the Palliative Care Program, your physician would continue to direct your care - supported by an interdisciplinary team of caregivers who supplement the care given by family and friends.

The immediate palliative care team is comprised of your family physician or a family physician specializing in palliative care, hospital and community palliative care doctors and nurses and a social worker.

The larger team includes a medical director, a clinical resource nurse, a pharmacist, a dietitian, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a music therapist, a chaplain, a volunteer coordinator, volunteers and a bereavement coordinator.

Palliative Care is delivered wherever you are; in the hospital on a ward or in the Palliative Care Unit, in your home, in a long-term care facility or the hospice currently being built on the North Shore. The care focuses on patient comfort, including pain and symptom control, family support and quality of life. Any of the team may be involved in your care depending on your needs.

As your illness progresses, care will be provided more intensively regardless of location. Home care nurses and social workers in particular will increase the frequency of their visits to ensure you are comfortable and that your care giving family and friends are given the breaks and support they need. [link to the NS pc program site].
 

Home Medication Kit

Included in the BC palliative care program, free of charge, is a standardized home medication kit used province wide. When you are within a few weeks of dying, your doctor may order one to assist your family and nurse with medications should there be changes required at the weekend or overnight. It can save you and your family time, energy and worry. It does not replace your regular medications. The nurse will be in charge of managing its contents. If changes are required, they can be sorted out during regular hours between your doctor and home care nurse.

Home Care Equipment

If you wish to stay at home, equipment such as a wheel chair, temporary railings, hospital bed or commode may be required. The home care nurses will make this assessment and ensure it is provided when needed.