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ENGLEHART – Area residents living with serious or life-limiting illnesses now have access to more resources and services, thanks to Branch River Health (BRH) and the Timiskaming Hospice Palliative Care program.
BRH is responsible for managing the enhanced palliative care resources, expanded support services, and new opportunities to help shape the future of care in their communities. The district-wide program supports not only individuals living with serious or life-limiting illness, but also their families and caregivers.
While often associated with end-of-life care, palliative care is not limited to the final days of life, BRH says. That’s why the program also focuses on improving quality of life through symptom management, care coordination, emotional support, and helping patients receive care in the setting that best meets their needs, whether at home, in hospital, or in long-term care.
“Society doesn’t often place the words ‘good’ and ‘death’ together, but with honest conversations, compassion, and the right support, a good death is possible.” said Amy Royle, Palliative Care Coordinator. “Palliative care isn’t just about the final days of life. We can become involved at any stage of a person’s journey, helping them live as well as possible while ensuring their wishes, values, and what matters most to them remain at the heart of their care.”
The program works closely with healthcare providers and community partners throughout the region and has recently launched a refreshed website and updated branding to improve access to information about available services, resources, and volunteer opportunities.
Support from the Ministry of Health and community donations made through the Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) continues to play an important role in the program’s growth. Donor contributions help fund equipment, comfort items, furnishings, and other supports that enhance the experience of patients and families receiving palliative care.
“Building compassionate communities begins with recognizing that supporting one another through grief and loss is a shared responsibility,” said Elizabeth Snow, Grief & Bereavement Social Worker, Palliative Care Clinical Coach. “Community donations to Blanche River Health Foundation are an investment in more than services today. They help build healthier, more compassionate communities for generations to come. By supporting initiatives that expand on grief literacy and strengthen community connections, we can foster greater understanding of grief and loss, empower people to support one another, and create a culture of compassion that can be carried forward. Sustainable wellbeing is something we must build together, through both the services we provide and the care we can extend to one another in times of need.”
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance palliative care services, BRH and the Temiskaming Ontario Health Team will also be hosting community conversations this fall. Patients, caregivers, family members, and community members are invited to share their experiences, identify challenges, and provide feedback to help shape future palliative care planning throughout the district.
For more information about the community conversations, including registration details, email timiskamingoht@blancheriverhealth.ca or call 1-866-274-7774 ext. 2135.
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