Palliative Care Unit
Our Palliative Care Unit is located on the 5th floor of A Block Main Service Building, providing services to citizens with a registered capacity of 32 beds.
In our Palliative Care Unit, services are delivered with a multidisciplinary team approach, including 1 Specialist Physician in Internal Medicine, 1 Family Physician, 25 Nurses, 2 Physiotherapists, 1 Gerontologist, 1 Social Worker, 1 Dietitian, 1 Psychologist, and 1 Spiritual Counselor.
Palliative Care Services
Our Palliative Care Unit provides services to patients experiencing problems related to life-threatening illnesses, with the aim of early identification and assessment of pain and other symptoms, alleviating or preventing their suffering, and improving quality of life by offering medical, psychological, social, and spiritual support to the patients and their family members.
Being a Patient’s Relative in Palliative Care
Which is More Difficult?
Being the Patient?
Or Being the Patient’s Relative?
The Patient’s Family
Society and the care team expect families to support the patient regardless of their own emotional experiences; however, studies in this field show that more than one-third of spouses and children of adults with chronic illnesses experience significant psychiatric disorders and psychosocial problems.
What Should the Family’s Attitude Be?
Families that establish balanced relationships, allow free expression of emotions, experience minimal conflict, are open to cooperation, are caring but not anxious, and have clearly defined roles within the family are better able to cope with illness.
What Approach Should Be Taken?
Do not say “Think positively.”
Do not make your patient feel guilty by telling them to “think positively” as if playing a “happiness game.” When they ask, “Will I get better?” do not say “think positive” or “don’t think like that.” They have already thought about it and are telling you. In such situations, saying, “I understand your feelings, I see that it is very difficult at times, sometimes I also don’t know what to do or say. How can I help you?” is more effective than talking too much. For the patient, the important thing is knowing that their relative is there.
Do not approach with pity.
Remember that patients are very sensitive to verbal and physical reactions. Do not react impulsively, do not take the patient’s anger personally, consider it a reaction to their situation, and respond accordingly.
Share the responsibility.
If possible, create a “patient care team” for your patient and share the care. Particularly in chronic illnesses, sharing the care prevents both physical and emotional burnout and helps provide higher quality care to your patient. Seek psychological support if needed.
Ask.
Do not try to read your patient’s mind. What you think is right may not be so for them. Ask about their wishes. Remember, your patient may not have control over their body, but for a while…
Help them feel that their life is still under their control.
Do not give examples of other patients you know.
Most of our patients compare themselves to other patients and interpret situations differently.
Just listen.
Your patient may sometimes complain. Simply listening and being present, without giving advice or dismissing them, provides sufficient support. Sometimes silence is golden.
Take care of yourself.
Remember, if you do not feel well, your ability to make someone else feel well is very limited.