Palliative Care Center

Palliative care at Tzu Chi Hospital is a treatment designed for patients with serious illnesses that are medically difficult to cure. This patient-centered care focuses on maximizing the patient's quality of life by relieving pain and other symptoms associated with the disease, as well as addressing psychosocial and spiritual needs of patient. In addition to supporting patients, this service also aims to ease the suffering of families who care for them, providing assistance from the early diagnosis, through the end of life, and during times of grief.

 

This service is provided by an interdisciplinary team consisting of doctors, nurses, mental health experts, volunteer, and religious leaders, tailored to the needs of the patient and family. It can be delivered as outpatient care, inpatient care, home visits, or home care.

 

Conditions Treated:

- Chronic, progressive diseases that are difficult to cure, such as cancer, dementia, chronic organ failure, and HIV/AIDS.

- Patients with life-threatening diseases for whom medical treatment is no longer optimal for recovery.

 

Services and Treatments

Services

- Comprehensive pain management and other symptoms

Medical treatment that focuses on alleviating the suffering of patients due to illness or treatment that the patient is undergoing and focuses on comfort. This action is carried out by a team of palliative doctors and medical related specialists.

- Daily patient care and home care options

The palliative team will comprehensively assess the care needs and, if possible, prepare the patient for home care. This care will remain continuous even when transitioning to home visit and home care services, with regular follow-ups conducted by a team of doctors and nurses.

- Psychological, social, and spiritual support

Psychological support is provided by a team of clinical psychologists and psychotherapists to help patients and families experiencing psychological issues from the time of diagnosis with a serious illness, through the end of life, and during grief. In this context, we use music as a medium to stimulate and process emotions, and art as a medium to express things that are difficult to put into words.

Social support is provided by a team of Tzu Chi volunteers to help address social problems faced by the patient and families. Patients deserve to be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity.

Spiritual support is provided by bringing in religious leaders according to the patient's beliefs, with the aim of ensuring that patients and families find spiritual peace.

 

Treatments

- Acute palliative care

Acute palliative care is offered to patients who experience pain, severe symptoms, or conditions that cannot be managed at home. In this situation, the patient remains focused on undergoing primary therapy for their disease. This service is conducted in the palliative care unit.

- Hospice care

Hospice care is intended for patients with a limited life expectancy (usually less than 6 months) who are no longer focused on undergoing primary therapy for their illness. This care aims to maintain the patient's quality of life and comfort. It can be provided in a palliative care unit or home care.

- Respite care

Respite care is designed to reduce the burden on caregivers or families who care for patients and to prevent caregiver burnout. This type of care provides caregivers or families with a short break (due to illness, urgent needs, or vacation) before they return to optimally caring for the patients. The care focuses on continuing the previous care, evaluating the patient's needs comprehensively, and engaging in meaningful activities. This service is provided in the palliative care unit.

 

Facilities

- Hospital-based hospice

Our palliative care unit offers hospice care within a hospital setting. Patients can stay for an extended period, and families are welcome to visit at any time, without restricted visiting hours.

- Healing garden

An open garden in the palliative care unit, filled with greenery and offering views of the city and the sea, is available. This garden is designed to provide patients and families with outdoor activities such as sunbathing, enjoying the scenery, gardening, and engaging in other outdoor pursuits.

- Multi-faith room

A prayer room available for various religious activities and ceremonies for patients and their families, accommodating their respective religions and beliefs.

- Quiet room

A room specially designed for those who need private time and space for meditation.

- Multi-functional room

This room is generally used for socializing among patients and families receiving care in the palliative unit. This room can also be adapted to host celebrations or special events.

- Counselling room

A dedicated room designed for private discussions and counseling between families and doctors.

- Palliative bathroom

A bathing room with specialized facilities designed to assist patients with disabilities, allowing them to bathe and enjoy soaking in a bathtub—something that may not have been possible at home.

 

Our Doctors:

- DR. Dr. Maria Astheria Witjaksono, MPALLC

Palliative Care Specialist

- Dr. Ricky Dosan, M.Sc

Palliative Care Specialist