Palliative care supports people and families through serious illness
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is using World Hospice and Palliative Care Day to raise awareness of the vital role palliative care plays in supporting children and adults living with serious illness, as well as their families and caregivers.
Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life by providing compassionate, holistic care that addresses more than the physical effects of illness. It supports people to manage pain and other difficult symptoms, while also recognising their emotional, social and practical needs, and those of the people caring for them.
When a person is living with a serious or life-threatening illness, the impact can extend far beyond their diagnosis. Patients may experience pain, difficult symptoms, emotional distress and changes to their everyday lives. Families and caregivers may also need information, guidance and emotional support as they navigate the journey alongside their loved one.
Palliative care responds to these needs by placing the person at the centre of care. Support is tailored to each patient’s individual needs, preferences and circumstances and can be provided alongside treatment for the underlying illness. Depending on the individual’s needs, palliative care may be provided at home, in hospitals, hospices or other specialised care settings.
Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness said, “The ultimate goal of the Department is to extend access to healthcare for everyone in this province, so that people can receive care where and when they need it. Palliative care is important in achieving that goal holistically. Equal access to healthcare must include equal access to palliative care.”
Palliative care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that may include doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists and other healthcare professionals. Working together, these teams help ensure that patients receive coordinated care that supports their comfort, dignity and overall wellbeing.
“Palliative care is not about giving up. It is about helping people live with dignity, comfort and the support they need. This applies to children and adults living with serious illness, as well as the families and caregivers who walk this journey with them. Through compassionate and holistic care, we can support the whole person, not only their illness,” said Dr Juanita Arendse, Chief Director: Emergency and Clinical Services Support, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.
For Lucille Wolft, whose father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in January 2026, access to palliative care has made a significant difference to her family.
“Palliative care has made a huge difference to me and my family. Before we received this support, I spent hours travelling to and waiting at the hospital to get medication and assistance for my dad, which was very difficult while caring for him full-time. Now, I know that I can contact the team when I need help, and they support us with wound care supplies and guidance. When my dad developed an infection in his wound, I was very worried, but I could contact the palliative care team, and they helped me get the assistance he needed. Just knowing that someone is there when you need them makes a huge difference,” said Lucille Wolft, daughter and caregiver.
People who believe they or a loved one may benefit from palliative care are encouraged to speak to a healthcare worker at the clinic or hospital where they receive care. A healthcare professional can assess their needs and, where appropriate, refer them to suitable palliative care services.
As part of its efforts to strengthen awareness and understanding of palliative care, the Department recently hosted a provincial palliative care event, bringing together healthcare professionals and partners to share experiences, strengthen understanding of palliative care and reinforce the importance of compassionate, holistic and patient-centred care.
By strengthening awareness of palliative care, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness remains committed to ensuring that children and adults living with serious illness can receive compassionate, holistic care that supports their comfort, dignity and quality of life, while their families and caregivers are supported too.
The Department has also launched a dedicated palliative care social media campaign, PalliativeCare4U, to start conversations on palliative care and improve understanding on the service for community members.
For more information about palliative care, including who can benefit, the support available and how to access services, visit the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness' Palliative Care webpage:
http://westerncape.gov.za/health-wellness/article/palliative-care