Palliative Care
"Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual." - World Health Organization
Palliative care assists with the physical, emotional and spiritual needs that surround the end of a life. The patient and their family’s wishes determine their care plan. It can include pain and symptom management, grief counselling and caregiver support.
Offering palliative care earlier in a diagnosis most often greatly improves the end-of-life experience for the individual and their family. Palliative care can be delivered at home, in a hospice or in a hospital, depending on the needs of the patient and family.
The OutCare Foundation is dedicated to helping organizations in the palliative care network of Eastern Ontario. We believe that all patients and families should receive the care they need, in the setting of their choice, for their end-of-life journey."
Why Support Palliative Care?
An overwhelming 90% of us will need palliative care one day.
What will it be like for you when your loved one dies? Will palliative care be there when you need it?
Tragically, only an estimated 30% of Canadians who need palliative care can access it. Too many among us face end of life without the appropriate support and care to allow quality of life. The impact of this lack of care is felt by family members as they struggle to locate appropriate help during this time of intense emotion. This added stress is often worsened by the fact that many are trying to maintain a balance in their life obligations such as work and daily family needs. Too often, family members are left with feelings of guilt and profound sadness when their loved one’s last moments are filled with pain and stress.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Palliative care helps to reduce pain and offer comfort. It provides support to the surviving family members.
A Smart Investment
Investing in community-based palliative care is not only responsive to the needs and wishes of individuals and their families, it makes good business sense. This chart illustrates the daily costs of palliative care in different settings.
Our vision is for everyone to have access to quality palliative care and supports at the time they need them most. Join us in making a difference!
The Champlain Hospice Palliative Care Program coordinates the delivery of palliative care in the Champlain region. Their site offers many online resources for patients and their caregivers.
Compassionate Ottawa supports and empowers individuals, their families and their communities throughout life for dying and grieving well.
KidsGrief is a free online resource to provide guidance to parents on how to support children who are grieving the dying or death of someone in their life.