Hospice care is a special kind of care that focuses on quality of life for anyone that receives life-threatening diagnosis.
Hospice care provides holistic care for both the individual that has received the
diagnosis as well as their caregivers and loved ones, so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible.
Are hospices quality controlled In South Africa?
The Hospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA) is a membership body for hospices and works
with all of the members and partner organizations to advance the palliative care sector in South Africa.
This includes the generation and provision of the STANDARDS FOR PALLIATIVE HEALTHCARE SERVICES that are provided free to member organizations and at a fee to anyone else.
Do you have to pay to go into a hospice?
Admission to a Hospice Program is not dependant on ability to pay for the holistic care that they
provide. However, hospices operate like a business. They have rent, utility bills and have salaries to
pay. So, whilst hospice care is free for those who are unable to pay for it, hospices do have
expenses to cover and are dependent on funding and donations. Some medical aids do support
palliative care.
Hospices provide holistic (physical, psychological, social and spiritual) care via a multi-disciplinary team of experts to anyone with a life-threatening illness and their families. Palliative care is offered from the point of diagnosis and extends to bereavement support if needed.
Over 90% of the care that HPCA members provide is home-based with a focus on promoting
quality of life. social, psychological, spiritual and physical support.
How does hospice work in South Africa?
Anyone may refer a patient to hospice – a friend, neighbor, family member, or even the patient themselves. Many people are referred via the medical practitioner or organization treating them.
There will then be an assessment by the hospice to confirm that the patient is in need of palliative care.
What type of patients goes to hospice?
Hospice care is for anyone diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
Hospice care can be provided for as long as the person’s doctor and hospice care team
certify that the condition remains life-limiting.
How long do hospice patients live?
Palliative care is whole-person care that supports anyone with a life-threatening diagnosis. In
some cases, towards curative and in some cases, through to death.