LIFE BEFORE DEATH -- What is Palliative Care?

What is Palliative Care? Short film 25 of 50 in the LIFE Before Death documentary series about the global crisis in untreated pain and the dramatic life changing effect palliative care services can deliver to patients and their families around the world. In this short film we discover the nuances that best describe and define the life-changing practice of palliative care. "One of the things we want to bring around the end of life is dignity," explains Dr Faith Mwangi-Powell (Uganda). "We want people to die with dignity and quality of life. If you talk to anybody who has lost a loved one, the greatest regret many people have is; 'I wish I had said goodbye'... At the end of life your value as a human being does not stop." "Many people ask; What is Palliative Care?" reflects Dr Frank Ferris (USA). "I see it simply as therapeutic interventions trying to relieve, and even prevent, issues that cause suffering." "Palliative Care is whole person care," states Dr Balfour Mount (Canada). "We try to avoid pain, or when it starts, to manage it well," continues Dr Ferris. "And to deal with many other symptoms that might be experienced." Palliative Care concentrates on the physical, psychological, social, anxiety, depression, family, existential, spiritual and financial aspects of care. "It recognizes the profound importance of Cicely (Saunder's) term Total Pain," explains Dr Mount. "It helps me manage the advancing illness as I approach the end of my life. It helps me prepare for the end of my life and specifically to manage all of the issues that arise during the dying process so that I can feel as comfortable as possible and have a safe transition as I die," reflects Dr Ferris. "Whole person care is a central concept. But the foundation of the edifice of whole person care is excellence in physical care, good nursing care, good, knowledgeable, available medical input. This is not a place for amateur night. These are the sickest people in the health care system. They deserve the best care," insists Dr Mount.

Just Published!!
by Rashani Rea & Kathy Douglas

Those who companion suffering daily, such as hospice nurses and volunteers, will surely appreciate this beautiful work. With 62 original art collages by Rashani Réa, five beautiful chapters by Kathy Douglas, and a foreword by Jean Watson, this exquisite book is a peaceful refuge for contemplation, inquiry, reflection and inspiration for those who traverse the joys and sorrows of nursing.

Kathy Douglas, RN, MPH-HA is a nationally recognized nurse leader, filmmaker and entrepreneur.

Rashani Réa is a prolific artist and musician, a creatrice of sanctuaries and a respected spiritual mentor.

“This is a beloved book and beyond a book. It is an evocative, poetic, ecstatic, and inspirited sacred, experiential calling. A calling to you--YES, YOU.”

— Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, Living Legend (AAN)

“Those who companion suffering daily need to turn inward to metabolize what they have witnessed. This exquisite book, filled with beautiful images and poetic wise words, is the inspiration and support needed to grow a wise heart.”

— Frank Ostaseski, founder and director of the Metta Institute and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully

“In this unique time of the COVID-19 pandemic, this book should be considered a tribute to the tremendous courage being displayed by nurses around the world. There is much wisdom conveyed throughout by those who have been there serving others with such grace.”

— Greg Schneider President, HVA, co-author of The Changing Face of Hospice Volunteering in Hospice and Palliative Care

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LIFE BEFORE DEATH -- What is Palliative Care?

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