Care to Chat wrap up: Transforming long-term care through a palliative approach

On November 2^nd, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) kicked off the eleventh season of Care to Chat for a panel titled From Long-Term Care to Lasting Comfort: Promoting End-of-Life Journeys with Palliative-Hospice Care in Surrey’s Civic Hotel.

Moderated by BCCPA’s very own CEO, Terry Lake, the discussion brought together experts Kelsey Fonda (Account Manager at Pallium Canada), Kevin Harter (CEO of Luther Court Society and former CEO of Victoria Hospice), and Clara Dyck (Education and Resource Leader at North Okanagan Hospice Society and SPA-LTC Research Partner) for a powerful dialogue on the evolution of palliative care in elder care settings.

For panelists, the challenges faced by long-term care settings in delivering palliative care tool center stage. These challenges encompassed limited resources, funding constraints, and staffing shortages. Furthermore, they stressed the utmost importance of prioritizing education and training for staff, recognizing that, in the realm of continuing care settings, death is an inevitable part of the care process.

A central theme that emerged during the conversation was the necessity of integrating a palliative approach throughout the entirety of a resident’s journey, starting when they first move into long-term care. This approach is viewed as a key strategy for overcoming existing barriers and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality care throughout the entire duration of the resident’s experience.

In the quest to enhance staff capacity and improve the overall well-being of residents, the panelists highlighted the indispensable roles of families and volunteers. Through the provision of educational opportunities, families can actively participate in improving the quality of life for their loved ones in palliative care. Volunteers, too, were recognized for their fundamental role in hospice care, a role that be equally applied to palliative care in long-term care.

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The conversation further delved into the future of palliative care in long-term care, particularly considering the growing trend of individuals opting to spend their final year in the comfort of their own homes. The panelists concluded the discussion by leaving delegates with some final reflections on the direction of palliative care in long-term care, emphasizing the continued focus on the needs of residents, families, and staff. Culturally appropriate and sensitive care was advocated for, especially through more education and training for staff.

Check out some useful resources that were mentioned during the discussion:

Thank you to our 2023-24 Care to Chat sponsors who help make these conversations possible!