Success Stories
Walking Away From Death's Door
Hospice Restores Life to Those Destined to Die
The young man lay on what everybody thought would be his deathbed. "Tshepo" (not his real name) was molested and contracted AIDS while serving a jail sentence for a minor offense. When he was released, the 28-year-old did not know how he would survive. He went to the Soweto Hospice, well-known for providing good care for those at death's door.
Hospice staff gave him medicine for his acute symptoms and helped him to access antiretroviral treatment. They offered him a bed, healthy meals, continuing care and counseling. That was three years ago. Tshepo is alive and well today, thanks to Hospice's efforts and his own determination.
Ella Danilowitz of the Hospice Association reports: "Tshepo is okay now, showing no symptoms of HIV. We got a disability grant for him. He was a Hospice resident, but we've discharged him. He is now in a home care program ... healthy, chirpy and looking for work."
Hospice cares for the terminally ill, but has evolved into a life-saving program. Ella says, "We try to get patients to a healthier physical state so they can return to be homemakers and parents of their families." USAID and PEPFAR support is allowing Hospice to expand the care available for patients at home.
Soweto Hospice can access AIDS treatment and has trained caregivers to rehabilitate patients. Ella says, "Of 1000 homecare patients last year, between 20 and 30 people died a month at home or in the patient unit. This year, it looks like the death rate is going down."
Soweto Hospice has developed the country's first pediatric palliative care ward. Caregivers help desperately needy children with homecare, preschool, hospital admissions, rehabilitation and return to society, linking nearly 100 youngsters to a nearby nursery school. At least 25% are likely to be HIV positive with high Tuberculosis (TB) co-infection. Children receive food to eat with their medication and, along with families, learn about TB and AIDS prevention and treatment.
Many patients are recovering after receiving Hospice attention. Some, like Tshepo, wave good-bye to the dedicated staff who are glad to see them walk away alive.