Malaysian Children’s Hospice in Klang is now open, thanks to efforts of Malaysian Association of Paediatric Palliative Care (Mappac).
This is the third such institution to be launched after hospices in Kuala Lumpur and Sibu, Sarawak, last year.
The main aim of Mappac is to improve the quality of life of patients and families facing challenges associated with life-limiting illnesses.
All three hospices provide clinical services to children referred from hospitals and also advise caregivers on home care techniques and symptom management.
They also provide psychosocial support with music and play therapy, counselling services and respite care for caregivers.
Special training programmes are also conducted for parents and caregivers, social workers, volunteers, counsellors and anyone with a passion to help in children’s palliative care.
More trained volunteers would help intensify home visits, said Mappac in a press statement.
The Klang hospice represents a collective commitment to providing holistic care for children and families at home, it said.
The services are non-chargeable and include doctor and nurse home visits, physiotherapy, loan of medical equipment (at a minimal downpayment) and respite care.
The availability of funds will provide sustainability in administering the hospices to ensure that paediatric palliative care services continue to be made available to those needing it.
Mappac said the opening ceremony of the Klang hospice saw public awareness, training and education through talks and workshops.
For details, visit www.mappac.org
