April 22 program at St. Thomas Parish features nurse to discuss various types of care for the chronically ill
By: Web Editor | Last Updated: 04/04/2008 07:00
NEWS RELEASE
FROM: St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish * 1500 Brookdale Road * Naperville, IL 60563* (630) 355-8980
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE * April 1, 2008
FOR INFORMATION: Jan Olah (630) 355-8980, ext. 124 * or Cheryl J. Marshall (630) 851-8781
April 22 program at St. Thomas Parish features nurse to discuss various types of care for the chronically ill
As new and more effective treatments transform fatal diseases into chronic illnesses, words related to health care take on new meanings. ”Comfort care” and “palliative care” are two examples that describe health care rendered to many patients today with cancer, stroke, heart disease, depression, addictions, diabetes and arthritis. But what do these phrases mean?
Kim Rohan, an advanced practice nurse at Edward Hospital in Naperville with 23 years’ experience in caring for cancer patients, will discuss the topic in the program “Cure vs. Care: What Is ‘Comfort Care’? What Is ‘Palliative Care’?” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, in the Lighthouse room of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville.
Rohan’s overview of care will answer the following questions: • What is comfort care and how does it differ from palliative care and hospice care:? • Does palliative care cover all aspects of care … the body, mind and spirit? • How do these situations differ from crisis care? How are emergencies handled? • When do treatments stop? Or do they? • What about caregiver issues such as depression, abuse, fatigue and anger? • Is there help for the caregiver in palliative care?
Rohan recently received 2007 Excellence in Oncology Nursing Health Policy and Advocacy Award from the Oncology Nursing Society. She also is chair of the Bioethics Committee at Edward Hospital and was instrumental in planning and developing the hospital’s palliative care program. Rohan also is author of an article, “Kimberly Rohan on Oncology,” in the Chicago Nurses’ Lounge, a publication for registered nurses in the Chicago area.
This free program is being co-sponsored by the Health Ministry Committee and the Adult Faith Formation Department of St. Thomas Parish.
To ensure seating or for more information about the program, contact Jan Olah, Director of Pastoral Care at St. Thomas, (630) 355-8980, ext. 124.
Organized in 1984, the St. Thomas faith community numbers more than 3,300 households of more than 11,000 people.
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