DEATH be not proud
The volunteers and nurses of Shanti Avedna Sadan hospice ensure that the terminally ill patients go gently into that good night……..Surekha S
The volunteers and nurses of Shanti Avedna Sadan hospice ensure that the terminally ill patients go gently into that good night……..Surekha S
The women are watching a popular soap opera on TV, while the men are cheering the Indian cricket team during an Indo-Pak match. The fact that these people have come to the Shanti Avedna Sadan hospice in Bandra to live out their last days is not something that hits you immediately. All these people are suffering from cancer they have reached that stage where doctors have given up.
Shanti Avedna Sadan, which is one of the first hospices in the country for the care of advanced and terminally ill cancer patients, was started with the intention of providing the care of a hospital and the love of a home. The patients, who come here after doctors have given up hope, are treated with love and care by the doctors and nurses. The hospice is situated near Mount Mary Church in Bandra, and is the epitome of serenity this is reflected in the faces of the patients. Its almost as if death has no place here.
Sister Cienna, one of the nurses who takes care of the patients, says: Despite the excruciating pain they still manage to smile and try to be happy. And we crib about small things. They truly are an inspiration for us.
The hospice is situated in a beautiful location with a clear view of the sea. Patients could be seen sitting in the spacious balconies, their minds far away from their present troubles. It was set up in 1986 by Dr LJ de Souza, and is managed by the Shanti Avedna Trust. It free and open to all.
Last year, the Sadan underwent an expansion and more buildings were constructed to accommodate the increasing number of patients. There are currently 35 patients in the hospice; the staff comprises two doctors who make daily visits, and 22 nurses who live on campus. Its not surprising that theres a strong bond between the caregivers and the patients. According to Basanti Naik, who has been a nurse for over a year, The patients are our friends. Initially, it was very tough for me to see people dying in front of my eyes and I used to cry a lot, but now I have accepted it. Many people take time out from their hectic schedules to become a volunteer, and at present there are 30 volunteers in the ashram.
The hospice, which first tries to relieve its patients of pain and distressing symptoms, helps them come to terms with the impending death, and most importantly helps them live in peace, by creating the right kind of atmosphere. Bhajans and hymns are played every day. Patients can avail of activities like games, outings, visits to the garden and so on. There is also a silent prayer room with symbols of all religions adorning its walls. It is a place where people can come and pray when things get too difficult, says Sister Cienna. When a patient passes away, the funeral rites are performed as per each persons religion; in the absence of family, the Sadan performs the last rites. The small mortuary outside serves as a silent reminder that death is the only way out.
The hospice, which first tries to relieve its patients of pain and distressing symptoms, helps them come to terms with the impending death, and most importantly helps them live in peace, by creating the right kind of atmosphere. Bhajans and hymns are played every day. Patients can avail of activities like games, outings, visits to the garden and so on. There is also a silent prayer room with symbols of all religions adorning its walls. It is a place where people can come and pray when things get too difficult, says Sister Cienna. When a patient passes away, the funeral rites are performed as per each persons religion; in the absence of family, the Sadan performs the last rites. The small mortuary outside serves as a silent reminder that death is the only way out.
Reportedly, the hospice witnesses a death almost every day, but everyone the caregivers and the patients have accepted this. Their only hope is to go gently into that good night. It is tough for them. The patients are usually in a lot of pain. They need a lot of care and love and we do as best we can, says a nurse on duty. Service to humanity and the desire that death should not rob people of their dignity is what keeps the nurses and volunteers going.