Hospice and Palliative Care Resources in Alberta: A Comprehensive Guide

Hospice and palliative care are specialized areas of healthcare that focus on enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing serious, life-limiting illnesses and their families. While the terms are often used together, there are some distinctions:

• Palliative Care: Focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms, managing stress, and providing emotional support at any stage of a serious illness. It can be delivered alongside curative treatment.
• Hospice Care: Specializes in comfort care during the end-of-life stages. Hospice prioritizes quality of life and symptom management when curative treatments are no longer the focus.

Alberta offers a range of resources and services that ensure compassionate care for individuals and their families during these challenging times.

Understanding Hospice and Palliative Care in Alberta

• Who Can Benefit: Those with life-limiting illnesses like cancer, heart failure, dementia, and others, along with their families, may benefit from hospice or palliative care.
• Access: These services are accessible through Alberta Health Services (AHS), hospitals, hospice societies, or home care. A doctor's referral is often required.

Where to Find Hospice and Palliative Care in Alberta

Here's where you can discover support services and information:

• Alberta Health Services (AHS) – Palliative and End-of-Life Care: Visit the AHS website for detailed information on available services in your specific region, including:
• Hospitals: Many hospitals across Alberta offer inpatient palliative care units.
• Community Programs: Teams of palliative care specialists provide home-based care.
• Hospice Care: Explore hospice care options in your area.
• Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association (AHPCA): Find AHPCA at https://ahpca.ca/. Their website provides a comprehensive directory of hospice and palliative care services throughout Alberta.
• Your Healthcare Team: Your family doctor or specialist can guide you to the most appropriate resources for your needs, including making referrals for specialized care.

Types of Hospice and Palliative Care Services in Alberta

• Pain and Symptom Management: Healthcare professionals specialize in managing pain, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and other physical symptoms.
• Emotional and Spiritual Support: Counseling, chaplaincy, and support groups for both the individual and their loved ones to address emotional and spiritual needs.
• Practical Support: Assistance with activities of daily living, respite care, and coordination of other services.
• Grief and Bereavement Support: Counseling and support groups for family members both before and after a loved one’s death.
• Specialized Care: Some programs and hospices may offer specialized services for specific populations, such as children or those with particular illnesses.

Examples of Hospice and Palliative Care Resources in Alberta

• Covenant Health Palliative Institute: (https://covenanthealth.ca/about/centres-and-institutes/palliative-institute):Provides information and resources related to palliative care throughout Alberta.
• Tertiary Palliative Care Units: Located in major hospitals in Edmonton (Grey Nuns Hospital) and Calgary (Foothills Medical Centre), offering specialized care for complex cases.
• Community Hospice Organizations: Many communities have hospice societies offering support, resources, and in some cases, residential hospice care.

Online Resources

• Canadian Virtual Hospice (https://www.virtualhospice.ca/): Offers support and guidance for individuals, families, and caregivers coping with serious illness, loss, and grief.
• MyHealth.Alberta.ca – Palliative and End-of-Life Care: (https://myhealth.alberta.ca/palliative-care) : Provides information and additional resources.

Important Things to Remember

• Early Access is Key: Don't hesitate to seek palliative care support at any stage of a serious illness. Early intervention can significantly improve the quality of life.
• It's Your Choice: Talk to your healthcare providers about your goals, preferences, and options for incorporating palliative or hospice care into your overall care plan.
• Help is Available: Alberta offers compassionate and comprehensive resources, empowering you and your family to navigate challenging times with the best care possible.