September 30, 2019 Word for Word Media
Talking about death with those close to us is not about being ghoulish or giving up on life. But, a way to ensure greater quality of life. Lee Last explains what an advance directive is and why it is essential. Two classes of advance directives (AD) A living will is a document that enables a patient to refuse unwanted life-sustaining treatment (by withholding or withdrawing it) when they are no longer able to do so, due to irreversible decision-making incompetence. A durable power of attorney for healthcare is a document that enables a patient to transfer their healthcare (including medical) decision-making to another…

September 1, 2016 Word for Word Media

Many cancer patients and their families receive the advice, from their healthcare team, that there is no response to treatment, and that cure or long-term remission is no longer possible. Once this ‘advanced stage’ has been reached, the treatment plan changes from curative to palliative, and the first priority of families is to ensure their loved ones receive the best medical and supportive care, for improved quality of life, for the remaining time they have. The Advanced Illness Benefit, which is offered by Discovery Health Medical Scheme, does just that – offering substantial support and assistance to its members and…

December 1, 2015 Word for Word Media
When treating pain, it is not enough to only focus on the physical sensation of pain, but to also recognise the impact of the pain on the whole person, as well as how that person perceives pain and is able to cope or not cope with pain. This holistic assessment then allows for an approach to the management of pain as more than just the prescribing of pain medications.  Interestingly, when one examines what is important for maintaining hope with chronic illness, these very aspects such as a positive outlook, physical and psychosocial wellbeing, spirituality and faith, levels of support…