This week we are highlighting the champions in your hospice setting or organization. Today we catch up with Petra Burger who is a disability champion and true advocate for people living with disabilities.
1. Can you give us a brief background if yourself?
I am a social worker by profession and since I can remember, I always strived towards the improvement of quality of life for all vulnerable groups and children. I am also proudly disabled.
I am passionate about the empowerment of all persons with disabilities and their families, to enjoy their lives to the fullest. I want to empower all children and adults with disabilities towards their optimum quality of life. I belief that if I can change only one person’s experience of disability per day, I have influenced 365 people per year.
I have been active and employed in the disability sector for the last 18 years. I also developed and conducted training material in disability management, am a registered assessor with the HWSETA and am a registered motivational speaker. (J I love talking…)
My qualifications include a BA (SW), a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship and a Certificate in the Design & Development of learning materials. I am happily married and the proud mommy of my 2 fur-kids – Bubbles, a Chihuahua, and Pinky, a miniature Dachshund.
2. How did you get involved with hospice & palliative care?
I almost want to say “by accident J”. I was looking for a new challenge in my life when I saw the job add for my current position. I remember the closing date for the position was the next morning. The whole challenge just ticked all my “boxes” and I applied. Never thought I would get the job, I thought I was too frank and honest and I spoke too much during the interview.
3. What was your perception of hospice & has it changed over time? If so, how?
I thought Hospices and Palliative Care is end-of-life care. I was so wrong! I now know that it is total, complete person centred care for the mind, body and soul. Since I started working for HPCA my passion for the amazing possibilities that palliative care provide has been unlocked, and I am just so sad that all people do not have access to and does not see the value of Palliative care. For me palliative care = passion for life.
4. In your opinion what are the sort of activities one can do to show they are a true champion for hospice?
- Speak up! Tell the people about the amazing work that Hospices do!
- Buy a few toiletries for the Hospice per month.
- Take some home-baked treats to the Hospice staff (They also need “caring”) and make them all a cup of tea.
- Visit a Hospice patient and give them some “tender loving care”.
5. Can you tell our readers something interesting about yourself?
I love reading, baking and cooking. I am a registered sexologist. I looooove dogs and spoil my Fur-babies rotten. Before my accident I did Ballroom and Latin dancing.