How can I offer the best comfort and support?

Take guidance from your own experience with the person since you know them best be their advocate. Be there if possible, chatting, laughing to ease tension and bring you closer together. Silence can also be a powerful way of communicating when words can't be found.

What if I want to help with my loved ones' care?

Our nurses will be glad to help by demonstrating physical care.

What are the things I should expect?

Longer sleeping periods. Will commonly have reduced or absent hunger and/or thirst. For some persons, confusion and restlessness can occur. Breathing changes. Irregular heartbeat. Loss of bowel or bladder control or constipation. Chest Congestion. Skin color and temperature changes. Muscle twitching. Eyes may become dry and lose their ability to focus. Elevated temperature is common. Pain which requires symptom management as stated or by visibly noticing agitation or furrowed brow. These are changes that nurses anticipate and know how to intervene with comfort measures: for example, oral care, bed bath, incontinence care, positioning, skin care, sips of fluids if they can swallow, monitoring vital signs, eye care, safety measures if agitation is an issue.

What should we talk about?

Talk about ordinary things that are going on in your life, happy memories, say thank you, I love you, I'm sorry, then be quiet, forgive me, if you wish. Listen attentively.

Why do we have such a hard time talking about dying?

Fear of saying the wrong thing, fear of breaking down and crying, fear of the unknown.

Palliative Care in Edmonton

One of the most important ways to comfort a loved one during the process of letting go of life is to be present. If you or your loved one needs palliative care, we will be honoured to provide you the support you deserve.

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What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is care provided to someone who has a serious illness or is about to pass away due to old age. This time is quite emotional, which is why palliative care is necessary. During the last few weeks of life, there will be various serious changes, which is why you or your loved one needs a compassionate, gentle, and calm support system. Changes might be reflected in lack of appetite, longer sleep patterns, less energy, or withdrawals from friends and family. All of these behavioural changes are necessary and normal.

For more information about the end-of-life process, talk to your family physicians or primary health care providers.

Your Trusted Palliative Care Service in Edmonton

Our palliative care team will comfort and support you or your loved one during a life-limiting illness or old age. Ohana Care's palliative care program addresses all spiritual services, physical pain symptoms, and social support.

In-Home Care

Ohana Care offers in-home services for you or your loved one who needs palliative care in the comfort of your private residence or retirement facility.

Out-of-Home Care

To help with errands, shopping, or light exercise like walking, Ohana Care can provide you or your family member with out-of-home care.

Why Choose Ohana Care Palliative Services

At Ohana Care, we know that each life is unique and requires personalized care. We will help your loved one take palliative care medicine, stand by them through treatments, run errands, do laundry, and provide emotional and spiritual support. We are here to support your loved one.

Specially Trained Caregivers

Our expert caregivers provide extraordinary palliative care to our patients, regardless of unique circumstances.

Flexible Care

Whether you need once-a-week care or 24-hour support, our caregivers can assist you in ensuring all of your needs are met.

Enhanced Focus on All Dimensions of Wellness

At Ohana Care, we will focus on providing you with services that you need to help support all aspects of your health and wellness.

How to Hire a Home Care Professional

Email or Call Us

Contact us, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Meet a Community Manager

Our management will build a care plan based on your health care needs.

Get Paired with an HCA or LPN

Match with an HCA or LPN based on your location, needs, and personal preferences.

Palliative Care Intake Process

After you reach out to Ohana Care, we will send you an electronic form to fill out prior to meeting with our community manager. That way, when we meet, we will be able to focus our time on making a care plan that perfectly fits your needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 types of palliative care?

In Alberta, the four types of palliative care are in a personal residence, hospital, care centre or hospice. Ohana Care can provide palliative care services in your loved one's home or at a care centre. If you’re living in Edmonton and are in a hospital, like Grey Nuns Community Hospital, your care will be provided by Alberta Health Services in a tertiary palliative care unit.

Is palliative care the same as end-of-life care?

Palliative care is a service provided when individuals first learn they have a terminal illness. This care can last from the moment of diagnosis to the end of life. Whereas end-of-life care is a form of palliative care that can be received when the individual is closer to the end of life.

At what stage do you start palliative care?

Palliative care is typically provided soon after an individual is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?

Palliative care is ongoing care for those living with a serious illness such as advanced cancer. Hospice care is typically offered for those reaching their last six months of living. The main difference between these two is time and treatment.

Get the Palliative Care That Your Loved One Deserves

Trust Ohana Care with your loved one's palliative care needs during an extremely emotional time in your family's life.

Contact our palliative care consult team to learn more about our care services and to get started. Ohana care is here to listen and answer any questions you may have about our palliative care programs and processes in the Edmonton zone.