LE3 .A278 1998

1998

Auger, Jeanette

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Sociology

Sociology

During the past twenty years, palliative care has emerged as a new and significant component in the continuum of health services in Canada. Palliative care services address the holistic needs of those who are dying, their important ones and their care providers. This thesis applies a needs assessment approach to ascertain the current need for a hospice in Kings County. The objectives of this research were twofold: first, to identify the unmet physical, psychological, social, spiritual, information and financial needs of individuals faced with life-threatening illnesses and the needs of caregivers. Second, to determine the need for a free-standing hospice facility in Kings County. In 1997, a mail-survey and in-depth personal interviews were conducted for this study. One hundred and fourteen people returned the survey, and ten people were interviewed. The sample population was selected from recommendations by persons on the Palliative Care Advisory Committee who were knowledgeable about potential and existingpalliative care clients. The findings contained in this thesis suggest there is a need for a freestanding hospice facility in Kings County. As well, this research indicates palliative care programs and services in Kings County are not presently addressing the essential and desired needs of the dying, their significant others and their caregivers. A list of recommendations is included in Chapter Six.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2765