Update from the Quality End of Life Care Coalition of Canada

This morning I received a Press Release from the QELCCC (Quality End of Life Care Coalition of Canada). I am just going to include the statistics on deaths in Canada and projections of death in the coming decades, their priorities, and the link for you to check for further information:

"More than 259,000 Canadians die each year.[1] Of those, only a small proportion receive hospice palliative care. By 2026, with the aging population, the number of Canadians dying each year will increase by 40% to 330,000. By 2036, Canada will see more than 425,000 deaths a year.[2]"

The QELCCC has identified their priorities:

"To continue to improve care at the end of life for all Canadians, the progress report outlines four priorities of the QELCCC over the next 10 years.

• Ensure all Canadians have access to high quality hospice palliative end-of-life care.
• Provide more support for family caregivers.
• Improve the quality and consistency of hospice palliative end-of-life care in Canada. Canadians should expect to receive high quality care in all parts of the country.
• Encourage Canadians to discuss and plan for end of life. Hospice palliative end-of-life care will not be a priority in our health care system until it is a priority for Canadians.
  

For more information on the QELCCC, or to download a copy of the 10 Years Later: A Progress Report on the Blueprint for Action, please visit: www.qelccc.ca.

[1] Population Projections for Canada, Provinces and Territories - 2000 - 2026, Statistics Canada, Catalogue #91-520, p. 110.

[2] Population Projections for Canada, Provinces and Territories - 2000 - 2026, Statistics Canada, Catalogue #91-520, p. 124.

Haiti - There are no words ....

Together with the rest of humanity, we share the sorrow of the people of Haiti and their loved ones wherever they are.

Over the past weeks I have reflected on this tragedy from the perspective of a thanatologist, a hospice nurse, a mom, and a neighbour. Each of these perspectives brings me new thoughts, new questions, and new wonder about how the community is coping, and what they have yet to face.
I am sure that through the rubble, stories of sorrow and stories of triumph will emerge. My concern is for those stories that are not told, not held, and not shared.

Stephen Lewis spoke at the ADEC (Association for Death Education and Counseling) conference a few years ago. He spoke beautifully, in his passionate way - what an orator! He thanked the "grief counselors" for the work that they do - not only locally but internationally. He concluded with a call to respond to individuals who face tragedy and such significant losses in the international community.

I was intrigued by his call to action. I often wonder what we can do to support those whose grief is far beyond any loss or grief that we can begin to comprehend. I was heartened to hear from his perspective, as one so immersed in the losses experienced in Africa, in particular, that despite cultural and language barriers, there is a need for our skills.

As nations reach out to help Haitians rebuild, individuals experienced with grief and death can help survivors face life.

Kath

Meeting with the Gerontology Nurses and Allied Caregivers....Victoria BC

Tonight I had a sweet experience. I met with a group of people specializing in gerontology. Most were nurses, some were Resident Care Assistants, and we were fortunate to have a Social Worker in our midst. In the group were a few leaders who have led the way and set a great example to follow. Their commitment to excellent care for our seniors is and always has been evident in their work. In the group there were many nurses and caregivers that I had not met before. The group oozed with enthusiasm for their work.

I reflected on the fact that almost 100% of people who go to live in a long term care facility will die in that facility unless they transfer to another facility. Very few return to independent living. In BC the length of stay has decreased due to shortage of beds and an attempt to keep people in the homes as long as possible. Residents are admitted with more complex issues. This work is "big", this work is "complex". This work is challenging.

I reflect on the concept of a "hospice palliative approach", and the need to address end of life issues from time of admission onward. Palliative Care Australia suggests that 65% of the dying do not need the services of a specialty hospice palliative care service, but can be cared for well with the skills of primary care team. I agree, that many of our dying can be cared for beautifully in the long term care facilities. But adequate funds are necessary to provide this care!

My heart goes out to this team of people who work hard and do so much with so few resources. I wish them the best, and salute them for the great work of care giving that they do!

Way to go!

Warm regards,

Kath

Announcing two NEW WORKBOOKS

In response to feedback from college instructors and hospice colleagues we fine tuned the "Essential in Hospice Palliative Care Workbook". We created one workbook specifically for students in the Practical Nurse program, and a second workbook specifically for Health Care Workers. Both workbooks are companions to the "Essentials" manual, link with the DVDs, PPTs and Podcasts and can serve as a self study guide or for integration into core curriculum. The answer keys for the workbooks will be available in February.

Thanks to all who provided feedback and who reviewed the materials. Thanks to Terry Downing and Kelly Townsend for their contributions!