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 is about living life fully to the very end of life with dignity, comfort, care and support. At some time, in some way, we must all face the end of life. When death comes to a loved one or us, we hope it will be peaceful and free of pain. We hope to be surrounded by those we love, feeling safe, comfortable and cared for. Palliative Care helps make the transition through the stages of a life limiting illness to death both manageable and meaningful for the person facing death, family members and friends.

Who can receive Palliative Care?

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

Is there a cost for this service?

• Support from a palliative care team member is available at no additional cost.
• The Palliative Care Drug Program is available for Manitoba residents who are registered on the palliative care program.
• 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 team (see contacts below).

What happens when a referral is made?

A Palliative Care team member 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)
• Understanding Your Grief (Brochure)
• Palliative Care Volunteer Service (Brochure)

More information

• A Caregiver’s Guide – A Handbook About End-of-Life Care
• Children and Youth Grief Network
• Virtual Hospice
• Palliative Sedation Therapy
• EI Caregiver Benefits
• Never Alone Foundation
• Give a Mile
• Palliative Care Drug Access Program

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