Palliative care is comprehensive care that focuses on the quality of life of people with serious illness and their loved ones. It helps to address not only the physical problems, but also the psychological, social, spiritual or legal issues that accompany the illness. The aim is to improve the quality of life of the patient and their family with full respect for their wishes, values and needs.
Slippers and hats as a symbol of humanity
As part of Children's Palliative Care Week, which takes place in October, we commemorate two powerful and symbolic events, namely Slipper Day and Hat Day. Both are linked by the same idea: to highlight the importance of palliative care, to support patients with serious illnesses of any age and their families, and to show respect for those who care for the sick.
- Slipper Day (8 October) highlights the importance of home hospice and palliative care. Slippers have become its symbol as they represent comfort, security and home, the environment most patients want for a dignified life.
- Hat Day (10 October) then highlights the importance of paediatric palliative care, aimed at supporting children and adolescents with life-limiting or life-threatening diagnoses and their families. It reminds us that even children with serious illnesses have the right to joy, understanding and the opportunity to live a full life among their loved ones. "Children's palliative care is not just about relieving pain or other physical symptoms of illness. It is all about creating space for joy, play and good times in living with a serious illness. The Hat Day reminds us that every child has the right to experience childhood surrounded by love and respectful care," says MUDr. Mahulena Exnerová, the guarantor of the development of comprehensive paediatric care and the head of the hospital's Department of Supportive and Palliative Care.
The Department of Supportive and Palliative Care at Hořovice Hospital provides care to both adult and paediatric patients, both as an outpatient and during hospitalisation. A multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and chaplains focuses on comprehensive support for patients and their families, offering counselling, care coordination and assistance in the most difficult life situations.
The common thread: dignity, respect, relief and closeness
Palliative Care Week is not only a reminder of the need for comprehensive services for the seriously ill, but also a call for greater understanding and openness to the subject of serious illness and dying. "All of us may find ourselves in a situation where we need the help of a support and palliative care team - whether for ourselves or for a loved one. That is why it is important to talk about palliative care, to perceive its meaning and not to be afraid to ask for it," adds MUDr. Mahulena Exnerová.
