Review Meeting and Advanced Training for Palliative Care Volunteers

On 23rd August 2024, a review meeting and advanced training session were held for 23 Sarvam Volunteers at the Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, in collaboration with Sanjeevan. This session aimed to enhance the volunteers’ skills in palliative care, building on their year-long experience of assisting patients in their respective villages under Sanjeevan’s guidance. The meeting focused on critical topics such as pain management, emotional support for patients and their families, and the importance of maintaining patient dignity. Volunteers received training on effective communication and compassionate handling of end-of-life care scenarios.

Dr. Gowtham from Indira Gandhi Medical College, along with Dr. Mohan from Sanjeevan, emphasized the significance of palliative care in providing comfort and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. They highlighted the importance of addressing physical, emotional, and psychological needs, ensuring holistic support for patients and their families. Additionally, trainers from the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a non-profit enterprise under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, discussed the assistance provided to palliative care patients and the schemes available for senior citizens. They also elaborated on the UDID card application process and the various quality aids and appliances available for different categories of disabilities, including orthopedic, visual, hearing, and intellectual impairments.

The session also featured insights from a Sanjeevan physiotherapist on how families can better care for palliative patients, with volunteers playing a supportive role. The meeting concluded with Dr. Mohan reviewing the volunteers’ experiences, offering suggestions for improving their care strategies. The volunteers left the session feeling more confident in their ability to provide compassionate and effective support to palliative care patients.