I Am A Health Care Professional

The North Shore Hospice & Palliative Project relies on the support and recommendation of health care professionals to maximize quality of life for patients through its progressive services.

“When I was diagnosed with cancer I I had a hard time coming to grips with it. My mind was racing a hundred miles a minute thinking about why me? What will my future be? I knew that I had to do something to calm myself down and get myself centered. When I heard that the North Shore Hospice was offering yoga I thought that I could give it a try.

Best thing I have done for myself in a long time. I find that during yoga class I become centered and in the moment. Everything else falls away. It allows me time to nurture my body, mind and spirit. My breathing and flexibility have improved. It has helped me be a better person. I have also met some incredible people through the class.

- B.V.

WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY “PALLIATIVE CARE”?

- Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses

- The focus is on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious
illness.

- The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

- Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and other specialists who work together
with a patient's other doctors to provide an extra layer of support.

- Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness. It can be provided
along with any beneficial treatment.

REGISTRATION IN THE NORTH SHORE PALLIATIVE & SUPPORTIVE CARE PROGRAM

Connecting patients with serious life limiting or terminal illness to the palliative care program greatly improves the quality of their lives. They spend less time in hospital, have fewer crises requiring emergency department visits, and are more likely to be able to die in their place of choice.

Internationally, palliative care is recognized as requiring a team-based approach to the patient and family. The North Shore Palliative & Supportive Care Program helps co-ordinate the team required around a patient and family, working alongside their family doctor.

REFERRAL CRITERIA FOR NS PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM
METASTATIC CANCER	Any patient
CHF / COPD	Severe disease or >2 Exacerbation hospital admissions in 365 days
ALS / MOTOR NEURON DISEASE	At diagnosis or ASAP
CVA	Persistent vegetative state, post CVA dementia or no improvement in 3 months
ENDSTAGE KIDNEY DISEASE	No option or no choice for dialysis or transplant or severe co morbidities
DEMENTIA / FRAILTY	Palliative Performance Scale < 50%
PARKINSONS	Reduced independence, swallowing problems, reduced drug effectiveness

Registration can be completed by faxing the form to LGH PCU: 604-984-3798 Registration forms are available from Jane Jordan at [email protected] or 604-984-3743; Registration forms can also be found on the Coastal Palliative Care website: http://www.coastalpalliativecare.ca/

EVERY DAY COUNTS PROGRAM

Every Day Counts is a free program offered by the North Shore Hospice & Palliative Project and Vancouver Coastal Health North Shore Palliative Care. This progressive and flexible program is specifically designed for patients facing serious illness and their families to realize the best quality of life. The services offered by Every Day Counts include resource and information support, well-being sessions and classes, counselling and group support.

How to Refer to EDC explained.

Learn More about Every Day Counts Program.

GUIDANCE

How do you manage symptoms? What type of exercise is encouraged? How do you navigate Palliative Care Resources? Our team of trained professionals provide guidance, insight, and encourage open, honest communication.

WELL-BEING

Every Day Counts puts patients of all ages at the centre of care. With tailored programs, including yoga, relaxation support groups (music therapy), and our Portrait in the Garden sessions, Every Day Counts promotes emotional and physical well-being with focus on the patient. Patients can choose from several classes that improve vitality and help them stay active.

SUPPORT

Serious illness is as much an emotional and spiritual journey, as it is physical. We stand together as a community to provide empathy and support throughout this stage in life. Patients and family members are encouraged to seek out assistance in individual and group settings.

We invite you to learn more about this unique program and understand the positive impact it has on the lives of families in need.

THE BILL FIELD COMMUNITY FUND

Named after a long-time palliative care volunteer, board member, and treasurer of the North Shore Hospice Society, the “Bill Fund” provides immediate financial support for palliative patients and families in need. Bill Field was passionate about supporting palliative patients and families, including providing essential financial support. Grants are given to meet the often unexpected costs that arise during palliative care and which are not covered by provincial health care. The Bill Fund grants may cover the cost of additional equipment for the home, additional short-term care, or lifeline alert system assistance.

For more information, contact the North Shore Hospice & Palliative Project at [email protected] or 604-984-5785.

VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH

Learn more about Vancouver Coastal Health’s Palliative Care Program here.

RESOURCES

Are you looking for more information on palliative care?
Please click here for a list of resources that may assist you.