Introduction:

1. What is your name?
Joy Jacobs

2. Which hospice do you work for?
Ladies of Hope

3. What do you do there?
Care-Giving

4. How long have you been there?
5 years.

In-depth:

1. Why did you decide to focus on palliative care?
In my own experience, witnessing a patient passing in dignity and the assistance given was inspiring.

2. What gives you the greatest fulfilment?
The knowledge that each patient in my care was well taken care off and is resting well.

3. What do you find the most challenging?
Helping the family come to terms with the diagnosis and dealing with their fear of what they do not understand.

4. What do you think people find the most challenging about a life-threatening diagnosis?
They feel it is embarrassing and they become afraid for the future and what to expect.

5. What do you think that you personally bring to your job that reflects who you are as a person?
I have my passion and I am committed and the peace of knowing I have done all that I could.

6. How do you take care of your own health and balance?
I’m dealing with my emotions on a spiritual level, seeking counselling also helps.

7. What is your advice to anyone else wishing to join your profession?
To do the work we do, compassion is one necessary attribute one needs, also, you’d need to be focused and committed to the [patient in your care.

8. What is your advice to anyone given a life-threatening diagnosis?
We always advise that the family and the patient seek professional counselling. Receiving moving news is not easy to deal with on your own and also means you get familiar with the diagnosis and knowing how to live contentedly.

9. What is your advice to the loved ones of anyone who is given a life-threatening diagnosis?
My advice is to be available for your loved one and always be supportive and patient and make every effort to make the last mile worthwhile in order for those staying behind to have peace of mind.

10. How do your loved ones feel about the work that you do?
I honestly do not have my families support in my work; they have their reasons but the respect is mutual.

11. What do you like the most about the hospice that you work with?
Learning new things every day and meeting new families.

12. Do you have a “motto” that you tend to live by that you would like to share?
We love what we do “CARE”.