Each May in Canada, Hospice Yukon promotes and celebrates National Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Week.
This year, the dates are May 3rd to 9th.
In our fast-paced society, we are often separated from the last stages of living and dying. This can make the end-of-life process a shocking and challenging time.
With medical advancements in so many areas of health care, people are living longer than ever before with chronic diseases. This increase in time can be a real blessing for the individual and their loved ones, however it can also create a whole new set of concerns.
Since the exact time of dying is so hard to predict, it really does mean we need to pay close attention to what is important to us as individuals and to live fully each day. This is a reminder that Hospice Palliative Care is about living well for however much time we have.
Some practical considerations include the preparation of an Advanced Care Directive, in conjunction with a physician and loved ones. It means knowing what services are available through Hospice Yukon, Home Care and the Yukon Palliative Care Program and how to access them.
This is also a time to sing the praises of so many people who quietly go about their lives dedicated to caring for people with a life-limiting illness.
The Yukon has many members of a dedicated team of health care professionals: physicians and nurses, the Community Health Program, community pharmacists, complementary therapy practitioners, the Yukon First Nation Health Program and Whitehorse General Hospital staff.
We also honour our fellow community members and trained volunteers.
All of these people care about their patients, their friends and neighbours.
Hospice Yukon is pleased to be part of this team.
Hospice Yukon board of directors, staff and volunteers