Beyond the Window
Published on: April 23, 2010
- What is life like for the young people, often young men in the prime of life, who are paralysed for life from a fall from a height, a road traffic accident or a tumour?
- What problems plague them once the hospital has fixed their spine and left them to their fate in their own homes with practically no support at all?
We come across not only tales of sorrow, pain and suffering, but also of courage, determination and selfless service among those confined to a bed.
Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences (TIPS) is proud to be able to work with these young people.
On Sunday the 16 May 2010, we have arranged to bring twelve of them together at TIPS for a day of clinical service, education and entertainments.
Specialists in Neurology, Psychiatry, Urology, Physiatry and others will be on hand for consultations and advice. The meeting will also initiate a vocational rehabilitation program specifically for this group.
This project is far more than palliative care. This is reigniting life, with all its possibilities, to give them appropriate vocational training so that they can integrate into society.
Well, palliative care is really about improving quality of life, is it not? Currently it seems to focus on whatever is easiest to us – like treatment of physical problems and perhaps some emotional support. Social and spiritual support really deserve more consideration.
Good wishes for this project’s success- it is an inspiration that you are hosting such a wonderful opportunity for these patients and their families. I recall my home visit to one such family during my stay- how inspiring the mother who re-started her loom in the back room with help of Pallium. Your practice of Palliative Care certainly rings true to the definition, of which our services in the West so often fall far short. Thank you and blessings on your work.
Thank you Judith. In turn I must say that your words are encouraging and reassuring. Reassuring because we are always exploring and wondering whether we are on the right track; there is no beaten track to follow!