Read time: 2 min
by Martin Dumont
With an aging population and health costs constantly rising, home care, including end-of-life care, seems increasingly like both a humane and realistic solution. But why do so many people hesitate to ask for this service?
A Shared Responsibility
Although the CISSS assures medical care at home, its intervention is limited. “We are health specialists. We offer many services, for example, giving medications, adjusting straps, applying bandages, etc. But we cannot clean the house, baby-sit, provide transportation, shop for groceries…Here is where community organisations take over. I make sure that the team is well aware of the services our partners offer,” specifies Annie Paquette, supervisor of SAD des Sommets, the home care team in the Laurentians (SAD: Services à domicile).
Organisations like Palliacco offer respite, moral support and are present for the family. This collaboration is essential, particularly in a context where public resources are limited. “These services not only facilitate our work; they are absolutely essential. Given the conditions in 2025, it’s unrealistic to believe that the public structure alone can ensure the continuation of home care. This is why we must work together more than ever,” asserts Annie Paquette.
The Principal Challenge
Even with community organisations’ considerable support, increasing municipal support and involvement of family and close friends, the principal challenge of offering more quality home care to the population often depends on peoples’ perceptions.
“My principal issue is that people come too late, especially for palliative care,” states the manager.
This trend can partially be explained by the public’s old belief that when the SAD team comes to a home, they are planning to move the patient to a facility. “Actually, it’s exactly the opposite! Today people want to stay at home as long as possible,” says Mme Paquette. “I also know that it is not easy for certain people to let a stranger into their home. It can feel quite intrusive. You have to put yourself in that individual’s position, and understand that for certain people, accepting help means the end of one’s autonomy. That is what is really difficult.”
The End of Life
Receiving a terminal diagnosis often brings deep fear along with it: fear of losing one’s autonomy and becoming a burden on loved ones. Such fears could delay seeking palliative care, care that is essential to ensure comfort, dignity and support during this time.
In the field, home care teams note that people who have been clients for several years are generally more open to receiving additional help when the time comes to consider palliative care. The relationship of trust established over time plays a key role here.
“For certain people, postponing palliative care implies deferring the thought of death. However, as soon as they cross the doorstep of a palliative care home or discover Palliacco’s services, their perception changes dramatically. What we then hear is: ‘If I had known, I would have done this earlier!’, a comment that perfectly sums up the ensuing relief and gratitude”, notes Annie Paquette.
This type of testimony can be a powerful tool to further raise public awareness of the importance of early support. It also underscores the importance of better advertising resources such as Palliacco, whose volunteers accompany not only people at the end of life, but also their loved ones, by offering psychological, practical and humane support.