More Than 100 Attended the Special Lecture on Palliative Care Held at DDVC

On September 21^st, 2024, Dharma Drum Vancouver Center (DDVC) invited Natasha Sanderson, the palliative & hospice care educator and registered nurse of Lions Gate Hospital, to give a special talk on "Palliative & Hospice Care," a topic of concern to many communities. 

Conducted in English with simultaneous interpretation in Chinese, the event attracted 108 attendees. The lecture comprises six sub-topics: (1) what is palliative and hospice care and what specific ailments and conditions would qualify for it; (2) the medical team personnel and how they would provide palliative and hospice care; (3) where palliative and hospice care is provided and its interdisciplinary framework; (4) community resources for hospice care; (5) an introduction to the "British Columbia (BC) Palliative Care Benefits," and (6) "Advanced Care Planning."

Natasha began her presentation with an overview of the BC Palliative Care Benefits program. She explained that hospice care can be introduced from the initial diagnosis of life-limiting disease until the end of life. Palliative and hospice care is a holistic medical approach which considers the four aspects of the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social functioning. Not only does it take care of the patient, but it also looks after the physical, mental, and spiritual state of the patient's family, providing them with a variety of resources to share their burden as a caregiver and relieve their stress. Since population aging is a pervasive global trend, family members providing long-term caregiving have become a burgeoning community needing to be cared for and looked after. The program covers BC residents of all ages. People who are terminally ill and wish to receive hospice care at home can apply for it. Eligible individuals would receive applicable medication, medical equipment, and care from medical professionals. Fees are based on an individual's financial situation.

In addition, Natasha introduced the two-week long "respite care" service, a special program provided by the government for families caring for patients at home. Whether the caregivers are experiencing emotional and mental stress or physical exhaustion and mental burnout caused by caring for their family member for a long time, they can apply for community resources for palliative and hospice care, letting their sick family member stay in the community's health care facilities to receive professional medical and life care. Alternatively, they can apply for home care for two weeks, allowing the family caregivers to take a respite from the long-term caregiving role. After adjusting their physical and mental conditions through a relieving break, the family caregivers would be able to resume taking care of their loved ones. Many attendees were deeply impressed by the loving care and compassion for the residents, as embodied in the provincial government's policy.

Natasha also encouraged families with a patient in need of care to actively seek help from government organizations. During the final Q&A session, participants asked various questions. As a Christian, Natasha answered all the questions patiently and said that the atmosphere of the DDVC made her feel as heartwarming as meeting her family. At the end of the event, on behalf of DDVC, Ven. Chang Wu (常悟法師), the Director of DDVC, presented Natasha with English works by Master Sheng Yen, the founder of Dharma Drum Mountain, as well organic farm produce cultivated by DDVC as a token of appreciation.



Original Chinese text and photos / Dharma Drum Vancouver Center
Translation / Li Siang-ling
Editing / Keith Brown, YKL