The Role of Community in Palliative Care Support


Palliative care is more than just a healthcare service; it is a holistic approach that emphasizes the
quality of life for individuals with chronic or life-limiting illnesses. While healthcare
professionals play a critical role, the involvement of communities is essential for sustainable,
accessible, and patient-centered care. The Ghana Palliative Care Association (GPCA) recognizes
the indispensable role of communities in ensuring palliative care services reach everyone in
need.
This article explores how communities can act as pillars of support, amplifying the impact of
palliative care across Ghana.
Why Community Involvement Matters in Palliative Care
In Ghana, family and community bonds are a vital part of people’s lives. For individuals
suffering from chronic or life-threatening illnesses, the emotional, social, and practical support
provided by these networks can significantly enhance their well-being. A robust palliative care
framework, therefore, integrates the community into its delivery system to address gaps,
including emotional distress, caregiver burden, financial difficulties, and access to care.
Key reasons why communities are essential in palliative care include:

  1. Emotional and Psychological Support: Patients often feel isolated during illness.
    Friends, family, and neighbors provide emotional comfort, reducing feelings of loneliness
    and anxiety.
  2. Caregiver Support: Family members often become primary caregivers. Community
    involvement helps share this burden through informal networks or respite care initiatives.
  3. Cultural Sensitivity: Communities understand local traditions, customs, and spiritual
    needs, ensuring that care respects the patient’s beliefs and values.
  4. Advocacy and Awareness: Communities can promote awareness and reduce stigma
    around life-limiting illnesses, helping people understand the importance of palliative care.
    The Community’s Role in Palliative Care Support
  5. Building a Supportive Network for Patients and Families
    Community members, including religious leaders, neighbors, and local associations, can
    offer companionship and practical help, such as assisting with meals, transportation, or
    errands. These small acts of kindness significantly improve the quality of life for both
    patients and caregivers.
  6. Volunteering in Palliative Care Services
    Volunteers can bridge gaps where healthcare services are limited. They can assist

healthcare professionals with patient visits offer companionship, and support in non-
clinical roles, such as organizing community activities and fundraisers.

  1. Facilitating Access to Care through Community Partnerships
    Communities can play a critical role in connecting people to services, including home-
    based care. Through partnerships with local health facilities, traditional leaders, and
    social groups, communities can identify and refer individuals needing palliative care,
    ensuring early intervention.
  2. Promoting Education and Public Awareness
    Educating communities about palliative care demystifies the concept and encourages
    acceptance. Through public campaigns, community dialogues, and engagement with
    schools and churches, misconceptions can be addressed, and awareness can be raised
    about the benefits of palliative care.
  3. Engaging Religious and Cultural Institutions
    In Ghana, religious leaders are trusted figures in society. Their involvement helps ensure
    that patients and families receive spiritual care, guidance, and comfort, aligning care with
    cultural and religious values.
    The Impact of Community Support in Palliative Care
    Communities that actively engage in palliative care initiatives create an environment where
    patients feel respected, cared for, and connected. The ripple effect is seen in:
     Improved patient outcomes, with reduced stress and better emotional well-being.
     Lower caregiver burnout, as families receive help with daily care.
     Strengthened social cohesion, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support within
    the community.
    Community participation also helps reduce the burden on healthcare facilities, ensuring resources
    are available for those in critical need. Furthermore, when communities embrace palliative care,
    they contribute to breaking down the stigma around chronic illness and death, encouraging
    conversations about end-of-life care.
    GPCA’s Efforts to Engage Communities in Palliative Care
    The Ghana Palliative Care Association (GPCA) understands the power of community
    involvement and actively promotes partnerships with local organizations, religious institutions,
    and volunteers. As part of GPCA’s 5-year strategic plan, we are focusing on:
     Training community volunteers to assist with home-based care services.
     Engaging community leaders to advocate for the integration of palliative care into
    Ghana’s healthcare system.
     Collaborating with faith-based organizations to provide spiritual and emotional
    support to patients and their families.
     Organizing awareness campaigns to educate the public on palliative care, its benefits,
    and the need for community involvement.

Conclusion
The role of the community in palliative care cannot be overemphasized. When communities
actively participate, palliative care becomes more accessible, compassionate, and culturally
relevant. At the GPCA, we believe that together, we can create a care environment where no
one faces illness alone—where patients and families find strength not only in professional
services but also in the warmth of their communities.
By working hand in hand with communities across Ghana, we are building a future where
palliative care becomes an integral part of our healthcare system and culture, ensuring dignity,
comfort, and care for all.
Let’s continue to work together to ensure that “life is lived fully, even in the face of illness.”
Join the Movement!
Become a volunteer, partner, or advocate with the GPCA today. Together, we can make a
difference in the lives of those in need of palliative care.
Reference List:
 Vitorino, L. M., et al. (2024). Compassionate engagement of communities in support of
palliative and end-of-life care: challenges in post-pandemic era. Frontiers in Medicine. This
source explores how compassionate community models provide social reinforcement and
empower communities in palliative care settings. It discusses challenges, strategies, and the role
of cultural events, support groups, and death literacy in enhancing care within communities.
 Abel, J., et al. (2018). Compassionate communities: Why we should all care about end of life
care. British Medical Journal (BMJ). This article provides an overview of how community-
based palliative care improves outcomes by fostering social connectedness and relieving burdens
on health institutions.
 Sallnow, L., et al. (2016). The impact of compassionate communities on palliative care: A
participatory model of care at end of life. Palliative Medicine. This study focuses on the
integration of community participation in end-of-life care, showing the value of collaborative
approaches and supportive networks for better care delivery.
 Kellehear, A. (2020). Compassionate communities and public health palliative care:
Strengthening the bonds of community in care. This work outlines how community involvement
in palliative care creates meaningful interactions between caregivers, volunteers, patients, and
families, reducing social isolation and improving the quality of care at the end of life.

By Dr. Mrs. (RN) Bisi Adewale- Assani
RN, MPH, PhD, FFGCNM, FWCNM

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