Palliative Care

A Common Hope… At some time, in some way, we must all face the end of life. And most of us share in a common hope – that when death comes, it will be peaceful and free of pain. We hope to feel safe, comfortable and cared for, surrounded by those we love. The Palliative Care Program has been designed to help.

Palliative Care is a commitment to whole person care that helps to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for those who have a life limiting illness that cannot be cured.

• Palliative care will help you and your family with:
• Physical care
• Emotional needs
• Pain and symptom management
• Spiritual care
• Cultural needs
• End of life planning

What services are available?

• Acute Care – If you choose to die in a health care centre or if your care needs can no longer be met in your home, admission to a hospital is available. Care and support for you and your family will be provided if you require admission to hospital.
• Brandon Regional Health Centre Palliative Care Unit – The palliative care unit provides comfort focused care at end of life. The unit may be available for you by speaking to the Palliative Care Coordinator.
• Home Care – Nursing and home care attendant support and resources may be available. Some people choose to die at home. If this is your wish, please discuss this with your Palliative Care Coordinator.
• Personal Care Homes – Care and support will be provided for personal care home residents and their family.

Who can receive Palliative Care?

Individuals diagnosed with a progressive, life-limiting illness that cannot be cured.

Is there a cost for this service?

• Palliative care services are available at no additional cost.
• The Palliative Care Drug Program is available for Manitoba residents who are registered on the palliative care program by the Palliative Care Coordinator.
• Ambulance costs are not covered by the palliative care program.

How is someone referred to the Palliative Care Program?

Referrals to the Palliative Care Program can be made by anyone – you, your physician, your family or friends by contacting the Palliative Care Coordinator or any other health care provider.

What happens when a referral is made?

The Palliative Care Coordinator will contact you. They can meet with you and your family in your home, hospital or Personal Care Home to talk about your needs and develop a plan of care.

Volunteers

Volunteers are an important part of the Palliative Care Program. Trained volunteers provide compassionate and confidential care for you and your family at home, in a hospital or in a personal care home. Get more information about volunteering for Palliative Care here.

Helpful materials

• Food and Fluids at the End of Life (Brochure)
• Our Palliative Care Program (Brochure)
• Pain Control at the End of Life (Brochure)
• Palliative Care Referral (form)
• Understanding Your Grief (Brochure)
• Palliative Care Volunteer Service (Brochure)

More information

• A Caregiver’s Guide – A Handbook About End-of-Life Care – English | French
• Children and Youth Grief Network
• Virtual Hospice

Camp Bridges

This camp, open to any child in Manitoba, aged 7 – 15 years, who is grieving the death of someone significant in their lives. Camp Bridges will provide a safe environment where the campers have opportunities to interact and share their feelings with other children in similar circumstances. They may learn to understand their grief, recognize that they are not alone, and that their feelings are normal. The camp is not designed to provide grief therapy, but we will acknowledge the loss and grief, honour memories, and have some fun, too. There is no fee to attend the camp. Read more.

Videos

Contact

Referrals: fax to 204-629-3499