Jacqueline Saretsky of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Hospital Chaplaincy Office presented a breakout session on palliative care at the 104th Annual National Convention.
She shared that palliative care is a holistic approach and a philosophy of care for people who are living until their natural death. “The goal of palliative care is to prevent or treat as early as possible, the symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment, in addition to any related psychological, social, and spiritual problems.”
Challenges and struggles include a lack of funding for palliative care physicians and programs, health care professionals who are not trained or aware of palliative care as an option, patients who have no information or misinformation, and the growth of medically-provided euthanasia (“MAiD”).
“Patients are not informed about palliative care, but MAiD is viewed in our hospitals as a health care option and staff will bring it up to their patients, but no one takes the same responsibility to talk to those same patients about palliative care options,” Saretsky said.
“It is easier to get MAiD than a palliative care consult,” she said.
In Saretsky’s experience as a hospital chaplain, the number one reason she hears from those considering medically-provided euthanasia – known as “Medical Assistance in Dying” or “MAiD” – is that they do not want to be a burden to their family, to caregivers, or to the medical system.
“It is so important that people who are vulnerable are reassured that they are loved, cared for and that their life has meaning,” she said, noting that caring for seniors needs to become a pastoral priority.
Saretsky pointed to the Horizons of Hope resource created by the Canadian Catholic bishops as a way for parishes to broaden their understanding of palliative care and the need to accompany those who are suffering. Recruiting and training outreach volunteers is another crucial step, she added.
Photos courtesy of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
