Preparing For Approaching Death

Hospice offers a comprehensive program of care to patients facing life threatening illnesses. It emphasizes palliative rather than curative treatment; quality rather than quantity of life. The dying is comforted. Care plan, emotional, spiritual and practical supports are given based on patient's wishes and needs. Hospice affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. It neither hastens nor postpones death. It provides a caring community so that patient and family members can attain the necessary preparation for a death that is satisfactory to them.

The dying has a variety of physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs. The nature of dying is unique . The goal of the hospice team is to be sensitive and responsive to the special requirements of each patient.

There are 2 established centre in Klang Valley. Kasih Hospice (www.kasih-hospice.org) and Hospis Malaysia (www.hospismalaysia.org). Both provide services free of charge. They are funded through contributions by the families of patients, donations and corporate pledges. How can we contribute? We can contribute our time or money. Join in their activities. Be a volunteer and be humbled by the experiences.

Tarak cakap tak serupa bikin. I 'signed up' as a volunteer recently and have visited the oncology ward at GH twice. (1st Sunday of the month for 2 hours). Just lent our ears to the patients. Majorities were not from KL and needed shoulders to cry on. On the last visit, an elderly uncle, who was just a few beds away returned to the Maker, surrounded by his children! RIP!

pic - mummy package not included!